Josh Hazlewood’s return to RCB for IPL 2025 playoffs still uncertain

Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is all set to return to the IPL 2025 playoffs with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after recovering from a shoulder injury. Following a rehabilitation period in Australia, the fast bowler is expected to rejoin the team in India for the final stages of the tournament.

Josh Hazlewood missed Royal Challengers Bengaluru's final match before the IPL 2025 was suspended. The pacer returned to Australia during the break and has been training in Brisbane in preparation for the much-awaited ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 final against South Africa next month.

Josh Hazlewood’s Return to RCB for IPL 2025 Playoffs Still Uncertain

Josh Hazlewood has reportedly recovered well from his rehab sessions and is expected to return to India for the IPL playoffs. However, his return is not yet confirmed.

SHORTS

View More

Your daily dose of cricket!

Loading...

According to ESPNcricinfo, most of the Australian squad will depart for the UK on May 29 to prepare for the World Test Championship final starting June 11. Hazlewood and Punjab Kings batter (PBKS) Josh Inglis will join the national team after finishing their IPL commitments.

Both players are the only ones from Australia’s Test squad participating in the IPL playoffs, which conclude on June 3, leaving limited time to prepare for the WTC final against South Africa if they stay until the end.

Josh Hazlewood Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Best Bowler in IPL 2025

Hazlewood has been Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s best bowler in IPL 2025 and missed their game against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) due to a shoulder issue.

RCB have secured a playoff spot and have two remaining league matches. They will take on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in their final fixtures. The outcomes will be crucial to finishing in the top two of the standings.

Hazlewood, who was bought for ₹12.5 crore in last year’s mega auction, has justified his price tag by taking 18 wickets in 10 games. He is the leading wicket-taker for RCB and ranks fourth overall among bowlers this season. Hazlewood’s return would be a big boost as RCB prepare for the playoffs.

Josh Hazlewood Set to Play his First World Test Championship Final

Josh Hazlewood is set to play his first World Test Championship final after missing the 2023 final against India due to Achilles and side injuries.

Hazlewood suffered a calf strain in the third Test against India and missed several matches, including the Sri Lanka tour and the Champions Trophy. He made his comeback during the IPL 2025 season.

The fast bowler is now expected to replace Scott Boland in Australia's playing XI for the WTC final against South Africa. With less than a week between the IPL final and the WTC clash, Hazlewood will be keen to make the most of the limited preparation time.

Meanwhile, Sunrisers Hyderabad duo Pat Cummins and Travis Head will leave India on May 25 to prepare for the WTC final. Mitchell Starc has decided not to rejoin the IPL with Delhi Capitals (DC).

Also read: Soumya Sarkar ruled out of Pakistan T20Is; Bangladesh name replacement