Cricket News

3 bowlers who can replace Josh Hazlewood in RCB for IPL 2024

In preparation for the 17th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) unveiled their retention list, keeping hold of 17 players. Additionally, they acquired two players through trades: Mayank Dagar from the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Cameron Green from the Mumbai Indians. However, RCB also made some notable releases, bidding farewell to a total of 11 players.

One of RCB’s most notable releases was Josh Hazlewood, a reliable pace bowler who had contributed significantly to the team over two seasons, claiming 23 wickets in 15 games. His release was because the Australia fast bowler is expecting his first child with his wife in March next year. With Hazlewood’s departure, RCB faces the challenge of finding a capable replacement.

Here’s a look at three players who can replace the ‘Big Hoff’ from Australia:

Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowler, is set to make a grand return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) in 2024, eight years after his last appearance in the tournament. “Amongst other things, it’s a great lead-up to the T20 World Cup. So a good opportunity to see if anyone’s interested in the IPL, then lead into the T20 World Cup. And it’s somewhat of a quiet winter next year in comparison to this winter, so I think a perfect opportunity to put my name in,” he said while speaking on the Willow Talk Cricket podcast.

During his two-season tenure with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in 2014 and 2015, Mitchell Starc demonstrated his remarkable bowling prowess. Playing 27 matches, he claimed 34 wickets at an astonishingly economical rate of 7.17. With his experience now matured and his skills further honed, Starc’s return to RCB could be a game-changer for the franchise. His presence would seamlessly fill the void left by Josh Hazlewood, ensuring that RCB doesn’t miss out on the expertise of a seasoned fast bowler.