IPL 2025: RCB Looks to Afghan Bowler Naveen-ul-Haq as Josh Hazlewood's Replacement

IPL 2025 Schedule and Player Availability Concerns

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to kick off on May 17, featuring a match between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), with the final slated for June 3. This schedule has raised concerns regarding the availability of foreign players throughout the tournament. In response, the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has introduced a temporary replacement player rule. This allows teams to bring in an official substitute if a player is unavailable after the IPL resumes. However, these replacements cannot be retained for the next season, providing a solution to fill gaps created by the rescheduling.

Josh Hazlewood's Injury and RCB's Need for a Replacement

Josh Hazlewood has been a key player for RCB's bowling lineup in the current IPL season, taking 18 wickets in 10 matches. Unfortunately, he has faced several injuries recently, and with the World Test Championship (WTC) final approaching, it is likely he will not return for the remainder of IPL 2025. Consequently, RCB will need to find an experienced international bowler to fill his role, making Naveen-ul-Haq an ideal candidate.

Naveen-ul-Haq: A Strong Contender for Hazlewood's Spot

Naveen-ul-Haq presents an excellent option to replace Josh Hazlewood for RCB in IPL 2025. The Afghan fast bowler is renowned for his skill in bowling during the death overs and maintaining composure under pressure, both of which are crucial for RCB's bowling strategy. With an impressive record in T20 cricket, having taken 259 wickets in 214 innings at an average of 24.27 and a strike rate of 17.4, he has consistently proven his value in the shortest format. His previous IPL experience further enhances his suitability, making him a potentially vital addition to RCB during Hazlewood's absence.