IPL 2025: Josh Hazlewood Returns to RCB After Injury, Boosts Playoff Push Ahead of Final League Game

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IPL 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru have received a timely shot in the arm just before the business end of IPL 2025, as Australian pace ace Josh Hazlewood has rejoined the squad following a period of rehabilitation for a shoulder injury.

After spending several weeks on the sidelines and returning home due to injury and international uncertainty, Hazlewood is back in India-and his presence couldn't be more crucial for the Red and Gold brigade.

Having last featured on April 27, Hazlewood had to pause his IPL campaign midway when tensions between India and Pakistan forced a temporary halt to the tournament. Simultaneously, he was nursing a shoulder niggle and opted to head back to Australia for rehabilitation. But now, fully recovered and refreshed, the tall quick is back in RCB colours just in time for their final league clash against Lucknow Super Giants and the impending playoffs.

Despite missing several matches, Hazlewood remains RCB's top wicket-taker this season. His 18 scalps in just ten appearances have come at a remarkable average of 17.27, and an economy rate of 8.44, placing him fourth in the overall wicket-takers list for IPL 2025. That stat alone underlines the sheer impact he has had-RCB's attack looked menacing with him leading the charge.

Hazlewood had been training in Brisbane as part of Australia's build-up for the upcoming World Test Championship final against South Africa. His positive progress in those sessions gave RCB the green light to fly him back to India. Now, he's set to slot right back into the XI, offering control in the Powerplay and menace at the death.

RCB have already sealed their playoff berth but their hopes of a top-two finish were dented after a run-fest loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad. Still, their destiny remains within reach, thanks to the fixture schedule. "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," former India captain Anil Kumble observed on ESPNcricinfo's Time Out show.

The bowling department has looked somewhat undercooked in Hazlewood's absence. Lungi Ngidi was brought in as cover, but the South African pacer couldn't quite replicate the Aussie's consistency and guile. With Ngidi now unavailable for the playoffs due to national duties, RCB were left scrambling for options. Nuwan Thushara is yet to make an appearance, while Zimbabwe's Blessing Muzarabani is set to link up as a late replacement-but lacks high-pressure IPL experience.

Left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya has chipped in with 15 wickets and young pacer Yash Dayal has claimed ten, but Hazlewood's return brings RCB not just quality, but calm-a proven campaigner with nerves of steel in crunch situations.

This IPL marks Hazlewood's return to competitive cricket after an injury-marred home summer. His comeback trail started after a calf issue in the third Test against India, followed by a side strain that ruled him out of the Sri Lanka tour and Champions Trophy. He narrowly missed out on last year's WTC final but is now firmly in contention to spearhead Australia's pace attack in this year's decider.

For now, though, RCB will hope their Aussie talisman can do what he does best-unleash fire with the new ball and guide them to that elusive IPL crown.