Ahead of the Southern Derby that is set to take place between the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and the Chennai Super Kings, both sides have been hit with a major injury blow. The Australian pacer, Josh Hazlewood and the South African batting all-rounder, Dewald Brevis is set to miss the clash due to injury and will be available for selection from the next game. There were reports suggesting that Josh Hazlewood could play against CSK as he was seen bowling in the nets, but the management has decided not to take any risks.

Key Absences Test Both Sides as RCB Eye Momentum and CSK Seek First Points

The Australian pacer was ruled out of the opening game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad as he was recovering from hamstring and Achilles tendon injuries. As per reports, Hazlewood was seen bowling in the nets ahead of the clash against CSK and the signs looked encouraging. However, the decision was taken by the management to not rush his fitness and to give him adequate time so that he can be available for the rest of the season.

Josh Hazlewood was undoubtedly the backbone of the bowling unit in the previous season as he provided some fine spells with the new ball. His ability to hit the deck and bowl the same length consistently, troubles the batters despite the constant nature of the delivery. The RCB quick had picked up 22 wickets from 12 innings at an economy rate of 8.

The South African was reported to miss the first couple of games for the side due to a persisting injury. Ruturaj Gaikwad had stated that he would miss the game against the Royals due to a side strain. However, he was seen practising in a separate net facility during the training session, where he seemed to be perfectly well.

Dewald Brevis came late into the CSK side last season and gave the fans in yellow a glimpse of the future. Dewald Brevis scored 225 runs from 6 innings at a strike rate of 180 and he scored 2 half-centuries. With a few batting woes around the batting unit for the Chennai Super Kings, the addition of Dewald Brevis will give them a significant boost.

As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru gear up to take on the Chennai Super Kings at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, the home side will have the upper hand considering their recent form. However, the men in yellow will be desperate to get their first set of points for the season and to generate some momentum to secure a spot at the top of the table.