Just before the restart of IPL 2025, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) got some tough news. Their fast bowler Josh Hazlewood might miss the rest of the tournament because of a shoulder injury. This is a big problem for the team, especially as Hazlewood was expected to lead the bowling attack in the final stage of the league.
Though he missed the last match against Chennai Super Kings, fans hoped he would recover in time. But now, RCB may need to look for a replacement.
Here are three bowlers who could be good picks if Josh Hazlewood is ruled out of IPL 2025.
1. Naveen-ul-Haq
One of the most talked-about players last season, Naveen-ul-Haq is a name that fans remember for more than just his bowling. His on-field drama with Virat Kohli made headlines. But drama aside, Naveen is a skilled bowler who could be a smart replacement.
- Matches: 18
- Wickets: 25
- Average: 23.64
- Economy: 9.16
He bowls tricky cutters and slower balls, which work well on batting-friendly pitches like Chinnaswamy Stadium. His change of pace can confuse batters, especially during the middle overs. He went unsold in the last auction, but RCB might want to give him another chance.
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2. Mustafizur Rahman
If RCB wants someone more experienced, they could go for Mustafizur Rahman. The left-arm pacer from Bangladesh is known for his clever variations and calm presence under pressure. He wasn’t picked in the last auction, but his past IPL records still speak for him.
- Matches: 38
- Wickets: 38
- Average: 29.50
- Economy: 7.84
What makes Mustafiz special are his yorkers and slow bouncers, which are very effective in the death overs. His left-arm angle also brings variety to the pace attack and can be helpful against certain batters.
3. Adam Milne
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If RCB is looking for an X-factor, Adam Milne from New Zealand could be the best option. Unlike the other two bowlers, Milne focuses on pure pace. He often hits speeds above 145 km/h, which makes him dangerous, especially on fast wickets.
Milne has been playing T20s for years and has improved with time. He’s not just fast but also accurate, which makes him useful during powerplays and death overs.
He hasn’t played many IPL matches, but if RCB wants to surprise their opponents, Milne’s raw speed might be the perfect tool.
Also Read: 3 Captaincy Options For SRH If Pat Cummins Misses IPL 2025
