IPL 2025: Sanjay Bangar names two replacements RCB needs to make for Qualifier 1 vs PBKS

Former Indian cricketer Sanjay Bangar has opened up on two changes Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) need to make to continue their winning momentum in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur, Chandigarh, on Thursday, May 29.

Advertisment

Notably, Royal Challengers Bengaluru secured a six-wicket win over the Lucknow Super Giants in the 70th match of the IPL 2025 season at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow.

In a Star Sports show, Bangar felt that RCB needs to bring in Josh Hazlewood in place of Liam Livingstone. Later, he also added that Tim David should come in the place of the all-rounder Romario Shepherd.

"Play Thushara in place of Livingstone. Then the bowling will become incredible. Then Phil Salt, Thushara, Josh Hazlewood, and Tim David for Romario Shepherd. The Punjab team is against them, and Punjab have crossed 200 runs six or seven times this season," he said on Star Sports.

Advertisment

"Livingstone, who is playing as an overseas batter, is not scoring runs. So, make your bowling totally strong. I feel that combination can be made," Bangar added.

Furthermore, Bangar talked about RCB’s main bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar leaking 46 runs in four overs. The former Indian cricketer wants Bhuvi to regain his form with Josh Hazlewood set to return for the playoffs.

"It should be long. There is scope for improvement there. Even if you see today, Bhuvneshwar's spell proved quite expensive. You expect a lot more from him because he has that kind of ability. He is a good bowler," he said.

Advertisment

"However, if your main bowler gets hit for 50 runs, it's difficult for the other bowlers to escape. This match has passed. Along with Josh Hazlewood returning, if Bhuvneshwar regains his form, which we had seen earlier, this team's batting is working anyway, it will be enjoyable if the form returns in bowling as well," Harbhajan concluded.

Stay updated with the latest cricket news, match insights, and exclusive updates at Sky247 India and download the Sky247 app to start betting today!