IPL 2025: Players who have represented both Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings in IPL T20

IPL 2025: Players who have represented both Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings in IPL T20

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has become the ultimate stage for cricketers to showcase their skills, attracting some of the biggest names in the sport. The league’s unique blend of fierce competition, celebrity appeal, and financial rewards makes it a thrilling spectacle each season. While every IPL franchise has its set of superstars, two of the most iconic teams—Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK)—have stood out over the years, not only for their memorable performances but also for the players who have represented both sides.

Though RCB and CSK are fierce competitors, the IPL has witnessed several players who have worn the jerseys of both these teams. Despite their fierce rivalry, these players have contributed to the success of both franchises, with memorable performances that have left an indelible mark on the league’s history. Some of these players have transformed their careers while switching from RCB to CSK, or vice versa, showcasing how the right team environment can bring out the best in a player.

In this article, we delve deep into the journeys of three such players who have donned both the RCB and CSK jerseys—Shivam Dube, Josh Hazlewood, and Lungi Ngidi. These players have not only represented two of the most iconic teams in the IPL but also lived through the highs and lows of the league, each time contributing in their own unique way.

1. Shivam Dube: From RCB’s Backup to CSK’s Finisher

Shivam Dube’s IPL journey is a tale of resilience, self-belief, and the impact of the right team. The Mumbai-born all-rounder was first introduced to the IPL by RCB in 2019 after being acquired for INR 5 crore in the auction. When Dube joined RCB, he was seen as a promising middle-order batsman and a handy medium-pacer. However, his stint with the Bangalore-based franchise proved to be inconsistent.

Despite the presence of star players like Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, Dube struggled to find his rhythm. In his first two seasons (2019-2020), he played 15 matches, scoring 169 runs at a strike rate of over 120. Although his best performance came in the form of an unbeaten 27 off 16 balls, Dube couldn’t manage to cement his place in the star-studded lineup. His potential was evident, but the opportunities were few and far between, and the pressure of performing in such a high-profile team weighed heavily on him.

The Turning Point: CSK’s Strategic Move

In 2022, Dube’s IPL fortunes took a significant turn when he was acquired by Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for INR 4 crore. Under the leadership of MS Dhoni, Dube found the perfect environment to showcase his true potential. Dhoni’s calm and composed leadership style allowed Dube to play with freedom and confidence, something he had struggled to achieve at RCB.

Dube’s transformation was nothing short of spectacular. As a middle-order batsman, he found his niche as a power hitter—someone who could take on spinners and finish games with authority. In the 2023 IPL season, Dube had an outstanding campaign, scoring 418 runs in 16 matches at an incredible strike rate of 158.33. His ability to attack the spinners, particularly in the middle overs, made him a fan favorite in Chennai. Dube’s performances were instrumental in CSK’s successful campaign, with his three fifties standing out as some of the most impactful knocks of the season.

Dube’s rise from an underutilized talent at RCB to a match-winner for CSK illustrates the crucial role that the team environment and leadership play in a player’s development. At CSK, Dube was given the confidence to take risks, and it paid off in the form of consistent match-winning performances.

2. Josh Hazlewood: The Reliable Paceman Across Both Teams

Josh Hazlewood is another name that has featured for both RCB and CSK, cementing his reputation as one of the most disciplined fast bowlers in world cricket. Hazlewood first joined CSK in 2020, and his accurate bowling in both the powerplay and death overs made him an invaluable asset to the team. His height, bounce, and ability to extract swing, especially on Indian pitches, troubled many top-order batsmen.

In his two seasons with CSK (2020-2021), Hazlewood played 12 matches, taking 12 wickets at an economy rate of 7.29. His solid bowling in the initial overs, coupled with his ability to bowl yorkers at the death, earned him praise from captain MS Dhoni and made him a key player in CSK’s bowling attack. Hazlewood’s ability to provide early breakthroughs and his calming presence with the ball earned him the respect of his teammates and the admiration of fans.

The Shift to RCB: Hazlewood’s Redemption

In the 2022 IPL auction, RCB secured the services of Hazlewood for INR 7.75 crore, looking to bolster their pace attack alongside Mohammed Siraj. Hazlewood’s experience and ability to bowl with precision made him a perfect fit for RCB’s strategy. His first season with RCB in 2022 was a brilliant one, where he played 12 matches and picked up 20 wickets at an economy rate of 8.11. His ability to swing the new ball and bowl tight overs at the death made him an integral part of RCB’s bowling attack, helping the team reach the playoffs.

In 2025, Hazlewood’s form has continued to remain strong. With 18 wickets in just ten games, his incredible bowling average of 17.28 has been a highlight for RCB in the ongoing season. Hazlewood’s consistency, coupled with his invaluable experience, has made him a key player in RCB’s campaign, and he has once again proven why he is regarded as one of the best fast bowlers in limited-overs cricket.

3. Lungi Ngidi: The Injury-Prone Bowler Who Stands Tall

Lungi Ngidi, the South African pacer, is yet another player who has represented both CSK and RCB. Ngidi’s IPL journey, however, has been far from smooth, with injuries often limiting his appearances. Ngidi made his IPL debut for CSK in 2018, and his raw pace and bounce immediately caught the attention of fans and analysts alike. In his first stint with CSK, Ngidi’s ability to bowl in the death overs and his knack for picking up wickets in crunch situations made him a vital cog in the team’s successful 2018 campaign.

Across three seasons (2018-2020), Ngidi played 14 matches for CSK and claimed 20 wickets at an economy rate of 8.27. His performances in the 2018 season were particularly impressive, where he delivered key breakthroughs in high-pressure moments. However, injuries curtailed his appearances, and he struggled to maintain a consistent run in the IPL.

A New Beginning at RCB

In 2025, Ngidi found a new home at Royal Challengers Bangalore, who acquired him in the auction for INR 1 crore. Despite the high expectations surrounding his potential, Ngidi has yet to make his debut for RCB in the ongoing season. His career has been marred by injury setbacks, and the franchise has been cautious about bringing him into the playing XI. Nevertheless, Ngidi’s talent as a fast bowler remains unquestioned, and his experience with both CSK and RCB underscores the high regard in which he is held by IPL teams.

While Ngidi’s IPL journey may not have been as illustrious as some of his peers, his raw pace and ability to bowl in critical phases of the game make him a player to watch out for in the future. His talent is undeniable, and if he can stay injury-free, he still has the potential to make a significant impact for RCB in the seasons to come.

 The Unpredictable Nature of IPL Careers

The journeys of Shivam Dube, Josh Hazlewood, and Lungi Ngidi reflect the unpredictable and often transformative nature of an IPL career. Players who once struggled to find their feet in one franchise can go on to become match-winners for another. The IPL provides a platform where players can reinvent themselves, adapt to different team dynamics, and thrive under new leadership.

Dube’s rise at CSK, Hazlewood’s successful stints with both teams, and Ngidi’s potential despite injury setbacks highlight the diverse ways in which players can impact the IPL. These players have contributed significantly to both RCB and CSK, teams with contrasting philosophies but a shared commitment to winning.

As the IPL continues to evolve, it is clear that players like Dube, Hazlewood, and Ngidi will always remain integral parts of IPL lore, having worn the jerseys of two of the league’s most celebrated franchises. Whether it’s Dube’s power hitting, Hazlewood’s precision, or Ngidi’s raw pace, each has showcased the unique value they bring to the IPL’s high-stakes drama.

In the end, the IPL remains a testament to the ever-changing nature of the game—where allegiances shift, players evolve, and new stars emerge. The rivalry between RCB and CSK may be fierce, but the players who have represented both teams show that cricket, above all, is about talent, perseverance, and adaptability.

Please check for information on the best betting sites in India – https://selectory.org/best-betting-sites/

Leave a comment