Josh Hazlewood Set to Rejoin RCB for IPL 2025 Playoffs

Josh Hazlewood is all set to rejoin Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs. This news comes as a big boost for the franchise, who are already in red-hot form this season.

Hazlewood had returned to Australia earlier in the tournament due to a shoulder niggle. The IPL faced a brief suspension due to India-Pakistan border tensions, and during that time, the pacer focused on his recovery. He trained in Brisbane to prepare for the World Test Championship final against South Africa.

Despite missing the clash against Chennai Super Kings, Hazlewood has been impressive this season. He has taken 18 wickets in 10 matches, averaging just 17.28. He currently sits as the fourth-highest wicket-taker of the season.

RCB have won eight out of their 11 games. They are second in the points table and will face Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23 at Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Their final league-stage match is against Lucknow Super Giants.

The IPL playoff venues were confirmed earlier this week. New Chandigarh will host Qualifier 1 on May 29. The Eliminator will be played the next day, on May 30.

RCB head coach Andy Flower provided another positive update. He confirmed that captain Rajat Patidar is fit to play after suffering a hand injury while fielding.

“Rajat gave his right hand some time to heal after a tough knock. He’s ready to bat, which is great news,” said Flower.

RCB’s squad now looks stronger with both Hazlewood and Patidar returning. The team will look to carry their momentum into the playoffs.

RCB Squad for IPL 2025 Playoffs:

Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Blessing Muzarabani, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Liam Livingstone, Swapnil Singh, Philip Salt, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara.

RCB will aim to lift their maiden IPL title this season, and Hazlewood’s return could make a decisive difference.

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