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IPL 2025: RCB Pick Zimbabwe Pacer As Replacement For Lungi Ngidi
Follow UsMuzarabani, who joins the league for INR 75 Lakh, is one of the most exciting talents to have come out of Zimbabwe
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have picked Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for Lungisani Ngidi, who will leave IPL on May 25 to join South Africa ahead of the World Test Championship final. Muzarabani was a net bowler for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2022, but has never played in the league so far.
Originally slated to end on May 25, the IPL was postponed mid-way due to Operation Sindoor, the Indian Army’s strike in Pakistan’s Terrorist bases in the wake of the inhuman attack on tourists in Kashmir’s Pahalgam. The tournament later resumed on May 17, albeit the game between KKR and RCB was washed away due to rain, and the 18th edition will conclude on June 3.
Muzarabani, who joins the league for INR 75 Lakh, is one of the most exciting talents to have come out of Zimbabwe, having picked 78 T20 wickets at an average of 21.76. His 6 ft 8-inch intimidating figure and extra pace make him an ideal replacement for Ngidi. With RCB having already qualified for the playoffs, Muzarabani will play a role then.
Ngidi has only played one game so far for RCB this year, having picked up three wickets at an average of 10.00.
Meanwhile, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed Shivam Shukla as a replacement for Rovman Powell for the remainder of the IPL. The West Indian all-rounder needs a surgical intervention on his tonsils. Shukla - a leg-spinner - plays for Madhya Pradesh in the domestic circuit and will join KKR for INR 30 Lakh.