RCB: Royal Challengers Bangalore were worried about losing their best bowling weapon due to a shoulder injury and a return to India amid the India-Pakistan conflict. At the same time, the loss to the team that had already qualified for the IPL playoffs put them on the back foot. Meanwhile, Kohli-Patidar’s Bangalore got some good news. Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has arrived in India to play in the playoffs.
He has missed three matches in the current season, but he is still the highest wicket-taker for Bangalore. Hazlewood is in the fourth place among the best wicket-takers with 18 wickets in 10 matches. Therefore, his inclusion will definitely provide additional strength for Bangalore. Hazlewood has been working on rehabilitating a shoulder injury since returning home. He has also started preparing for the World Test Championship final in Brisbane. Australia and South Africa will face each other in the Test final at Lord’s on June 11. However, the IPL will end well before that.
Bangalore, who secured the play-offs a few days ago, is fighting to stay in the top two. However, Kohli-Sault suffered a disappointing defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad last Friday. Chasing a target of 232 runs, Bangalore was restricted to 189 runs. This has put the franchise in some danger of staying in the top two at the end of the league season. Bangalore is now third in the table with 17 points from 13 matches. They will face Lucknow Super Giants in the last match of the league season on May 27.
Hazlewood’s return before that match is an added bonus for Bengaluru. In an analysis of that match by ESPN Cricinfo, Indian legendary spinner Anil Kumble said, “The good thing for RCB is that they are going to play the last match of the league season. Before that, they know where they are and what they have to do.” South African star Lungi Ngidi has tried to fill Hazlewood’s absence in the team. However, Bengaluru will not have him in the playoffs due to the national team’s busy schedule. Zimbabwe’s Blessing Mujarabani has already been taken in place of this Protea speedster.
Meanwhile, Hazlewood, who returned after a long break, has bowled at an average of 17.27 and an economy of 8.44 on his way to taking 18 wickets in the current season. Krunal Pandya (15) and Yash Dayal (10) are the second best bowlers for Bengaluru in terms of wickets. Apart from this, Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thusara, who has not yet been given a chance in the playing XI in the current season, is also in the Bangalore squad. Overall, Bangalore, who are hoping for their first IPL title, will go into the playoffs with mixed feelings.
