Josh Hazlewood or Nuwan Thusara? Tom Moody explains RCB dilemma before Qualifier 1
Former Australia batter and coach Tom Moody believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru will face a valid dilemma when selecting their playing XI for the crucial Qualifier 1 clash against Punjab Kings on May 29—especially regarding the overseas pace combination between Josh Hazlewood and Nuwan Thusara. After Thusara's impressive spell against Lucknow Super Giants, Moody feels it will be tough for RCB to ignore the Sri Lanka pacer, and they might even consider fielding both Thusara and Hazlewood on Thursday.advertisementAs IPL 2025 kicks off its playoffs phase with RCB taking on PBKS in Qualifier 1—which offers a direct ticket to the final in Ahmedabad—there is considerable speculation around the possible XI, especially following Hazlewood's return from injury. The Australian pacer has been RCB's highest wicket-taker this season with 18 scalps but missed the last three matches due to a shoulder issue. His comeback for this crunch fixture has sparked excitement amongst the fanbase.Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Moody explained that RCB will find it difficult to overlook Thusara's potential against PBKS's formidable batting line-up. He even suggested the team could field both Hazlewood and Thusara, possibly at the expense of Romario Shepherd. Moody pointed out that Thusara's ability to provide variety and pressure in the pace department makes him a valuable inclusion—particularly after his 1/26 spell in a high-pressure match against LSG, where most bowlers went for runs.advertisement
"There will definitely be a discussion — no doubt about that. Thusara was brilliant in the last game, and of course, we know what Hazlewood brings to the table and what his record stands for.So, you can almost guarantee that he's coming into the side," Moody said."The question is whether they opt for both those overseas players and maybe look at someone like Romario Shepherd sitting out. That could allow them to play another Indian batter — not necessarily a top-order one — or possibly have someone like Suyash (Kumar) make way," he added.Hazlewood's absence had seen Lungi Ngidi step in for two matches against Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad, before Ngidi left to join South Africa's Test squad for the World Test Championship Final starting June 11. Thusara then entered the playing XI and impressed, especially in a match where RCB bowlers struggled to contain LSG by conceding 227, but still managed a six-wicket win to book their spot in Qualifier 1.The inclusion of Thusara could also ease Hazlewood's load—who was RCB's go-to man before his injury layoff. However, Moody's suggestion to bench Romario Shepherd for this combination is a bold one, given Shepherd's impact with the bat in RCB's big finishes this season.advertisementAnother layer of complexity lies in Tim David's availability. The Australian all-rounder missed the last game due to a pre-existing niggle, and his status for Qualifier 1 remains uncertain. If David is ruled out, Shepherd's presence becomes even more critical as a power-hitting finisher, making Moody's proposed selection puzzle even trickier for the RCB think tank.Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!
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