RCB eyes big boost as Josh Hazlewood likely to return for IPL playoffs

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is likely to make a timely return to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad for the IPL 2025 playoffs after recovering from a shoulder niggle, according to a report by ESPNcricinfo.

Hazlewood, who returned home after missing RCB's last league match before the IPL’s mid-season break, has been undergoing rehabilitation in Brisbane. His training was aligned with Australia's preparations for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa.

Hazlewood has come through the rehab sessions successfully and is expected to rejoin RCB in India soon, as per ESPNcricinfo, although his return has not yet been officially confirmed.

Also Read: IPL 2025 playoffs race is still on- Can Gujarat Titans still seal a top two spot despite defeat to LSG? Their chances explained

Before his injury, the pacer had been in stellar form, taking 18 wickets at an impressive average of 17.27 in just ten matches this season. His presence will be a major boost for RCB, who have already secured a playoff berth and face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday, followed by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27 in their final two league games.

Hazlewood’s appearance in the IPL this year marked his return to competitive cricket after an injury-plagued home season. A calf strain during the third Test against India and a prior side issue ruled him out of key matches, including the tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy.

IPL Playoffs
The IPL playoffs are set to begin from May 29 with four teams already qualified: Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Mumbai Indians.

Earlier this week the BCCI had announced the venues for the playoffs of the 18th season, according to which, Qualifier 1 will be hosted in New Chandigarh on May 29, featuring the top two-ranked sides, followed by an engrossing Eliminator clash on May 30.

Also Read: Gujarat Titans find middle order silver lining in IPL defeat against Lucknow Super Giants

Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium will be the venue for the Qualifier 2 on June 1 and the grand final of the the cash-rich league on June 3.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad:
Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Blessing Muzarabani, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Liam Livingstone, Swapnil Singh, Philip Salt, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara.

Hazlewood in WTC
Looking ahead, Hazlewood is also expected to be part of Australia's playing XI in the WTC final, likely edging out Scott Boland. He had narrowly missed the 2023 final due to Achilles and side injuries.

Australia’s WTC squad members currently in the IPL—Hazlewood and Josh Inglis (Punjab Kings)—will depart for the UK after the IPL concludes.

The final is scheduled for June 3, leaving a tight turnaround for those making it to the tournament's climax.