IPL 2025: RCB replace Lungi Ngidi with Zimbabwe pacer ahead of playoffs
RCB have roped in Blessing Muzurabani as a replacement for Lungi Ngidi ahead of the IPL 2025 play-offs on Monday, May 19. Ngidi, who played just one game for RCB this season, will leave ahead of the play-offs to join the South Africa squad for the World Test Championship final against Australia, which will begin on June 11. Ngidi picked up three wickets in his only game against CSK. Muzarabani will join RCB for a base price of Rs. 75 Lakh and has played 70 T20Is for Zimbabwe so far and has picked up 78 wickets. He has also played 12 Tests and 55 ODIs for Zimbabwe. "Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), meanwhile, have picked Blessing Muzarabani as replacement for Lungisani Ngidi, who will leave to join South Africa for national duties. The replacement will be effective from May 26, 2025." "Muzarabani - the Zimbabwe pacer - has so far played 70 T20Is and has picked 78 wickets from the same. Additionally, he has also represented Zimbabwe in 12 Tests and 55 ODIs. He will join RCB for INR 75 Lakh," read the statement. advertisementRCB confirmed their place in the play-offs on Sunday, May 18, after GT's win over DC. Muzurabani gets to live his IPL dream
Speaking to India Today in 2024, Muzurabani said it was his dream to play in the IPL. "I'm sure every cricketer would wanna play IPL, as it's one of the best (leagues) in the world. And, you play against the best, so everyone wants to be there.""So, of course, I would wanna be there. But going there, there's a lot of steps that we have to take. That is to perform and make sure you make a name for yourself in your country," said Muzurabani. If he does get to don the RCB jersey for a game, then Muzurabani will become the fourth Zimbabwean after Sikandar Raza, Ray Price and Tatenda Taibu to play in the IPL. 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!Tune InMust Watch
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