Will Hazlewood Come Back For IPL 2025 Playoffs For RCB?

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is poised to make a timely return to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad for the IPL 2025 playoffs, providing a significant boost to the team's bowling arsenal. 

What Happened To Hazelwood?

Hazlewood had been sidelined due to a shoulder niggle, missing key matches, including the fixture against Chennai Super Kings on May 3. Following the suspension of the IPL season due to geopolitical tensions, he returned to Australia for rehabilitation. Recent reports indicate that Hazlewood has resumed bowling in the nets and is expected to rejoin the RCB camp in India by the end of May, ahead of the playoffs commencing on May 29.

Hazlewood’s Performance In IPL 2025

Despite his injury setback, Hazlewood has been a standout performer for RCB this season, claiming 18 wickets in 10 matches and ranking third among the tournament's leading wicket-takers. His return is especially crucial for RCB, given the unavailability of South African pacer Lungi Ngidi, who has been recalled by Cricket South Africa to prepare for the World Test Championship final.

RCB’s Director Statement

Mo Bobat, the director of cricket for the RCB, stated that “Hazlewood is the only player who has not yet returned to the team. He also emphasized that the team's medical department is working closely with Cricket Australia to make sure he is ready for the playoffs.”