Revealed: Why is Josh Hazlewood not playing today's match for RCB against CSK in IPL 2025?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be eyeing another win in the ongoing IPL 2025 when they lock horns against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Saturday (May 3). The match will be played at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

With 7 wins from 10 games, RCB are currently at the third spot in the points table behind Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans. They can reclaim the top spot with a win over CSK. A win over the Chennai-based outfit will make RCB the first team this season to win 8 games and will all but confirm their playoffs spot.

While RCB will be eager to win against CSK and continue their dominant run this season, they will have to do it without one of their most important players - Josh Hazlewood. The Bengaluru-based outfit will be missing Josh Hazlewood's services for the first time this season.

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He has played in all 10 games for RCB in IPL 2025 but is not available for the clash against CSK. The reason behind the absence is an injury. Just before the toss, he was seen having some trouble with his body before RCB captain Rajat Patidar confirmed that the bowler would miss the game, although he did not reveal the reason. However, Harsha Bhogle revealed that the pacer has a shoulder niggle.

"We would have fielded as well. But the wicket will not change that much. We will try to put a good total on the board and keep them under pressure. Everyone is in a good frame of mind and doing their roles, as a captain I am very confident in my boys. Till now many players have performed for the team and that is a good sign.

"We have 4 games and we will try our best in all the games. Every game is important from now, we are not looking at qualification and we will try our best in all four games. One change - Ngidi comes in for Josh Hazlewood," said Patidar at the toss.

Josh Hazlewood's stunning display in IPL 2025:

Josh Hazlewood's performance with the ball is one of the key reasons behind RCB's dominant performance in IPL 2025. The right-arm pacer has been a standout performer with the ball for the team. He is currently the second-highest wicket-taker this season behind only Prasidh Krishna.

Hazlewood has taken an impressive 18 wickets in 10 games. RCB will be hoping that the injury is not serious and their star man returns to action soon.

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