With the recent announcement that Josh Hazlewood has been ruled out of the second Test against India due to a low-grade left-side injury, the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) find themselves in a precarious situation as they prepare for IPL 2025.
Hazlewood, who was acquired for a hefty ₹12.5 crores during the IPL auction, is expected to lead RCB’s bowling attack. However, his injury history raises concerns about his availability throughout the tournament.
Given this uncertainty, RCB must consider potential replacements to ensure they have a robust bowling lineup. Here are three Indian pacers that RCB could target:
1. Kartik Tyagi
Kartik Tyagi is a young and talented right-arm pacer known for his pace and ability to hit the deck hard. He has previously represented Rajasthan Royals and has shown promise in various domestic formats.
Tyagi’s bowling style is well-suited for T20 cricket, where pace and bounce can create significant challenges for batsmen.
With RCB lacking a genuine hit-the-deck bowler, Tyagi could fill this gap effectively and provide fresh energy to the squad.
2. Vidhwath Kaverappa
Vidhwath Kaverappa is a promising seamer from Karnataka who has been making waves in domestic cricket. His ability to swing the ball and maintain accuracy makes him a valuable asset.
Kaverappa’s skill set allows him to excel with both the new ball and in death overs, making him a versatile option for RCB.
Being a local player, he might integrate well into the team culture and resonate with fans, which can be an added advantage.
3. Shivam Mavi
Shivam Mavi is another exciting prospect, known for his sharp bowling and ability to generate bounce. He has been impressive in domestic leagues and has experience playing in high-pressure situations.
Mavi’s capability to bowl at decent pace while also contributing lower down the order adds depth to RCB’s batting lineup.
He could form a formidable opening bowling partnership with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, enhancing RCB’s overall bowling strategy.
