Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Josh Hazlewood is expected to return for the playoffs of IPL 2025, as per reports in ESPN Cricinfo. RCB have already qualified for the playoffs with two matches still remaining.
After the rained-out game against KKR on May 17, RCB will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday, May 23 in their penultimate league game in Lucknow.
Josh Hazlewood has picked up 18 wickets in 10 games so far in IPL 2025. The Aussie pacer played his last IPL match against Delhi Capitals on April 27 before the IPL was suspended for a week. He went back home with a shoulder niggle and was undergoing rehab in Brisbane.
Also Read: IPL 2025: Josh Hazlewood Gears Up for IPL Return, Likely to Join RCB in Playoffs
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Josh Hazlewood Has Been Injury Prone Recently
Latest reports in ESPN Cricinfo state that Hazlewood's rehab sessions went well and he is all set to return to India, although his return is yet to be confirmed. Back home, he was training for the upcoming WTC 2025 final against South Africa.
Hazlewood made a return in the IPL after being injury-prone throughout the summer. He missed the second and the third Test against India with calf and side strain issues. He also missed the tour to Sri Lanka and the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Also Read: IPL 2025: RCB Still Ponder Over Josh Hazelwood's Return, Latest Report Says He's Still In Brisbane
Talking about RCB's IPL 2025 campaign so far, they are placed second on the IPL 2025 points table heading into their match against SRH. They can finish in the top two if they win both their remaining games. After SRH on Friday, RCB play their last league game against LSG on May 27.
Hazlewood's Absence Adds Pressure To RCB Pace Attack
Hazlewood's availability remains a concern for RCB given the performance he has done for the franchise before the season was postponed. The side lacks in quality pace bowling attack and with Hazlewood's return a concern, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal will need to share the workload.
Also Read: “He’s Still Recovering” - Josh Hazlewood’s IPL 2025 Fate Uncertain, Informs Mo Bobat
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