Hazlewood Returns to Bolster RCB Ahead of Crucial Playoff Push

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have received a major boost ahead of their final league match and the upcoming IPL 2025 playoffs with the return of Josh Hazlewood, who had been sidelined due to a shoulder injury. Despite missing games since April 27 and briefly returning to Australia during the IPL’s temporary shutdown caused by cross-border tensions, Hazlewood remains RCB’s highest wicket-taker this season with 18 wickets in just 10 games. He underwent rehab and trained in Brisbane as part of Australia's preparations for the World Test Championship final, and has now rejoined RCB after proving his fitness. His return is timely, especially after RCB’s recent loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, which dented their chances of a top-two finish that would give them two chances at reaching the final. As Anil Kumble noted, RCB will benefit from playing the last league game—against Lucknow Super Giants—since they’ll know exactly what’s required to secure a higher finish. Hazlewood’s consistency across all phases of the game has been key for RCB this season, with his 18 wickets coming at an impressive average of 17.27 and an economy rate of 8.44. In his absence, Lungi Ngidi failed to make a comparable impact and is now unavailable due to international commitments, while other backup options like Nuwan Thushara and Blessing Muzarabani lack either match time or top-level experience. Hazlewood's return not only strengthens RCB’s bowling attack but also boosts their playoff hopes as they look to regain momentum and push for their maiden IPL title.

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