Blessing Muzarabani Replaces Ngidi At RCB For IPL 2025

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have signed Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani as a temporary replacement for Lungi Ngidi, who will leave the Indian Premier League (IPL) by May 26 to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) final between South Africa and Australia at Lord's.

Muzarabani, who remained unsold during the IPL 2025 auction. With the ability to bowl faster than most and disturb top-order batsmen, Muzarabani could create a new dimension for this RCB bowling attack. Such a replacement can become a landmark in Muzarabani's career since it presents him with the opportunity he has been awaiting to showcase his talent on an international stage.

Muzarabani, who is uncapped in IPL, has been signed for INR 75 lakh. He has previously been part of the IPL setup as a net bowler for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the 2022 season. He is in Zimbabwe's Test squad for the four-day rubber against England in Nottingham, starting May 22.

Ngidi will be available for RCB's upcoming league fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad at home on May 23. RCB's next league fixture is on May 27 in Lucknow.

Josh Hazlewood, the preferred overseas bowler for RCB, is currently recovering from a shoulder niggle in Australia but is expected to link up with the RCB squad ahead of the playoffs. Hazlewood is also set to feature in the WTC final, which starts on June 11.