Who has replaced Josh Hazlewood in key RCB vs CSK IPL 2025 game?

Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won the toss and chose to bowl against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 game on Saturday. RCB skipper Rajat Patidar revealed that Josh Hazlewood wasn’t part of the playing XI and was replaced by Lungi Ngidi for the game. This is a huge blow for the home team as Hazlewood is the second highest wicket-taker of the tournament. Harsha Bhogle on commentary duties revealed that Hazlewood was out of the game due to 'Shoulder Niggle'. 

Both Hazlewood and Ngidi are former Chennai Super Kings players. Phil Salt who didn’t play the last game missed his second game in a row. Jacob Bethell will continue to open the batting with Virat Kohli against Chennai on Saturday night. This is the fifth successive time that Rajat Patidar has lost a toss at home. RCB have won just one encounter out of the four that they have played at the Chinnaswamy Stadium. 

MS Dhoni and his side were knocked out of the tournament after their loss in the last match. CSK went in with the same team that had played in the last game against the Punjab Kings few days ago. There was a massive cheer for skipper Dhoni who could be potentially playing his final game at this venue.

How does Josh Hazlewood’s absence affect RCB?

Australian seamer Josh Hazlewood has picked 18 wickets from the 10 games he has played so far this season. In the previous encounter between the two sides, the 34-year-old picked three wickets for 21 runs from his four overs. This helped RCB beat CSK by 50 runs to win their first game in Chennai for 17 years. 

Hazlewood has been key with the new ball as the Aussie has given RCB crucial wickets in the powerplay overs. With CSK having a suspect top-order Hazlewood’s absence could be huge boon for the visiting side. Even in the death overs, Hazlewood has shown his experience as seen during the game against Rajasthan. The right-seamer bowled terrific 19th over claiming two wickets and conceding just a single run. 

Speaking at the toss, MS Dhoni mentioned that he wanted his side to make most of the final four games of the season. CSK skipper also said that he wants his side to win the next four games and have a clear picture for the next season. Rajat Patidar, on the other hand said that he hoped his side will put a decent total on the board and wanted to take each game as it comes.