In a massive news that will put a smile on the face of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans, their veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood joined the franchise’s camp in Lucknow on Sunday morning.
Hazlewood had suffered a shoulder niggle and went back to Australia to undergo a rehab after the suspension of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) due to India-Pakistan conflict.
Though IPL resumed on May 17, Josh Hazlewood did not return to India initially. Doubts loomed over his fitness. But as it turned out, the speedster is now fit and raring to go ahead of RCB’s final league match of the season scheduled against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27.
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Josh Hazlewood Joins RCB Camp Ahead of IPL 2025 PlayoffsÂ
Hazlewood, who last played an IPL match on April 27, has returned to India and will be available for RCB’s upcoming match versus LSG. Though it remains to be seen if the Rajat Patidar-led will risk putting him into the playing XI immediately as they have already qualified for the playoffs.
Earlier reports suggested that the 34-year-old will not take part in the phase two of IPL 2025 as he reportedly wanted to ensure he remained fit for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final between Australia and South Africa. But the Aussie has given his full commitment to RCB, who are aiming to win their maiden IPL title.
As Hazlewood linked up with the RCB squad in Lucknow, the team shared this update on social media.
"He's here. Welcome back, Josh Reginald Hazlewood!" RCB posted on X.
Hazlewood talked about his rehab in Brisbane upon his arrival in India.
"Yeah obviously, it's great to be back. Made the most of the last week in Brisbane and bowled quite a few overs. Everything is feeling very good. Hopefully, will get the ball rolling. Looking forward to practice," said Hazlewood as quoted in a video shared by RCB on social media.
Josh Hazlewood’s Performance in IPL 2025
Hazlewood has been the best RCB bowler in IPL 2025. He has claimed 18 wickets in 10 matches at an economy-rate of 8.44.
In his absence, RCB lost to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) by 42 runs. Their bowlers were hammered all over the park in an innings that saw them conceding 231 runs.
Hazlewood’s return has come at a very crucial juncture. Though RCB have qualified for the playoffs, they need a win to give themselves a chance of securing a spot in the top-two.
