Josh Hazlewood set for IPL 2025 return in a huge boost for RCB

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is all set to receive a major boost as the star Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood is confirmed to return for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. Josh Hazlewood had missed RCB’s last game before the IPL 2025 was suspended after suffering a shoulder injury.

Due to this, there were concerns that the Australian pacer would miss the remainder of the season, especially with his national team scheduled for the ICC World Test Championship (WCT) Final against South Africa next month in June.

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Big boost for RCB as Josh Hazlewood set to return for IPL 2025

Meanwhile, a Hindustan Times journalist revealed that Hazlewood will be returning to India to fulfill his IPL commitments with the RCB. However, the exact date of the seamer’s arrival is still being finalized, but his return is a big boost for RCB as they push towards the IPL 2025 playoffs.

He posted on his X handle on Thursday, May 15: “Some good news for RCB fans. Can confirm Josh Hazlewood is returning for the remainder of the #IPL2025 season. The exact date of his arrival is yet to be identified.”

Some good news for RCB fans. Can confirm Josh Hazlewood is returning for the remainder of the #IPL2025 season. The exact date of his arrival is yet to be identified.

— Vishesh Roy (@vroy38) May 15, 2025

Hazlewood has been a key force in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s bowling attack this season, picking up 18 crucial wickets. The Australian pacer has consistently stepped up in pressure moments, turning matches in RCB’s favor with his piercing pace and accuracy.

Australia monitors Josh Hazlewood's recovery

Earlier, ESPNcricinfo reported that Cricket Australia is focused on getting Josh Hazlewood ready for the WTC Final against South Africa at Lord’s. Australia is the defending WTC champion, and the upcoming final is a top priority for Cricket Australia, and Hazlewood’s recovery is being managed carefully to ensure he’s fit in time for the big match.

Read Also: IPL Team 2025 Players List: Full Squads, Captains, Key Players, and Team Updates

Meanwhile, Australian cricketers are expected to return for the IPL 2025, which will resume on Saturday, May 17, after a week-long suspension due to the India-Pakistan conflict. The tournament was suspended last Friday, but a ceasefire between the two nations has allowed it to restart.

Cricket Australia leaves IPL 2025 return to players after India-Pakistan ceasefire

Most Australian players, coaches, and commentators had flown back home over the weekend. However, Cricket Australia has now said that the decision to return to India for the remainder of the season is entirely up to them, and they will be fully supported either way.

CA’s national teams boss Ben Oliver was quoted as saying by AAP, “Each player will have experienced it differently. No doubt it was an extreme situation, and we feel it’s really appropriate to support their individual experience and decision.”

Notably, five key Australian players in line for the WTC Final are also regulars in IPL 2025, and they are Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins, Travis Head, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Inglis. Cummins and Head represent Sunrisers Hyderabad, who are no longer in the playoff race but still have three matches left.

On the other hand, Inglis (Punjab Kings), Starc (Delhi Capitals), and Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru) are still in contention for a spot in the playoffs. Their performances and fitness will be closely watched, with the WTC final just around the corner.