Picture Credit: Twitter/@RCBTweets
The Royals derby will take place in the 15th edition of the Indian Premier League on Tuesday (April 5). Royal Challengers Bangalore will play their third game of the season as they will take on the mighty Rajasthan Royals at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Faf Du Plessis-led side is coming on a comprehensive win against Kolkata Knight Riders and would like to spoil Royals' plan by outplaying them.
While many foreign players have joined their respective franchises, RCB is still missing the services of Australia pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood. Fresh reports have suggested that Josh Hazlewood hasn't yet joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore team and as per reports, he is unlikely to be available for at least another week.
"Unlike others, he didn't directly join up with RCB post the Pakistan series. He has taken a short break due to personal reasons," claimed sources. The Australian pacers was supposed to be available after April 6, and had Hazlewood completed his quarantine, he could have played the game against Mumbai Indians by April 9.
The Bangalore-based franchise is still awaiting the arrival of the Australian pacer as they picked him for INR 7.25 Crore at the mega auctions. Hazlewood, who participated in the Test series in Pakistan, was instrumental in helping Chennai Super Kings win their 4th title last year.
RCB will miss the services of another Australian player Glenn Maxwell for Tuesday's game against Rajasthan Royals. Maxwell missed the first few matches for RCB and will join the squad for the fourth game in IPL 2022 on April 9 against Mumbai Indians.
"Maxwell will join us soon and will be available from the 9th (of April)," Mike Hesson, RCB Director of Cricket Operations, said. RCB kicked off their IPL campaign against Punjab Kings but bounced back strongly and outplayed Kolkata Knight Riders in their next fixture. Hence, game against Rajasthan Royals will be crucial for the side as they will be hoping to extend their winning run in the tournament.