IPL 2025: Shivam Shukla Joins KKR as Rovman Powell’s Replacement; Blessing Muzarabani Replaces Lungi Ngidi at RCB

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been hit with a setback just after making it to the playoffs. South African pacer Lungi Ngidi will be leaving the team to return home for national duty. RCB are in second place on the points table and still have two league games left to play. In a press release, the IPL confirmed that RCB have named Zimbabwe fast bowler Blessing Muzarabani as Lungi Ngidi’s replacement for the rest of the 2025 season. Ngidi featured in just one match this year but made a strong impact, picking up three wickets.

"Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), meanwhile, have picked Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement for Lungisani Ngidi, who will leave to join South Africa for national duties. The replacement will be effective from May 26, 2025," the IPL press release said.

Blessing Muzarabani is set to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru as a replacement for Lungi Ngidi, who has left to play for South Africa. Muzarabani has good experience, with 70 T20Is under his belt and 78 wickets to his name. He’s also played in 12 Tests and 55 ODIs for Zimbabwe. RCB have signed him for ₹75 lakh.

He’ll be available for selection only before RCB’s final league game. Their first match after the IPL restart against KKR on May 17 was washed out. Now, they’ll face SRH on May 23 and LSG on May 27. RCB are also waiting on Josh Hazlewood, who missed the last game due to a shoulder niggle.

Young Spinner Shivam Shukla Replaces Rovman Powell in KKR Squad

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have brought in young Madhya Pradesh spinner Shivam Shukla as a replacement for Rovman Powell for the rest of the IPL 2025 season. Powell, who was expected to return after the tournament break has opted out citing medical reasons.

"Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have signed Shivam Shukla as a replacement for Rovman Powell for the remainder of the TATA Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The West Indian all-rounder needs a surgical intervention of his tonsils. Shukla - a leg-spinner - plays for Madhya Pradesh in Domestic Cricket and will join KKR for INR 30 Lakh." the IPL press release said.

Shivam, known for his sharp spin, first grabbed attention in the Madhya Pradesh T20 League where he picked up 10 wickets including a five-wicket haul and ended up with the purple cap. He followed that with a solid performance in the 2024–25 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy taking eight wickets in eight matches, including a four-wicket spell against Saurashtra.

His recent form earned him a spot as a net bowler with Sunrisers Hyderabad earlier this season. Now, he could get a chance to face his former training side when KKR take on SRH on May 25. With Sunil Narine and Varun Chakaravarthy already in the squad, Shivam’s arrival adds more depth to KKR’s spin attack.

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