RCB Rest Hazlewood, Ngidi Makes Debut in High-Stakes Clash Against CSK

In a shocking turn of events, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) decided to rest their star pacer, Josh Hazlewood, for their crucial encounter against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on May 3, 2025. The decision left fans and experts alike scratching their heads, especially considering Hazlewood's vital role in RCB’s campaign this season. With 18 wickets in just 10 matches, Hazlewood had become a key figure in RCB’s bowling attack, often swinging games in their favor with his consistent performances.

It was a match with high stakes, especially for RCB, who are fighting for a coveted playoff spot. As the teams lined up at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, RCB’s skipper Rajat Patidar didn’t address the change in the squad during the toss, leaving fans to wonder whether Hazlewood’s absence was precautionary ahead of the playoffs or due to an injury issue. Speculation grew quickly, with many guessing that Hazlewood may have been nursing a niggling injury, and later, cricket analyst Harsha Bhogle confirmed during his commentary that the pacer had a shoulder issue, which led to his exclusion from the playing XI.

While Hazlewood's absence raised eyebrows, the good news for RCB fans was the long-awaited debut of South African pacer Lungi Ngidi. Signed by the franchise during the IPL 2025 mega auction, Ngidi finally got his chance to showcase his skills. With the intense competition for spots in the playing XI, it was a moment of great anticipation for the South African speedster, who was eager to prove his worth. As the game progressed, all eyes were on Ngidi to see how he would perform in the high-pressure scenario.

Along with Ngidi, RCB’s lineup saw some other familiar faces, including Jacob Bethell, who continued to open the innings with none other than Virat Kohli, while Phil Salt remained absent. Bethell’s consistency at the top of the order has made him a reliable opening partner for Kohli, and their partnership could prove crucial in the high-pressure match. With Jitesh Sharma behind the stumps and seasoned players like Krunal Pandya and Tim David in the middle order, RCB’s batting remained strong. The inclusion of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal in the bowling attack added further firepower to the team, and fans hoped that this rejuvenated bowling lineup could help RCB secure a crucial victory.

On the other hand, Chennai Super Kings, already out of the playoff race, named an unchanged XI for the match against RCB. Despite their elimination from contention, CSK was determined to finish the season on a high note, especially with a historic rivalry against RCB to consider. With only pride to play for, CSK was expected to come hard at RCB. Their batting, however, had struggled throughout the season, often falling short of expectations, and this would be put to the test against a formidable RCB bowling attack. Still, with seasoned players like MS Dhoni leading the side, the experience and fighting spirit of CSK could never be underestimated.

CSK's lineup featured young talent like Shaik Rasheed and Ayush Mhatre, both of whom have shown promise throughout the season. The likes of Sam Curran and Ravindra Jadeja added stability to the middle order, while Dewald Brevis and Deepak Hooda brought depth to their batting lineup. The attack was spearheaded by Khaleel Ahmed, Matheesha Pathirana, and the ever-reliable Jadeja, with Noor Ahmad offering spin options. Though CSK had nothing to lose, the franchise still had a reputation to uphold, and they would surely be motivated to end their season with a strong performance against their fiercest rivals.

Last year's intense face-off between the two sides at the same venue had left a lasting impression, with RCB narrowly edging out CSK in a thrilling contest. The drama of that match still lingered in the minds of fans, and CSK was eager to rewrite that chapter in IPL 2025. The rivalry between these two teams is one of the fiercest in the history of the IPL, with both franchises boasting passionate fanbases, and each encounter between them never fails to deliver high-octane cricket.

For RCB, the situation was clear: a victory was essential to strengthen their playoff hopes. With the team in the hunt for one of the final spots, every game had become a must-win, and the absence of Hazlewood had only added to the pressure. The rest of the team would have to step up, with players like Kohli, Patidar, and Pandya expected to lead the charge. The unpredictable nature of T20 cricket meant that anything could happen, but RCB’s solid squad and depth in both batting and bowling gave them an edge going into the contest.

As the match unfolded, the fans could sense the energy and anticipation in the air. Would RCB be able to carry the momentum forward without Hazlewood, or would CSK pull off an upset to close their season on a high? Only time would tell, but one thing was certain—the rivalry between RCB and CSK had once again delivered another chapter filled with excitement and drama.

RCB Playing XI:

• Jacob Bethell

• Virat Kohli

• Devdutt Padikkal

• Rajat Patidar (C)

• Jitesh Sharma (W)

• Tim David

• Krunal Pandya

• Romario Shepherd

• Bhuvneshwar Kumar

• Lungi Ngidi

• Yash Dayal

CSK Playing XI:

• Shaik Rasheed

• Ayush Mhatre

• Sam Curran

• Ravindra Jadeja

• Dewald Brevis

• Deepak Hooda

• MS Dhoni (W/C)

• Noor Ahmad

• Khaleel Ahmed

• Anshul Kamboj

• Matheesha Pathirana

This high-octane clash was not just a contest for a playoff spot, but also a battle of pride between two of the biggest franchises in the IPL. With twists and turns in every over, the match was set to be an unforgettable one.