Explained: why Josh Hazlewood and Tim David do not play in the LSG vs RCB IPL 2025 match today
In a vital meeting at the Bharat Ratna Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium, RCB won the draw and chose to move first, targeting a counter adapted to the pursuit. With a place in already secure playoffs, RCB’s goal is now a top two, which gives a second chance in the stadiums with direct elimination. A victory here will send them to qualification 1 against the kings of Punjab on May 29, while a defeat would see them playing the Indians of Mumbai in the eliminator on May 30 – the two games which will be held in New Chandigarh.
Reason behind Josh Hazlewood and Tim David Absence of the LSG VS RCB match
The Bengaluru game against Lucknow in Lucknow on Tuesday did not include Josh Hazlewood or Tim David, despite a strong anticipation around their return. Hazlewood, who returned to Australia during the IPL week’s break at the start of the month due to a shoulder injury, joined the team until Sunday. Jitesh during the draw revealed that the fast launcher played for the last time on April 27 in Delhi and has now missed three consecutive games, including a washing. While its recovery has progressed, the management of the team chose to give it more time before reinstatement. Likewise, Tim David was left out while RCB has chosen to strengthen their balance with other options abroad. Hazlewood is expected to return to the next RCB match, potentially during the playoffs.
“We will first survive. Looks like a good counter, we will want to continue. Rajat Patidar is our impact player. By trying to win and do the top 2. Tim David is missing, Liam arrives, the same goes for Thushara, he replaces Ngidi who left the key bowlers and it’s great for his return to such a critical game. “
Captain Jitesh Sharma announced that Rajat Patidar would be used as an impact player, while two key changes were made: Liam Livingstone came for Tim David and Matheesha Nuwan Thushara replaced Lungi Ngidi, who left the tournament. These decisions point out a strategy to strengthen both the average order and the death bowling for this essential game.
