Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood has rejoined Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 playoffs, providing a significant boost to the franchise as they chase their maiden title. Hazlewood, RCB’s leading wicket-taker this season with 18 wickets from just 10 matches, arrived in Lucknow in the early hours of Sunday, May 25, after a two-week absence due to a shoulder injury and the mid-season suspension of the tournament.

Josh Hazlewood’s return – A big boost for RCB

Hazlewood’s return comes at a pivotal moment for RCB, who are set to face the Lucknow Super Giants in their final league match on May 27 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium. The team, led by Rajat patidarhas already secured a playoff berth but is pushing for a top-two finish, which would give them a crucial second chance in the knockout stage. Hazlewood’s presence is expected to bolster RCB’s bowling attack, which struggled in his absence, most notably conceding over 230 runs in their recent defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad.

The Australian fast bowler had last played for RCB on April 27 against Delhi Capitals (DC) before returning home when the IPL was temporarily suspended due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan. During his time away, Hazlewood underwent rehabilitation in Brisbane, where he also trained as part of Australia’s preparations for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africascheduled to begin on June 11 at Lord’s.

RCB expresses excitement on Hazlewood’s return

RCB’s official social media accounts confirmed Hazlewood’s return, sharing images and videos of his arrival in Lucknow with captions such as “He’s here. Welcome back, Josh Reginald Hazlewood!” and “Josh Hazlewood is back! How excited are we, 12th Man Army?”

In a video message, Hazlewood expressed his excitement: “It’s obviously great to be back. A couple of weeks at home, made the most of it, went up to Brisbane and bowled quite a few overs. Everything has been good. Hopefully to get the ball rolling again and, yeah, look forward to tomorrow and start the practice.”

Hazlewood’s impact on RCB’s campaign has been substantial. He has taken 18 wickets at an average of 17.27 and a strike rate of 12.27, making him the most effective among the top 10 wicket-takers this season. His ability to take wickets both with the new ball and at the death has been instrumental in RCB’s success, and his return is seen as a major boost to the team’s title aspirations.