Revealed- Josh Hazlewood will join RCB playing 11 from which match?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have received a major boost ahead of the final league-phase game against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) and the playoffs of the IPL 2025 season. Veteran Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood rejoined the RCB camp in Lucknow after recovering from a shoulder injury.

The T20 tournament resumed on May 17, but RCB fans have been eagerly waiting for Josh Hazlewood’s return to strengthen their pace attack. There had been speculation that Hazlewood might skip the rest of the tournament to prepare for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final.

Watch: Josh Hazlewood Rejoins RCB Camp Ahead of Crucial IPL Phase

Josh Hazlewood had been sidelined with a shoulder issue. He was forced to miss the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium before IPL 2025 was suspended for one week.

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RCB's official X (formerly known as Twitter) account confirmed the return of Hazlewood. The franchise posted a photo of the Australian pacer arriving in Lucknow along with the caption: “Josh Hazlewood is back!”

Watch the video of the same posted by RCB on X below:

Josh Hazlewood is back! 🔥🫡

How excited are we, 12th Man Army? This is Royal Challenge presents RCB Shorts.#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/JwDneqD8Lz

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 25, 2025

Hazlewood has been the leading wicket-taker for RCB in the IPL 2025 season, claiming 18 wickets in just 10 matches at an average of 17.27 and an economy rate below 8.5. The Australian pacer has consistently delivered with both the new ball and in the death overs.

Made the Most of Last Week in Brisbane - Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood expressed his excitement about rejoining the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad. The pacer added that he had a productive week back home in Brisbane, where he bowled several overs and felt in good rhythm.

“Yeah obviously, it's great to be back. Made the most of the last week in Brisbane and bowled quite a few overs. Everything is feeling very good. Hopefully, will get the ball rolling. Looking forward to practice,” said Hazlewood.

“Good to be back! Hope to get the ball rolling again and start practice tomorrow”: Josh Hazlewood 🤩

This is @bigbasket_com presents RCB Bold Diaries. 🎥#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/8Fbpw3TUHK

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 25, 2025

RCB have already qualified for the IPL 2025 playoffs. However, they suffered a defeat in their recent match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). There is still uncertainty over whether Hazlewood will feature in RCB’s final league game against Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow.

How Can RCB Secure a Top-Two Finish in the IPL 2025 Points Table?

Royal Challengers Bengaluru are aiming to finish in the top two of the IPL 2025 points table. Teams finishing in the top two get an extra chance to reach the final. Only Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2016 have won the trophy after finishing outside the top two by winning three straight playoff games.

All four playoff-bound teams have an opportunity to finish in the top two. RCB will face Lucknow Super Giants in their final league match. If RCB loses against LSG, their chances of finishing in the top two will almost be over.

For RCB to secure a top-two finish, they must defeat LSG and rely on either Gujarat Titans (GT) or Punjab Kings (PBKS) losing their last games. If all three teams win, RCB will need a dominant victory over LSG to surpass PBKS on net run rate and claim second place.

Also read: Shubman Gill captain only for England tour? Ajit agarkar reveals how long BCCI will bear