Published By: Sanchari Das

RCB's Backup Plan for Hazlewood? Three Promising BBL Pacers to Watch

As Hazlewood's fitness remains uncertain for IPL 2025, RCB may look to the BBL for reinforcements

Josh Hazlewood's recurring injuries have worried both Australia and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). The Australian pacer has been ruled out of the Sri Lanka Test series due to a calf injury, adding to his fitness struggles during the ongoing five-Test series. While Cricket Australia has assured fans that the injury isn't severe, Hazlewood's repeated absence from matches has raised doubts about his availability for IPL 2025.

Hazlewood was RCB's most expensive buy in the IPL 2025 mega auction, picked for ₹12.5 crore. However, his unavailability might force the franchise to look for a backup. With the Big Bash League (BBL) in full swing, RCB could turn to some of the tournament's standout pacers to bolster their bowling lineup. Here are three promising options.

Chris Jordan

Chris Jordan is no stranger to the IPL. The English pacer has previously represented RCB, CSK, MI, and PBKS but never quite found his rhythm in the league. However, he has reinvented himself recently, becoming a reliable death-overs bowler.

Currently playing for the Hobart Hurricanes in the BBL, Jordan has taken 51 wickets in 49 innings at an economy of 8.76. His experience across various T20 leagues makes him a strong contender. Jordan's 45 Big Bash wickets rank him among the top six overseas bowlers in the competition's history.


Jordan has shown his ability with the bat, not just with the ball. He slammed the season's quickest half-century off just 17 balls in the BBL. If RCB needs a seasoned T20 campaigner, Jordan could be their man.

Lance Morris

Lance Morris is a fiery pacer and an X-factor player in the BBL circuit. Known for his raw pace, Morris has earned the nickname "Wild Thing" for his ability to trouble batters with sheer speed.

The 25-year-old has taken 35 wickets in 33 matches at an economy of 7.95 in the BBL. While his base price of ₹1.25 crore went unsold at the IPL auction, Morris could be a surprise pick for RCB. His performances for the Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Stars have shown he can be a match-winner on his day.


Morris's rise has been nothing short of remarkable. From earning a rookie contract with Western Australia to being called up for the Australian Test team, his journey highlights his potential. As express pacers are a rare commodity, Morris could bring an edge to RCB's bowling attack.

Jason Behrendorff

Jason Behrendorff is a familiar face for RCB fans, having played for the franchise in the past. The left-arm pacer is an expert at swinging the ball both ways, making him a nightmare for batters in the power play.

Behrendorff has an impressive record in the BBL, with 135 wickets in 103 matches at an economy of just 6.91. A key player for the Perth Scorchers, he has been instrumental in their multiple title wins. Despite his consistency, Behrendorff went unsold at the IPL auction with a base price of ₹1.5 crore.


RCB could benefit from his ability to strike early in the innings and control runs. If Hazlewood is unavailable, Behrendorff's experience and skill set make him a solid replacement.

The road ahead for RCB

Hazlewood's injury has left RCB in a tough spot. As the franchise gears up for IPL 2025, they can't afford to take chances with their bowling lineup. While Hazlewood's fitness remains uncertain, the BBL provides a talent pool of pacers who could step up for the challenge. Will they opt for experience, pace, or swing? Only time will tell. However, one thing is sure: RCB's bowling strategy for IPL 2025 hinges on making the right choice.