RCB sign Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarabani as temporary replacement for Lungi Ngidi

Muzarabani will join the team as a temporary replacement, starting from May 26, just a day before RCB's crucial final group-stage game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow.

Muzarabani, who will be joining RCB for a fee of INR 75 lakh, is currently part of Zimbabwe's squad for a four-day Test against England at Trent Bridge from May 22 to 25. He is expected to link up with RCB following the conclusion of that match. This timing works well for RCB, who are already comfortably through to the IPL 2025 playoffs. However, the team's preparations are not without challenges, with key players missing.

The absence of Ngidi is a notable one, as he joins South Africa's squad in the lead-up to the WTC final. This move comes as part of a larger wave of departures, with eight South African players - including Kagiso Rabada, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, and others - set to leave for the UK on May 30. Their IPL commitments are being cut short due to the rescheduled international calendar, following the ongoing border tensions between India and Pakistan.

RCB are also without their highest wicket-taker of the season, Josh Hazlewood, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. However, the rest of their overseas contingent has returned after a brief break, though they will be without Jacob Bethell for their penultimate league fixture against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), as the all-rounder will be heading off for an ODI series against the West Indies.

Despite these absences, RCB have been in strong form, securing their place in the playoffs with a win over Gujarat Titans, which confirmed their top-four status. With 17 points from 12 games, they currently sit at number two on the points table. Their remaining group-stage matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad at home and then against LSG will be pivotal as they look to secure a solid finish to the league phase.

Muzarabani, although yet to play an IPL match, brings experience from his time as a net bowler for LSG, where RCB head coach Andy Flower was involved in the backroom staff. The two have also worked together at Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) and Gulf Giants in the ILT20. Muzarabani's recent form in Test cricket has been impressive, with 26 wickets in his last four Tests, including a remarkable nine-wicket haul in Zimbabwe's win over Bangladesh in April.

This timely signing adds depth to RCB's bowling attack as they enter the final stretch of the league phase and head into the playoffs, with an eye on securing their first-ever IPL title.

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