RCB get massive boost as Josh Hazlewood set to return vs....

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have finally received some positive update on their key paceman Josh Hazlewood ahead of their crucial match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on April 5 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Chennai.

Josh Hazlewood had joined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) last week for the ongoing 2026 season, but he was not available for selection for their first match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) as he was recovering from hamstring and Achilles tendon injuries.

The Australian superstar was retained by the RCB for a whopping ₹12.50 crore after his remarkable performance in the 2025 season, where he scalped 22 wickets and played a big role in helping the team win their maiden IPL title. However, after missing the season opener, he is set to boost RCB’s bowling attack soon.

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Josh Hazlewood bowls in nets for RCB, likely to return vs CSK

As reported by Revsportz, Josh Hazlewood is very close to making his comeback. It is being said that the Australian fast bowler spent almost an hour bowling in the nets, and the signs were really encouraging.

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There has been a thought that he has recovered well, and there is now a pretty decent chance that he might be ready to play in the RCB’s big match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

In case Cricket Australia and Royal Challengers Bengaluru avoid rushing him against the CSK, Hazlewood is all but confirmed to feature in the defending champions’ following IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 10 at the Barsapara Stadium in Guwahati.

Josh Hazlewood turns up the heat in nets

Speaking about his practice session, Josh Hazlewood looked in solid touch as he started by bowling a few fuller balls and then shifted to a normal good length. After avoiding his trademark hard length for the first 30–40 minutes, he suddenly charged in and hit the pitch hard with a sharp, short ball.

It was like Hazlewood wanted to show Cricket Australia that he was ready to push himself again. The fast bowler completed his spell without trouble and then shifted focus to catching drills. He looked relaxed, and the signs were positive. Now, all eyes are on the CA and RCB over the big call.

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RCB ready to take on struggling CSK with fresh confidence and fierce form

Well, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru are currently confident ahead of the CSK match at home. After a six-wicket win over SRH on March 28, the defending champions are refreshed for this game. RCB have a solid and settled top order led by Virat Kohli and well supported by in-form Devdutt Padikkal.

However, RCB’s real improvement is in the bowling. Jacob Duffy’s accurate short balls troubled SRH, and RCB may bring in left-arm pacer Mangesh Yadav for more variety against the five-time champions in Bengaluru. Spinners Krunal Pandya and Suyash Sharma have delivered tight middle overs and will now aim to control CSK’s strong middle order in their next IPL 2026 clash.