IPL 2025: Josh Hazlewood’s Return to India Gives RCB a Playoff Boost

Josh Hazlewood has returned to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) squad for the rest of the IPL 2025 season. Previously this month, doubts were raised about his comeback following the suspension of the competition because of airstrikes between India and Pakistan.

Hazlewood has joined the RCB team before their last group stage game against the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), led by Rishabh Pant, scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium in Lucknow.

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After recovering from a shoulder injury, the 34-year-old quick bowler is set to return to IPL action. Reports from ESPNcricinfo indicate that Hazlewood went through rehabilitation in Brisbane during the mid-season break and has since fully recovered. This comeback should strengthen RCB’s bowling unit.

“Glad to be back! Looking forward to getting things started again and beginning practice tomorrow,” Hazlewood stated in a video posted on RCB’s official social media channels.

Arguably, Hazlewood has been the most impressive bowler for RCB, standing out as their top wicket-taker in the tournament. Across 10 matches, this quick bowler has claimed 18 wickets, maintaining an economy rate of 8.44, along with achieving a notable four-wicket haul.

Hazlewood was absent from RCB’s prior game against CSK on May 3 at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.

owing to the identical shoulder injury

During the hiatus, he journeyed to Brisbane for a rigorously supervised recuperation program, as stated by RCB’s Cricket Director, Mo Bobat.

Following his commitments with RCB, Hazlewood will now link up with the Australian squad for the World Test Championship final against South Africa. The match is scheduled to start on June 11 at the historic Lord’s Cricket Ground.

When it comes to Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), they aim to recover from their 42-run loss against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). To still secure one of the top-two spots, Rajat Patidar’s team needs to triumph in their final league game against the Lucknow Super Giants.