IPL 2025: Why is Fazalhaq Farooqi not playing in RR vs RCB Match 28

The Rajasthan Royals have introduced a significant modification to their XI for Match 28 of the IPL 2025, benching Afghan medium pacer Fazalhaq Farooqi in favor of Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga. The Royals are playing host to Royal Challengers Bengaluru at the Jaipur-based Sawai Mansingh Stadium, which is also their first home game of the season.

Farooqi, who played in RR's last match against the Gujarat Titans, has been omitted for strategic reasons and not because of injury. His replacement, Hasaranga, had skipped the previous game due to personal reasons but is now available and ready to deliver with bat and ball. Rajasthan captain Sanju Samson confirmed the switch at the toss, saying, "Hasa is back. Hasaranga will be replacing our Farooqi ji (smiles)."

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The return of Hasaranga is a move to reinforce the middle overs with a tried match-winner who provides variation to the bowling unit and solidity in the lower order. Farooqi, the specialist left-arm seamer, bowled only two overs against Gujarat and remained wicketless, which could have instigated the think tank to choose Hasaranga's all-round ability.

Tactical Shift for Stronger Middle Overs

Rajasthan too are hoping to rebound after suffering a comprehensive 58-run loss to Gujarat Titans. RCB, on the other hand, have lost a six-wicket game to Delhi Capitals but have won all their three away matches so far.

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RCB captain Rajat Patidar won the toss and decided to bowl first, citing the hard condition of the pitch. Both teams are keen to put their campaigns back on track, and RR will be hoping that Hasaranga's return has an instant effect.

With Farooqi being the Impact Player possibility for RR, there remains the chance that he might come on later in the game based on the situation in the game. But currently, Rajasthan has decided to rely on Hasaranga's spin and experience to prove fruitful at home.