Qualifier 1: Hazlewood Makes Comeback as RCB Face PBKS

In a major boost for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, their star pacer Josh Hazlewood is back in the playing XI. He returned to the franchise after nursing a shoulder injury.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru won the toss and opted to bowl first against Punjab Kings. The Qualifier 1 match is taking place on Thursday, May 29, at the New PCA Stadium in Mullanpur.

Patidar Confirms Hazlewood’s Return

RCB’s skipper Rajat Patidar confirmed during the toss that Josh Hazlewood has rejoined the team, replacing Nuwan Thushara.

“We will bowl first. Wicket looks very hard, decent covering of grass and will try to maximise the first few overs. Everyone gave more than 100 percent in the last game. Jitesh Salt and Kohli they were tremendous. One change for us. Hazlewood comes in place of Thushara,” Hazlewood said after winning the toss.

Why Hazlewood Missed RCB’s Games?

The Australian pacer missed the last few league games in the IPL 2025 after sustaining a shoulder niggle. There were also reports claiming that Hazlewood will miss the remaining matches due to the WTC final between South Africa and Australia.

The suspension of the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League helped the 33-year-old recover from his injury. In the previous match against Lucknow Super Giants, Hazlewood was on the bench, and Nuwan Thushara replaced him in the playing XI.

Hazlewood’s return will boost RCB’s bowling attack in the crucial fixture against PBKS. The seamer took 18 wickets at an economy of 8.44 in the 10 matches he has played so far.

Crucial Fixture

The winner of Qualifier 1 will directly play the final on Tuesday, June 3, at the Narendra Modi Stadium. The losing side will have another shot at entering the final through Qualifier 2, scheduled for the same venue on Sunday, June 1.

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