IPL 2025: Josh Hazlewood returns to RCB squad, boosts playoffs

New Delhi: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Josh Hazlewood has rejoined the squad ahead of their final league match and the IPL 2025 playoffs after recovering from a shoulder injury. Hazlewood, who leads RCB’s wicket-taking chart this season with 18 wickets in just 10 matches, had been sidelined since April 27. During the IPL’s brief suspension caused by cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, he returned to Australia for rehabilitation.

He completed his recovery at home and resumed training in Brisbane as part of Australia’s preparations for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa. Having successfully cleared those sessions, Hazlewood is now back with the RCB team.

RCB have already secured a playoff spot but suffered a setback in their pursuit of a top-two finish after a high-scoring loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday. Hazlewood’s timely return boosts their chances of finishing in the top two, which would give them the advantage of two opportunities to reach the final.

Former India coach Anil Kumble emphasised the importance of Hazlewood’s return, noting on ESPNcricinfo’s Time Out, "The good thing for RCB is that they will play the last game and they will know exactly where they stand and what they need to do."

Despite his recent absence, Hazlewood remains the fourth-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2025. His 18 wickets have come at an impressive average of 17.27 and an economy rate of 8.44, demonstrating his impact across all phases of the innings. Behind him in the RCB attack are left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya with 15 wickets and pacer Yash Dayal with 10.

In Hazlewood’s absence, Lungi Ngidi was given opportunities but struggled to match his effectiveness. Ngidi will now miss the playoffs due to international duties with South Africa. Nuwan Thushara has yet to feature this season, and while Blessing Muzarabani has been signed as a replacement, his limited IPL experience makes Hazlewood’s return even more crucial.

This season also marks Hazlewood’s comeback following an injury-hit home summer where calf strains and a side injury forced him to miss several fixtures, including the third Test against India, the Sri Lanka tour, and the Champions Trophy. He is now in strong contention to start in the WTC final, likely replacing Scott Boland, after narrowly missing the 2023 final against India due to injury.

With IANS inputs