Delilah D'Souza

Daijiworld Media Network- New Delhi

New Delhi, May 23: In what comes as a big boost for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood is likely to rejoin the squad just in time for the IPL 2025 playoffs, according to an ESPNcricinfo report.

The right-arm quick had flown back to Australia for rehabilitation after sustaining a shoulder niggle. Since then, Hazlewood has been training at Brisbane, preparing not only for a potential return to the IPL but also for the upcoming World Test Championship final against South Africa.

Hazlewood, who missed RCB’s recent high-voltage clash against Chennai Super Kings, has been a vital cog in the team’s bowling unit this season. Despite his brief absence, he remains the fourth-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2025 with 18 wickets from 10 matches, boasting an impressive average of 17.28.

RCB, currently riding high on form with eight wins out of 11 matches, are still in contention for a top-two finish. They are set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Lucknow this Friday before wrapping up their league stage with a showdown against Lucknow Super Giants.

With playoffs approaching fast, Hazlewood’s return could serve as the much-needed reinforcement the team needs to strengthen its bowling arsenal.

The BCCI recently announced the playoff venues for the 18th edition of the IPL. Qualifier 1 will be played on May 29 at New Chandigarh, while the Eliminator will take place on May 30 at the same venue. The action then shifts to Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium — the world’s largest cricket venue — for Qualifier 2 on June 1, followed by the grand IPL 2025 final on June 3.

RCB Squad:

Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, 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.