Josh Hazlewood, Tim David to Return? RCB's Vijay Mallya Drops Biggest Hint post Qualifier 1 spot

Royal Challengers Bengaluru missed Josh Hazlewood and Tim David for the IPL 2025 match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in Lucknow on Tuesday, May 27. Former RCB owner Vijay Mallya spoke about the two overseas players' participation in the upcoming Qualifier 1 match against Punjab Kings (PBKS).

The Royal Challengers ended their league stage campaign on a high note, securing a six-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Stadium. RCB sealed their place in the top two of the IPL 2025 standings, confirming their spot in Qualifier 1, which is set to be played in Chandigarh on, May 29, Thursday.

Congratulations to RCB for Pulling Off a Phenomenal Win - Vijay Mallya

After RCB’s win against LSG, Vijay Mallya congratulated the Bengaluru team on their remarkable performance. He also expressed hope that the team would maintain their winning momentum along with the return of Tim David and Josh Hazlewood.

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"Congratulations to RCB for pulling off a phenomenal win over LSG tonight and setting a IPL record of away wins. Hopefully, strong momentum and return of key players will enable RCB to play bold en route to the IPL Trophy," Mallya posted on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Congratulations to RCB for pulling off a phenomenal win over LSG tonight and setting a IPL record of away wins. Hopefully, strong momentum and return of key players will enable RCB to play bold en route to the IPL Trophy.

— Vijay Mallya (@TheVijayMallya) May 27, 2025

Josh Hazlewood and Tim David’s Performances in IPL 2025

Josh Hazlewood has been the pick of the bowlers for RCB this season. He is the fourth-highest wicket-taker, taking 18 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 17.28 and an economy rate of 8.44. He rejoined the squad ahead of the game against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where RCB suffered a 42-run loss on Friday.

Meanwhile, Tim David sustained an injury while fielding near the boundary during that match. The 29-year-old had to leave the field after the incident, but he did return later to bat. David played a crucial role as a finisher, scoring 187 runs in nine innings at an impressive average of 62.33 and a strike rate of 185.14.

Josh Hazlewood Will Be Back in the Next Game - Jitesh Sharma

Speaking at the toss, RCB stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma said that Josh Hazlewood would be making a comeback in the playoffs. He emphasized Hazlewood’s importance to the team.

"Josh Hazlewood will be back in the next game. He's been one of our key bowlers and it's great to have him returning at such a critical stage," Jitesh confirmed at the toss.

After being asked to bat first, Lucknow Super Giants scored 227 runs for 3 wickets in their 20 overs. Captain Rishabh Pant returned to form in the team’s final game of the season, scoring an unbeaten 118 off 61 balls. Mitchell Marsh scored 67 off 37 balls, with four boundaries and five sixes.

Chasing the target, Royal Challengers Bengaluru got off to a flying start with an opening stand of 61 runs in just under six overs from Philip Salt (30) and Virat Kohli (54). However, LSG fought back, restricting RCB to 123 for 4.

RCB captain Jitesh Sharma stepped up with a remarkable unbeaten 85 off 33 balls. Mayank Agarwal, who remained not out on 41, and Sharma guided RCB to a comfortable victory by reaching 230 for 4 in 18.4 overs.

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