Pace bowler Blessing Muzarabani has added himself in the list of Zimbabwe's quckest bowlers to reach 50 Test wickets, achieving the milestone in only his 11th match and 18th innings. The lanky paceman reached the milestone in Zimbabwe’s on-going test series thus making a proud moment for himself and the entire Zimbabwean cricket fraternity. 

Muzarabani’s record places him in front of some whose names are etched in history when looking at Zimbabwe’s bowling records. He caught up with Heath Streak in terms of number of matches (11), but did so in fewer innings, further proof of his burgeoning impact and consistency with red ball. In a competition where wickets tend to be at a premium for Zimbabwe, Muzarabani’s speed and accuracy have marked him out as significant asset in recent times. 

The milestone also reflects the development of the 27-year-old as the leader of Zimbabwe’s bowling attack. In his comeback to Test cricket, Muzarabani has displayed impressive control, fitness and an ability to strike at important times which makes him an asset across formats. 

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Fastest to 50 Test Wickets for Zimbabwe (by Matches Played)

Muzarabani’s elevation is a great relief as Zimbabwe try to restore Test cricket reputation. He is not just coming off with the ball but in that process and with such a clear desire and clarity of what he wants, he’s egging on younger players in that side, to believe that you can achieve that  even in a team not playing as many Tests as the others.

His mission has only just begun, but as of right now his record speaks for itself. On this path, Blessing Muzarabani could go on to become one of the greatest fast bowlers Zimbabwe has ever produced and an inspiration to the generation that’s coming next. 

Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally ended the 17-year wait for an IPL title on Tuesday (June 3), making history at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad by beating Punjab Kings by six runs in the final of the IPL 2025. The win was a long-awaited breakthrough for the franchise, with several players coming on strong throughout the season.

But although the victory was theirs, not all members of their squad contributed meaningfully. Some players either did not convert their chances or did not even play, prompting very heavy speculation that RCB might let them go before the IPL 2026 auction, likely later this year or early next year.

1. Nuwan Thushara

Sri Lankan bowler Nuwan Thushara was retained for ₹1.5 crore in the 2025 IPL auction. He played only one match, against the Lucknow Super Giants, where he bowled tightly and took 1 wicket for 26 runs from his four-over spell. Although he performed well, Thushara was kept on the bench because of the availability of senior overseas pacers. RCB can consider releasing him to create space for more cricket-balanced bowling personnel.

2. Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi appeared in two games for RCB in IPL 2025 and took four wickets. But he leaked runs at a costly economy rate of 10.12 and was not available for the playoffs because of international commitments. Though his strike power is a plus point, his inconsistency and injury record are an area of concern. RCB might release him to accommodate more reliable overseas bowlers.

3. Blessing Muzarabani

Zimbabwean pacer Blessing Muzarabani played not a single match in IPL 2025 even after being in the squad. His function was to be a seamer on call, but he was never given the opportunity because of a settled bowling attack. With no contribution and with experience being limited for him in high-pressure leagues, the chances of his retention are bleak. RCB can release him to look for more energetic backup possibilities.

4. Rasikh Dar

J&K pacer Rasikh Dar was purchased at ₹6 crore in the IPL 2025 mega auction. He featured in two games—against KKR and GT—but didn't make a mark, taking just one wicket while giving away runs at a rate of more than 11 runs per over. After sitting out the remainder of the tournament, it was evident he wasn't part of RCB's major schemes. Given his hefty price tag, release now appears a certainty.

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5. Swastik Chikara

Swastik Chikara sat on the bench for the entire duration of IPL 2025. The young left-hand hitter could not find a place in RCB's potent top and middle order, which included consistent performers. Having no match minutes and minimal contribution to the team dynamics, his retention does not make sense. RCB could let him go and sign a more experienced domestic player.

6. Swapnil Singh

Swapnil Singh, the veteran left-arm spinner, did not find a game in RCB's championship-winning 2025 season. Though his experience is worth the bench, the team banked more on all-rounders and aggressive spinners throughout the season. With fresh and younger spin talent rising, Swapnil's chances of being retained seem thin. He could be released prior to the next auction.

As IPL 2025 is reaching its final stages, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have added punch to their bowling unit by signing Zimbabwe right-arm pacer Blessing Muzarabani in place of Lungi Ngidi. The South African seamer will leave the tournament on May 26 to be with his nation's team ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, which will begin on June 11 at Lord's.

Ngidi, who was recruited by RCB at INR 1 Crore, played a single game this season but left a big impression with 3 for 30 against Chennai Super Kings. His premature exit has seen RCB recruit a tall, back-of-the-hand right-arm pacer in Muzarabani, who has been acquired at INR 75 Lakh.

Muzarabani Gets Long-Awaited IPL Opportunity

Although still to play in an IPL match, Blessing Muzarabani has in the past known the league setup from his stint as a practice bowler for Lucknow Super Giants in the 2022 season. Currently at the age of 28, the lanky Zimbabwean pacer is poised to make his formal IPL debut with Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the decisive latter part of the 2025 tournament. He is recognized for his bounce, precision, and capacity to create rhythm, and Muzarabani has immense global experience, having represented Zimbabwe in 12 Tests, 55 ODIs, and 70 T20Is.

In T20 Internationals, he has taken 78 wickets, and his entire T20 career consists of 127 wickets off 118 matches at a magnificent strike rate of 19.3 and an economy rate of 7.24. He has three four-wicket performances to his credit, with a best of 4/23. Muzarabani has also performed well in the longer versions of the game, taking 97 wickets in 27 first-class matches at a best of 5/49 and an average of 25.8. His recent nine-wicket stand against Bangladesh in a Test match in Sylhet, which bagged him the Player of the Match award, further cemented his form and readiness to deliver on the largest stage in franchise cricket.

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Fifth Zimbabwean to Play in the IPL

With this signing, Muzarabani is only the fifth Zimbabwean cricketer to play in the IPL:

• Tatenda Taibu – Kolkata Knight Riders (2008)
• Ray Price – Mumbai Indians (2011)
• Brendan Taylor – Picked by Sunrisers Hyderabad (2014), but didn't play
• Sikandar Raza – Punjab Kings (2024)
• Blessing Muzarabani – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2025)

Although Taylor and Price had limited opportunities, Taibu and Raza paved the way for Zimbabwean representation in the IPL. Muzarabani’s inclusion extends that legacy.

RCB’s Bowling Challenges and Muzarabani’s Playoff Opportunity

RCB's foreign bowling resources have been stretched, particularly with Josh Hazlewood to recuperate from a shoulder problem in Australia and not likely to become available till toward the end of the playoffs. Muzarabani, whose bowling action is the same as that of both Ngidi and Hazlewood, is the intelligent selection for RCB's strategic designs going into tight games.

RCB, led by their captain Rajat Patidar now, have Sunrisers Hyderabad to play on May 23 and Lucknow Super Giants on May 27 in their remaining league games. Having already secured a playoff place, the team is now focusing on a top-two finish so that they can get a second opportunity to reach the final.

A long, talented fast bowler with increasing international credentials, Blessing Muzarabani is more than a late-season addition to RCB's roster, he's a potentially crucial piece of their playoff puzzle. With bounce, control, and recent success on his side, the Zimbabwean paceman can make his presence felt on the largest platform in franchise cricket.

With the battle for the IPL 2025 heating up, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have pulled off a strategic transfer by inking Zimbabwe pace bowler Blessing Muzarabani in place of South African pacer Lungi Ngidi, who will be out of action from May 26 for national commitments. Ngidi, who had been picked at the INR 1 Crore mark at the auction, played just one game this season with impressive figures of 3 for 30 against arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings.

His premature exit comes as he is set to join South Africa's team for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia, which is set to commence on June 11 at Lord's. Replacing Ngidi is Blessing Muzarabani, a lanky pacer who is famous for his bounce and ability to create unplayable angles with pace. Signed for INR 75 Lakh, Muzarabani finally makes his IPL debut after having been a net bowler for Lucknow Super Giants during the 2022 season.

Internationally, the 27-year-old has established a strong resume. He has played 12 Tests, 55 ODIs, and 70 T20Is for Zimbabwe, collecting 78 wickets in the shortest form. In total T20s, he has 127 wickets in 118 matches at a strike rate of 19.3 and an economy rate of 7.24. His recent form is noteworthy. Muzarabani claimed 9 wickets in Sylhet during Zimbabwe’s Test match against Bangladesh, earning the Player of the Match award for his efforts.

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Zimbabwean speedster adds depth to RCB’s injury-hit bowling line-up

Muzarabani's signing is significant as he becomes only the fifth Zimbabwean player to play in the IPL, after Tatenda Taibu (KKR, 2008) and Sikandar Raza (PBKS, recent years). Although Ray Price and Brendan Taylor were also selected earlier by the Mumbai Indians (2011) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (2014), respectively, neither got much game time in the league.

With Josh Hazlewood in Australia right now with a shoulder problem and not likely to be back till later in the playoffs, RCB have had to roll their sleeves up. Muzarabani, whose bowling profile is similar to that of both Ngidi and Hazlewood, provides timely support to the franchise's overseas pace arsenal, particularly as games shift to possibly slower, high-pressure settings.

RCB, under the captaincy of Rajat Patidar in place of their usual skipper, are preparing to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23 and Lucknow Super Giants on May 27 in their remaining league encounters. Having already qualified for the playoffs, the Bengaluru franchise will be fighting hard for a top-two position, which provides a second opportunity to make it to the final.