RCB Replaces Lungi Ngidi With Zimbabwe Pacer Ahead of IPL 2025 Playoffs

RCB has named Zimbabwe’s pacer Blessing Muzarabani as Lungi Ngidi’s replacement for the remaining matches. The team confirmed that Lungi Ngidi will not take part in the IPL 2025 playoffs.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru has officially confirmed that South African pacer Lungi Ngidi will be unavailable to play in the upcoming playoffs. The tournament was suspended for a week before resuming on May 17. The revised schedule clashed with the international duties of several overseas players, leading to their unavailability during the crucial matches.

Blessing Muzarabani Replaces Lungi Ngidi

On Monday, RCB announced Lungi Ngidi’s replacement as Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani for the playoffs. Reportedly, Ngidi will miss the playoffs to join the South Africa national team.

According to a release shared by IPL, “Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), meanwhile, have picked Blessing Muzarabani as replacement for Lungi Ngidi, who will leave to join South Africa for national duties. The replacement will be effective from May 26, 2025.”

Ngidi played a crucial role in helping RCB win against CSK recently, replacing injured Josh Hazlewood. He took 3 wickets for 30 runs in his four-over spell. This helped RCB successfully defend the target of 213 and win by 2 runs.

Lungi Ngidi to Play the Next Match

RCB posted on their official social media handle to welcome Blessing Muzarabani, the temporary replacement for Lungi Ngidi.

The official announcement read, “6 feet 8 inches tall, 28-year-old Zimbabwean speedster – Blessing Muzarabani has been announced as RCB’s temporary replacement for Lungi Ngidi, who returns to South Africa on the 26th! Lungi continues to be available for our next home game. Welcome to #ನಮ್ಮRCB, Blessing!”

RCB’s Playoff Ambitions

RCB’s match against KKR on May 17 was abandoned due to rain. They will play two crucial matches against SunRisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants on May 23 and May 27, respectively. A top-two finish will give them another chance if they miss the final on the first attempt.

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