RCB Sign Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani: In a timely squad update ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have announced Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani as a temporary replacement for South Africa’s Lungi Ngidi, who is set to leave the tournament by May 26 to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia at Lord’s.
The 27-year-old Muzarabani has been signed for INR 75 lakh, marking his maiden stint in the IPL. While he is uncapped in the tournament, he previously served as a net bowler for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) during the 2022 season. The tall and skillful right-arm pacer has recently been in fine form, bagging nine wickets in Zimbabwe’s Test match against Bangladesh in Sylhet — a performance that earned him the Player of the Match honor.
Ngidi will still feature in RCB’s upcoming high-pressure league clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23. However, with RCB’s final league fixture scheduled for May 27 against LSG, Muzarabani’s inclusion may provide the team a much-needed bowling cushion.
RCB have already secured a playoff berth, but their positioning in the top two remains uncertain. If they split results in the final two games, there’s a real possibility that both Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings could leapfrog them in the points table — making every remaining match critical.
Muzarabani, known for his steep bounce and ability to hit the deck hard, has represented Zimbabwe in 12 Tests, 55 ODIs, and 70 T20Is. He also brings rich experience from various T20 leagues, having played for Multan Sultans and Karachi Kings in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), Gulf Giants in the ILT20, and St Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League (CPL).
His bowling profile mirrors that of both Ngidi and Australia’s Josh Hazlewood — another RCB pacer who is recovering from a shoulder niggle. Hazlewood is expected to join the RCB camp ahead of the playoffs and is also part of Australia’s WTC final squad.
With conditions in India favoring pace and bounce at key venues this season, Muzarabani’s inclusion could be a smart move by the RCB think-tank. He offers a like-for-like replacement in case Ngidi departs early or Hazlewood isn’t match-fit in time.
This move also underlines RCB’s strategic depth as they chase their elusive first IPL title. While Muzarabani is yet to debut in the league, the stage is now set for the Zimbabwean quick to leave his mark in one of the world’s biggest cricket tournaments.
Did You Know?
- Blessing Muzarabani became the first Zimbabwean since 2014 to take nine wickets in a single Test.
- He stands at 6 feet 6 inches — making him one of the tallest bowlers in IPL 2025.
- RCB currently boasts one of the fastest average bowling units in the tournament.
