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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have signed Zimbabwean fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani as a temporary replacement for Lungi Ngidi, who will be leaving for national commitments with South Africa. Adding to RCB’s challenges, Josh Hazlewood will also be unavailable for the remainder of the season. With their campaign riding, the team will be keen to maintain stability. As key players miss the playoffs, finding the right replacement is absolutely vital.
All you need to know about Blessing Muzarabani
Early life and path to cricket
Born on October 2, 1996, in Murewa, Zimbabwe, Muzarabani has emerged as one of the most promising fast bowlers from the African continent in recent years. Known for his imposing height—standing at 6 feet 8 inches—Muzarabani brings pace, bounce, and control, attributes that have made him a crucial figure in Zimbabwe’s bowling attack across formats.
Domestic cricket and early development
Blessing made his first-class debut in the 2017–18 season, playing for Rising Stars in the Logan Cup. His performances in domestic cricket quickly drew attention, especially his ability to extract bounce and movement even on unresponsive pitches. He was a standout performer in the domestic circuit, not just for his wicket-taking ability, but also for his consistency and discipline.
His early success domestically laid the foundation for his move to the international stage. Recognizing his potential, national selectors fast-tracked him into Zimbabwe’s senior setup, seeing in him a rare pace talent who could thrive in all formats.
International Breakthrough
Muzarabani made his international debut in late 2017. He first played the Boxing Day Test against South Africa, followed by his ODI and T20I debuts in early 2018. Despite being relatively raw, his ability to generate sharp bounce and troubling lengths made an immediate impact. He quickly became a fixture in Zimbabwe’s bowling lineup, showing maturity beyond his years. Across all formats, he has taken more than 150 wickets with an impressive average of around 25.
His major international breakthrough came with consistent performances across formats between 2021 and 2024. One of his most memorable spells came in a Test match where he picked up a seven-wicket haul against Ireland, demonstrating not just skill but temperament under pressure. This performance solidified his place in the Test squad and marked him as a future leader of Zimbabwe’s pace attack.
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Franchise cricket and Global exposure
Muzarabani’s skill set has also earned him recognition in franchise cricket. He has played in multiple T20 leagues including PSL and ILT20, showcasing his ability to thrive in high-pressure environments. His success in franchise cricket has contributed to his development as a cricketer, providing him with opportunities to learn from international players and coaches.
In recent years, he has been associated with teams in major leagues, gaining valuable exposure that has refined his bowling and boosted his confidence and now he is ready to participate in world’s toughest league. Overall in T20 cricket, the 28-year-old has taken 127 wickets in 118 matches with an impressive economy of 7.24. His stint with RCB will further led to his improvement, under the guidance of coach Omkar Salvi and experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
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