Lungi Ngidi OUT of IPL 2025 playoffs; Zimbabwe Pacer named replacement by RCB

In a recent development, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have officially confirmed that South African pacer Lungi Ngidi will be unavailable for the IPL 2025 playoffs. The Rajat Patidar-led team has named Zimbabwe pacer Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for Ngidi for the crucial matches.

The 18th season of the IPL was suspended for a week before resuming on May 17. However, the revised schedule led to the absence of some overseas players, many of whom have international commitments during IPL 2025. This has impacted several teams’ chances in the playoffs of the tournament.

Blessing Muzarabani to Replace Lungi Ngidi for IPL 2025 Playoffs

On Monday, May 19, the IPL announced that Royal Challengers Bengaluru have named Blessing Muzarabani as the replacement for Lungi Ngidi. The statement added that Ngidi will miss the playoffs to join the South African national team. Muzarabani will be available for selection from May 26.

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According to a release shared by IPL, "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."

Ngidi played a crucial role in RCB’s recent win over Chennai Super Kings. He replaced injured Josh Hazlewood in the playing XI. The pacer took 3 wickets for 30 runs in his four overs, helping RCB successfully defend a target of 213 and secure a narrow two-run victory.

Lungi Ngidi Continues to Be Available for Our Next Home Game - RCB

RCB took to their official social media account X (formerly known as Twitter) to welcome Blessing Muzarabani, who is a temporary replacement for Lungi Ngidi. Ngidi is available for their upcoming home match before his departure.

"🔊 𝑶𝑭𝑭𝑰𝑪𝑰𝑨𝑳 𝑨𝑵𝑵𝑶𝑼𝑵𝑪𝑬𝑴𝑬𝑵𝑻 🔊 6 feet 8 inches tall, 28 year old Zimbabwean speedster - 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝘂𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗶 has been announced as RCB’s temporary replacement for Lungi Ngidi who returns to South Africa on the 26th! Lungi continues to be available for our next home game. Welcome to #ನಮ್ಮRCB, Blessing! 🙌"

🔊 𝑶𝑭𝑭𝑰𝑪𝑰𝑨𝑳 𝑨𝑵𝑵𝑶𝑼𝑵𝑪𝑬𝑴𝑬𝑵𝑻 🔊

6 feet 8 inches tall, 28 year old Zimbabwean speedster - 𝗕𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗠𝘂𝘇𝗮𝗿𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗻𝗶 has been announced as RCB’s temporary replacement for Lungi Ngidi who returns to South Africa on the 26th! Lungi continues to be… pic.twitter.com/vn5GBSPShi

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 19, 2025

RCB Aims to Finish in Top Two by Winning Remaining Fixtures

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s recent IPL 2025 match against Kolkata Knight Riders was called off due to rain. The Rajat Patidar-led team will play two crucial games against SunRisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants on May 23 and May 27 respectively.

Blessing Muzarabani has been a key player for his national team alongside Richard Ngarava. Muzarabani has taken 127 wickets in 118 T20 matches with an impressive strike rate of 19.3 and an economy of 7.24.

With Josh Hazlewood sidelined due to injury, Muzarabani is expected to strengthen RCB’s bowling attack. Having already secured a playoff spot, RCB aims to finish in the top two by winning their remaining fixtures under Patidar’s leadership.

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