The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have received a major boost ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs, with star Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood expected to make a return after recovering from a shoulder niggle, according to ESPNCricinfo. Hazlewood missed RCB’s last game before the tournament was paused and returned home during the break, where he has been training in Brisbane as part of Australia’s preparations for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
Reports suggest Hazlewood has come through his training sessions well and is likely to rejoin the RCB squad in India, although this hasn’t been officially confirmed yet. Hazlewood has been crucial for RCB this season, taking 18 wickets at an impressive average of 17.27 in 10 matches, playing a key role in their qualification for the playoffs.
RCB already have a playoff spot secured and will play two remaining league matches — against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants — which will decide their final standing and playoff path.
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This IPL campaign marks Hazlewood’s return to competitive cricket after a difficult home summer plagued by injuries. He suffered a calf strain during the third Test against India and missed earlier games due to a side strain. Consequently, he missed Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy, where Australia fell to India in the semifinals.
Josh Hazlewood could be back, RCB fans
▶️ https://t.co/YbKHGtep9W #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/uFJWPRSHgL
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) May 23, 2025
Hazlewood is expected to reclaim his spot for the upcoming WTC Final against South Africa, likely replacing Scott Boland in the playing XI. He had missed the 2023 WTC Final against India due to recovery from an Achilles injury and a side strain.
Australia’s Test squad members still in Australia, including Hazlewood and Josh Inglis, are set to depart for England on May 29, with IPL players joining once their commitments finish.
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If RCB finish in the top two, they will play Qualifier 1 on May 29 in Mullanpur; if they finish third or fourth, they will face the Eliminator on May 30 at the same venue. Hazlewood’s return could be vital for RCB’s playoff ambitions.
