Royal Challengers Bengaluru got a significant lift ahead of their high-stakes IPL meeting with Rajasthan Royals, with fast-bowling ace Josh Hazlewood finally cleared to take his place in the playing XI. The Australian speedster had been waiting for Cricket Australia\u2019s approval as the board carefully managed his workload following a hamstring problem and an Achilles injury. Hazlewood was instrumental in RCB\u2019s title-winning run last season, claiming 22 wickets across 12 matches at a standout average of 17.54.<\/p>\n
Hazlewood had missed the opening two fixtures this year while awaiting the go-ahead, but he returned to the XI for the clash against RR, coming in for Jacob Duffy. During Hazlewood\u2019s absence, the team still found ways to compete, and Duffy\u2019s replacement was not a given\u2014New Zealand pacer had contributed strongly, taking three wickets versus SRH and two against CSK. In the end, RCB\u2019s team balance and Hazlewood\u2019s availability tilted the selection decision, and Duffy made way on Friday.<\/p>\n
The toss in Guwahati faced disruption due to rain, delaying proceedings, but Hazlewood\u2019s return quickly sparked excitement among RCB supporters. That mood shifted again when showers returned just as Rajat Patidar confirmed that the Australian quick was included in the playing XI.<\/p>\n
Rajasthan Royals skipper Riyan Parag won the toss and chose to bowl first in Guwahati, with his side looking to extend their momentum and win a fourth straight match on Friday night. RR also made one alteration to their lineup, with Tushar Deshpande left out.<\/p>\n
Parag explained the decision at the toss, saying, \u201cWe\u2019re going to bowl. It was meant to be a dry pitch, but it has been raining for a couple of days and it rained a bit today too, so there should be a little moisture. We\u2019ll try to make the most of it, but it looks like a really good surface. It feels great. We\u2019ve been very sharp before the start of the tournament. My message has been that we want to be a clean, disciplined unit that plays strategic and intelligent cricket. Hopefully we keep reviewing and adjusting as we\u2019ve done in the first three games, and come up with some excellent points. Tushar takes a rest and Brijesh comes in.\u201d<\/p>\n
Elsewhere, Patidar was greeted with loud cheers from the travelling supporters, helping him feel comfortable in the away setting. \u201cThis is our first away game. (Crowd cheering RCB) Thanks to everyone. I think you\u2019re making us feel like it\u2019s already our home ground, so we all love you,\u201d Patidar said. He added, \u201cUnfortunately, Duffy misses out in this match and Josh comes in. Duffy also bowled brilliantly in the previous game, but everyone knows Josh is an experienced specialist. I believe his presence will put us in a really positive mindset.\u201d<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Royal Challengers Bengaluru got a significant lift ahead of their high-stakes IPL meeting with Rajasthan Royals, with fast-bowling ace Josh Hazlewood finally cleared to take…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":1733,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_title":"RCB vs RR: Hazlewood Cleared for Playing XI in IPL","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"RCB get a timely boost as Josh Hazlewood is cleared for the XI vs RR\u2014after injury setbacks\u2014while Patidar\u2019s form sparks confidence ahead of IPL clash.","footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1734","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-ipl"],"yoast_head":"\n