IPL 2025: 3 Afghanistan Stars Who Can Join RCB As Replacement Players

RCB players in action [Source: IPLT20.com]

Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been one of the most-followed teams in the Indian Premier League history. Despite being graced by legends of the game, including former captain Virat Kohli, RCB have yet to get their hands on the illusive IPL trophy. 

Although the Rajat Patidar-led outfit had a fairly good mega auction, buying several impactful players, they are currently marred by multiple injury setbacks. In such a scenario, the perennial underachievers might consider signing some renowned Afghan players if their first-choice players get ruled out of the event. 

1. Ibrahim Zadran (Base Price- 0.75 Cr)

(Ibrahim Zadran's T20 stats)

• Afghanistan's experienced batting Ibrahim Zadran showcased prolific form in the Champions Trophy encounter against England. Opening the batting for Afghanistan, he smashed 177 runs off 146 balls, powering his side to a formidable score. 
• It's worth mentioning that Royal Challengers Bengaluru are currently concerned by Jacob Bethell's injury. The English batter was ruled out of the Champions Trophy due to a hamstring injury. 
• Therefore, if the batter gets sidelined from the IPL 2025, RCB might have a look at Ibrahim Zadran, who went unsold in the auction. The Afghan batting sensation had a base price of INR 75 lakhs. 

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2. Mohammad Nabi (Base Price- 1.5 Cr)

(Mohammad Nabi's T20 stats)

• Veteran all-rounder Mohammad Nabi has a plethora of experience in T20 cricket. He has played 431 T20 matches, having featured in leagues across the globe. 
  
• RCB have a depleted spin bowling unit comprising Swapnil Singh, Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma. More importantly, they don't have a single off-spinner in their team. So, if Bethell doesn't recover in time, Nabi, who had a base price of INR 1.5 Crore, could be an option worth considering for the Rajat Patidar-led outfit. 

3. Naveen-ul-Haq (Base Price- 2 Cr)

(Naveen-ul-Haq's T20 stats)

• Afghanistan's ace speedster Naveen-ul-Haq was a regular face in the IPL before going unsold in the mega auction last year. 
• The seasoned campaigner has enjoyed stellar success in the shortest format, as evidenced by the stats above. With Josh Hazlewood sustaining a side injury, RCB might consider roping in Naveen as his replacement if the Australian pacer misses IPL 2025.
• RCB have a decent new-ball attack, studded with the reliable trio of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Lungi Ngidi and Yash Dayal. Therefore, they might think of bring in Naveen, who can be a potent option in the middle and death overs. 

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