In a vital Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 encounter at the Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) won the toss and chose to field first, targeting a chase-friendly wicket against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). With a playoff berth already secured, RCB’s goal is now a top-two finish, which grants a second chance in the knockout stages. A win here will send them to Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings on May 29, while a loss would see them play Mumbai Indians in the Eliminator on May 30, both games set to be held in New Chandigarh.
Reason behind Josh Hazlewood and Tim David’s absence from the LSG vs RCB match
Bengaluru’s playing XI against Lucknow in Lucknow on Tuesday did not include Josh Hazlewood and Tim David, despite heavy anticipation around their return. Hazlewood, who went back to Australia during the IPL’s week-long break earlier this month due to a shoulder injury, only rejoined the squad on Sunday.
Jitesh at the toss revealed that the fast bowler last played on April 27 in Delhi and has now missed three consecutive matches, including one washout. While his recovery has progressed, team management opted to give him extra time before reintegration. Similarly, David was left out as RCB chose due to an injury in the previous game. Hazlewood is expected to return in RCB’s next match, potentially during the playoffs.
“We will field first. Looks like a good wicket, we’ll fancy to chase. Rajat Patidar is our impact player. Looking to win and make it into the top-2. Tim David misses out, Liam comes in, so does Thushara, he replaces Ngidi who left the team. Josh Hazlewood will be back in the next game. He’s been one of our key bowlers and it’s great to have him returning at such a critical stage,” Jitesh said.
Captain Jitesh also announced that Rajat Patidar would be used as the Impact Player, while two key changes were made: Liam Livingstone came in for David and Nuwan Thushara replaced Lungi Ngidi, who left the tournament. These decisions signal a strategy to strengthen both the middle order and death bowling for this must-win game.
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