Australia fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is expected to return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the IPL 2025 playoffs after recovering from a shoulder injury.
His last appearance comes in the game against Delhi Capitals on April 27, after which he returned home during the IPL suspension owing to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan.
He also missed RCB’s last outing against Chennai Super Kings due to the same shoulder issue. He then flew to Brisbane during the break for a closely monitored recovery process, which is confirmed by RCB director of cricket Mo Bobat.
Currently, he has been training in Brisbane for the World Test Championship final. Cricket Australia’s medical team is currently monitoring pacers’ progress, with regular communication maintained with the RCB management.
Hazlewood has been undergoing rehabilitation in Brisbane since the mid season suspension of the IPL, but the 34-year old is now reported to have regained fitness and is eyeing a comeback in time for RCB’s playoff fixtures.
“Our medical team and their medical teams have been liasing on what that detail look like, and he’s just taking it day by day,” said RCB Director of Cricket Mo Bobat.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have secured a spot in playoffs and have two matches remaining in the league stages against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23 and Lucknow Super Giants on May 26.
Josh Hazlewood has been in hot form this season, picking up 18 wickets at an average of 17.27 from 10 matches, making him RCB’s leading wicket taker and a crucial figure in their bid for a maiden IPL title.
Australia’s preparations for the World Test Championship Final against South Africa has cast doubt on the availability of several Australian and South African players for the IPL playoffs.
Hazlewood’s participation which remained uncertain amid these concerns, with Mitchell Starc opted not to return to India to focus on the WTC final.
Recently, RCB has signed Tim Seifert and Blessing Muzarabani as replacements for Jacob Bethell and Lungi Ngidi, who has been named in England squad and South Africa squad for the West Indies ODIs and WTC finals respectively.
