Jacob Duffy produced a noteworthy show in just three matches of his debut IPL edition.
The reigning champions Royal Challengers (RCB) and the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are all set to engage in a fierce contest at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Notably, the visitors have made one change in their playing XI as Jacob Duffy misses out on featuring in the RCB vs LSG match.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Rajat Patidar (C), Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar, and Josh Hazlewood.
Lucknow Super Giants: Rishabh Pant (C) (WK), Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Mukul Choudhary, Mohammed Shami, Avesh Khan, Digvesh Rathi, and Prince Yadav.
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New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy had put up a noteworthy show to fill in the void of Josh Hazlewood. But in good news for the RCB fans, the star Australian seamer is back in the team’s starting XI. However, unfortunately, it is the Black Caps bowler who makes way for Hazlewood. The 31-year-old has enjoyed a brilliant IPL debut so far, snaring six wickets in three matches.
On the other hand, Hazlewood has been one of the key architects of guiding the franchise to their maiden silverware in 18 years. Last season, he was the highest wicket-taker for the Bengaluru outfit and the third-highest overall, scalping a total of 22 wickets in 12 matches at an impressive economy rate of 8.77.
But the match-winner missed out on participating in the initial few fixtures of RCB due to a delayed recovery of the hamstring injury that he had sustained during the Sheffield Shield in November 2025. Earlier, he had also missed taking part in the home Ashes series and the T20 World Cup 2026.
But after a five-month-long wait, Hazlewood is finally back in action and snared two crucial wickets in their outing against the Rajasthan Royals (RR). The RCB fans will hope for a similar show from the bowler throughout the season as they eye defending their title in the IPL 2026.
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