LEON CHIMUKONO
As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season reaches its climax, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are gearing up for the grand final against Punjab Kings on June 3, 2025, at 7:30 PM IST (4PM CAT) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. And a key talking point among fans is the inclusion of Zimbabwean pacer Blessing Muzarabani, who joined RCB as a temporary replacement for Lungi Ngidi. With the final just hours away, questions swirl around whether Muzarabani will feature in the playing 11, how much he was signed for, and what his take-home earnings will be.
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| Blessing Muzarabani |
Muzarabani’s journey to RCB
Blessing Muzarabani, a towering fast bowler known for his pace and ability to generate bounce, was signed by RCB on May 25, 2025, ahead of the IPL playoffs. His recruitment came after a standout performance in a Test match for Zimbabwe against England, showcasing his readiness for high-stakes cricket. Although he could not prevent his side from losing by an innings and 45 runs, he took three wickets in the match. He dismissed Ben Stokes, Joe Root, and Harry Brook.
As a temporary replacement for Ngidi – who joined South Africa's squad for their World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia in a few weeks – Muzarabani brings a fresh dynamic to RCB’s bowling attack, which already includes seasoned internationals like Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Will he feature in the final playing 11?
Although RCB has not officially confirmed their playing 11 for the IPL 2025 final, Muzarabani remains a strong contender for the lineup; especially against the backdrop of his recent Test performance.
A probable RCB team to play PBKS in the final includes: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, and Yash Dayal.
Muzarabani could replace a bowler like Yash Dayal or Suyash Sharma, depending on the team’s strategy and the pitch conditions at Chinnaswamy, known for favoring pace and bounce. His height and ability to extract movement make him a tactical fit, potentially complementing Hazlewood’s precision and Kumar’s swing.
However, as a temporary replacement yet to debut in IPL 2025, his inclusion remains speculative and hinges on RCB’s final call. There can be no guarantee he will play in the final.
(Fans should monitor official IPL sources like www.iplt20.com or www.royalchallengers.com for the confirmed lineup on match day.)
Contract details and earnings
Muzarabani was signed by RCB for INR 75 lakh (approximately US$89,000) for his services in IPL 2025. In the IPL, players typically receive the full amount of their signing fee as payment for their participation, assuming contract terms are met.
Therefore, Muzarabani is expected to take home the entire INR 75 lakh for his stint with RCB. While real-world earnings may be subject to taxes or other deductions based on local regulations, no such deductions are specified in the available information, suggesting he will pocket the full amount.
What’s at stake?
As RCB aims for their maiden IPL title against a formidable Punjab Kings side, Muzarabani’s potential inclusion could be a game-changer. His raw pace and ability to unsettle batters on a lively Chinnaswamy track could tilt the balance in RCB’s favor.
Whether he makes the final 11 or serves as a strategic substitute, Muzarabani’s presence adds depth to a squad determined to end their trophy drought. And it would really be exciting, particularly for Zim cricket fans, to have Muza play in the final.
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