Josh Hazlewood's RCB comeback date revealed

In a recent development, Australian pace bowler Josh Hazlewood is all set to rejoin the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. The veteran pacer will be available for selection for the playoff matches, strengthening RCB’s bowling attack at a crucial time.

Overseas players, including Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Tim David, and Lungi Ngidi, rejoined the RCB team after the resumption of the tournament.

However, fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Josh Hazlewood. Notably, the veteran cricketer has been recovering from a shoulder injury.

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Josh Hazlewood Set to Rejoin RCB Squad Ahead of IPL 2025 Playoffs

Josh Hazlewood is expected to rejoin the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad by Sunday, May 25, just ahead of Qualifier 1 of IPL 2025, according to Vishesh Roy from the Hindustan Times. The Australian fast bowler is currently training at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane.

"Update on Hazlewood: The pacer continues to train at Centre of Excellence in Brisbane. The plans are for him to link up with the RCB squad by Sunday ahead of Qualifier 1. #IPL2025," Vishesh Roy wrote on X (formerly known as Twitter).

Update on Hazlewood: The pacer continues to train at Centre of Excellence in Brisbane. The plans are for him to link up with the RCB squad by Sunday ahead of Qualifier 1. #IPL2025 https://t.co/BdFXJe4I68

— Vishesh Roy (@vroy38) May 21, 2025

Josh Hazlewood’s Recent Career Hampered by Repeated Injuries

Hazlewood’s recent career has been disrupted by recurring injuries, including a calf strain that sidelined him from key events like the Border-Gavaskar Trophy and the Champions Trophy. However, he made a strong return in IPL 2025 and became a key part of RCB’s bowling lineup.

His campaign was again marred by a shoulder injury. Hazlewood has since resumed bowling, with a viral net session against Sam Konstas.

With reports now confirming his return to India for the playoffs, RCB will be relieved to have their pace spearhead back for the marquee tournament.

The IPL restarted on May 17 with a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but the game was called off without a single ball bowled due to rain. RCB is second on the points table with 17 points from 12 matches.

Josh Hazlewood Among Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Top Purchases in Last Year’s Mega Auction

Josh Hazlewood was one of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s most expensive buys at last year’s mega auction. Purchased for Rs 12.5 crores, he proved his worth by taking 18 wickets in 10 matches.

The right-arm pacer is RCB’s leading wicket-taker and ranks third overall among this season’s bowlers. Hazlewood delivered consistent bowling, especially in the death overs.

RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, recently shared updates on Hazlewood’s recovery, highlighting the collaboration between Cricket Australia’s medical team and RCB’s staff. Hazlewood is expected to return before the playoffs.

Having secured a playoff spot on May 18, RCB stands to benefit greatly from Hazlewood’s comeback. His presence could be a key advantage as the team prepares for the high-pressure Qualifier matches.

Also read: Pakistan T20 squad for Bangladesh announced; Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan thrown OUT