RCB hit by Phil Salt-Josh Hazlewood blow; CSK fans cheer over unexpected twist in IPL 2025 clash
This marks the 2nd meeting between the two sides this season, with RCB having won the first match against CSK at Chepauk. Now, in the reverse fixture, both teams are eager to secure a win, but for two different reasons.
It's a clash between heavyweights Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and this time, the game is at RCB's home ground ¡ª the Chinnaswamy Stadium. This marks the 2nd meeting between the two sides this season, with RCB having won the first match at Chepauk. Now, in the reverse fixture, both teams are eager to secure a win.
However, RCB, who were already without opener Phil Salt, are now also without their main pacer. At the toss, RCB captain Rajat Patidar confirmed one change: Lungi Ngidi replaces Josh Hazlewood in the lineup. Harsha Bhogle on air said, "Hazlewood misses out due to a shoulder niggle".
Go well, Lungi! ?
¡ª Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 3, 2025
Find your rhythm, hit your stride, and make the batters dance to your tunes! ?? pic.twitter.com/6mIJAFPcaQ
Fans react
While not shocking or surprising at all, CSK fans started to cheer soon after the toss. Many took to X (formerly known as Twitter) to celebrate RCB's best bowler not part of the playing XI. On the other hand, RCB fans questioned the reason of Hazelwood missing, some stated the match is gone from the home team's hand.
One CSK supporter said, "No Josh Hazlewood" with the cheering emoji.
No Josh hazlewood ??
¡ª Pranav_77 (@cmon_man_7) May 3, 2025
However, one RCB fan said, "Everything aside why is Josh Hazelwood not playing damnit...Be ready for the loss guys...even god is not in our side...".
Everything aside why is josh hazelwood not playing damnit ????...
¡ª Swastika Dutta (@Swastik97523113) May 3, 2025
Be ready for the loss guys..even god is not in our side...
Another added, "RCB and their kismat, Salt and Josh both injured".
RCB and their kismat, salt and josh both injured
¡ª Pratik Dusane (@pratik_0906) May 3, 2025
Teams
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (Playing XI): Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi, Yash Dayal
Impact Subs: Suyash Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Swapnil Singh
Chennai Super Kings (Playing XI): Shaik Rasheed, Ayush Mhatre, Sam Curran, Ravindra Jadeja, Dewald Brevis, Deepak Hooda, MS Dhoni(w/c), Noor Ahmad, Khaleel Ahmed, Anshul Kamboj, Matheesha Pathirana
Impact Subs: Shivam Dube, Ravichandran Ashwin, Kamlesh Nagarkoti, Ramakrishna Ghosh, Jamie Overton
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Karen Noronha is a versatile journalist with a passion for sports and K-pop. With over 7 years of experience at publications like IBTimes UK, DNA, and OTTPlay/DesiMartini, she seamlessly transitions between covering global athletic events and the dynamic world of K-pop.
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