Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have secured Zimbabwe’s fast-bowling talent, Blessing Muzarabani, as a temporary stand-in for Lungi Ngidi. Ngidi will soon leave to join the South African squad in preparation for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Muzarabani’s appointment begins on 26th May, just before RCB’s concluding league match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow.
In a statement from the IPL, it was announced that Muzarabani’s compensation with RCB is set at INR 75 lakh. However, the details of his travel plans remain uncertain as he is set to represent Zimbabwe in a four-day Test against England at Trent Bridge between 22nd and 25th May. Following that, Zimbabwe has another fixture on 3rd June at Arundel against South Africa, serving as a warm-up for South Africa ahead of the WTC final.
With upcoming commitments, eight South African players including Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram will depart for the UK on 30th May, as confirmed by Cricket South Africa. This move is due to schedule shifts stemming from border tensions between India and Pakistan.
Currently, RCB face the absence of their leading wicket-taker, Josh Hazlewood, who is sidelined with a shoulder injury. Despite this, RCB’s foreign players have returned following a break, though Jacob Bethell is also set to leave for WTC duties. RCB qualified for the IPL 2025 playoffs after Gujarat Titans’ victory over Delhi Capitals and hold the second spot on the points table with 17 points from 12 matches.
Muzarabani, although yet to debut in the IPL, has previously served as a net bowler for LSG. His connection with RCB’s head coach Andy Flower dates back to their collaboration at Multan Sultans in the PSL and Gulf Giants in the ILT20. In recent months, Muzarabani has excelled in Test cricket, having taken 26 wickets in his last four matches, including a standout nine-wicket haul against Bangladesh during the Sylhet Test in April.
