Former Royal Challengers Bengaluru coach Sanjay Bangar has suggested two changes in the franchise’s playing XI for IPL 2025 first qualifier against Punjab Kings. Bangar wants Bengaluru to retain Nuwan Thushara, who returned with impressive figures of 1-26 against Lucknow Super Giants at Lucknow in the ongoing IPL 2025 on Tuesday, in the final XI versus PBKS.
The former Indian batting coach wants RCB to replace Romario Shepherd and Liam Livingstone with Tim David and Josh Hazlewood respectively. While Shepherd conceded 51 runs in the four overs he bowled against LSG, Livingstone was dismissed for a golden duck.
On the other hand, Josh Hazlewood has been the pick of the bowlers for RCB, bagging 18 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 17.28.
Furthermore, Tim David has scored 182 runs in nine innings in the ongoing season at an average of 62.33 and a blistering strike rate of 185.14.
“Play Thushara in place of Livingstone. Then the bowling will become incredible. Then Phil Salt, Thushara, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David for Romario Shepherd. The Punjab team is against them, and Punjab have crossed 200 runs six or seven times this season,” Bangar said on Star Sports.
“Livingstone, who is playing as an overseas batter, is not scoring runs. So, make your bowling totally strong. I feel that combination can be made,” Bangar observed.
On the other hand, former Indian off-spinner Harbhajan Singh said more is expected from veteran pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The swing master returned with figures of 1-46 in his quota of four overs against LSG.
“It should be long. There is scope for improvement there. Even if you see today (Tuesday), Bhuvneshwar’s spell proved quite expensive. You expect a lot more from him because he has that kind of ability. He is a good bowler,” he said.
The Turbanator said it would be crucial for RCB that Bhuvneshwar Kumar retains his form.
“However, if your main bowler gets hit for 50 runs, it’s difficult for the other bowlers to escape. This match has passed. Along with Josh Hazlewood returning, if Bhuvneshwar regains his form, which we had seen earlier, this team’s batting is working anyway, it will be enjoyable if the form returns in bowling as well,” Harbhajan observed.
RCB will take on Punjab Kings in the first qualifier at New Chandigarh on Thursday.
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