Former India Test batsman Hanuma Vihari has suggested an interesting tactical solution for Royal Challengers Bengaluru to fit both Josh Hazlewood and Jacob Duffy in the same XI.
Vihari said on his YouTube channel that RCB could make smart use of the Impact Player rule to maximize their bowling resources without compromising the balance.
According to Vihari, RCB could field an Indian pacer like Mangesh Yadav or Rasikh Salam Dar in the playing eleven alongside Hazlewood. This would allow them to include both Romario Shepherd and Duffy in their roster of Impact Subs.
Flexibility, he explained, is about reading the match situation. If the RCB batting is struggling, Shepherd may be brought in to bolster the lower order. However, if the top order works out, which it has often done this season, the team may instead opt for Duffy as an Impact Player to bolster their bowling attack.
This becomes especially relevant given that Shepherd, while versatile, has not been heavily relied upon on the ball this season.
Vihari’s proposal solves one of RCB’s key selection dilemmas, especially as Hazlewood’s return adds to their overseas options.
Hazlewood played the part RCB’s winning campaign last seasonhe finished as the team’s leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 8.77. However, the Australian pacer has been sidelined with injury in recent months and his last competitive appearance came in November 2025 for New South Wales. He also missed major assignments including the Ashes and the 2026 T20 World Cup.
He’s back in the game against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati, where he took figures of 2 for 44. However, Hazlewood was back on the bench for the next match against Mumbai Indians, with Duffy returning to the playing XI.
In Hazlewood’s absence at the start of the season, Duffy impressed with five wickets in his first two matches and played a key role in RCB’s win over Sunrisers Hyderabad. He removed Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma before dismissing Nitish Kumar Reddy, setting the tone early in the innings.
Despite his strong performances, Duffy’s inclusion in the playing XI alongside Hazlewood remained a challenge due to overseas player restrictions.
Vihari’s Impact Player strategy offers a potential solution, giving RCB the option to deploy both pacers based on match situations and maintain their balance across the departments.
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Issued by:
Amar Panicker
Published on:
15 Apr 2026 16:11 IST
