The IPL has always been a melting pot of cricketing talent, where players often switch allegiances between teams, bringing their skills and experiences to new franchises. This article delves into the careers of three players who have had the unique experience of playing for both Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – two of the IPL’s most storied franchises.
IPL 2025: Here Are 3 Players Who’ve Played For Both RCB And CSK
Josh Hazlewood
Josh Hazlewood, the tall Australian fast bowler, started his IPL journey with CSK in 2020. His stint there was somewhat underwhelming, particularly in his first year where he managed just one wicket in three games. However, IPL 2021 saw Hazlewood getting more opportunities, where he picked up 11 wickets in nine games at an impressive bowling strike rate of 19.1, showing glimpses of his prowess.
His move to RCB in IPL 2022 marked a significant upturn in his IPL career. Over the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Hazlewood played 15 games, securing 23 wickets with a strike rate of 14.5 and maintaining an economy rate of 8.2. His contribution was pivotal in bolstering Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s pace attack, although he missed the entire 2024 season due to a paternity break. Hazlewood’s transition from Chennai Super Kings to Royal Challengers Bengaluru has been a journey of adaptation and growth, proving his mettle in the demanding IPL environment.
Shane Watson
Shane Watson, an all-rounder from Australia, joined RCB for the 2016 and 2017 seasons but struggled to make an impact with the bat, scoring just 250 runs in 22 innings without a single half-century. His bowling, however, was a silver lining, with 25 wickets to his name over the same period.
However, Watson’s career in the IPL took a dramatic turn when he switched to CSK in 2018. Here, he found his mojo, especially with the bat, scoring 1252 runs in 43 innings, including two centuries and seven half-centuries. His most memorable performance came in the IPL 2018 final against SRH, where he scored a match-winning century, clinching the title for CSK. Watson’s transition from Royal Challengers Bengaluru to Chennai Super Kings is a classic case of a player finding the right team environment to thrive, ending his IPL career on a high note in 2020.
Faf du Plessis
Faf du Plessis, the South African stalwart, has had a profound impact on both Chennai Super Kings and RCB. His time with CSK spanned from 2012 to 2015 and then from 2018 to 2021, during which he amassed 2721 runs in 86 innings. His consistency was notable, scoring over 350 runs in five out of seven seasons with the team, underlining his importance to CSK’s batting lineup.
In a significant move during the IPL 2022 mega auction, Royal Challengers Bengaluru acquired du Plessis for seven crore and appointed him captain. His leadership and batting prowess quickly won over RCB fans. Under his captaincy, RCB made the playoffs twice, with du Plessis playing a crucial role as an opener alongside Virat Kohli. His standout performance came in the 2023 edition where he scored 730 runs, averaging 56 with a strike rate of 157, showcasing his ability to anchor and accelerate the innings when needed.
The journey of Faf du Plessis from a key player at Chennai Super Kings to a beloved captain at Royal Challengers Bengaluru encapsulates his adaptability and leadership, proving his value on and off the field.
The Legacy of Dual Allegiance
The stories of Hazlewood, Watson, and du Plessis not only highlight how players can adapt to different team cultures but also showcase the fluid nature of the IPL where players can redefine their careers by changing teams. Their transitions from one IPL giant to another have added layers to their cricketing legacies, offering fans memorable moments and cricketing lessons in resilience, adaptation, and leadership.
As IPL 2025 approaches, the tales of these players serve as a reminder of the IPL’s capacity to transform careers, where every season can be a new chapter for players to write their names into franchise folklore. Whether it’s through consistent performances, match-winning innings, or strategic leadership, the contributions of these players have enriched the tapestry of IPL cricket, making it one of the most exciting leagues in the world.
