Reports | RCB’s bowling gets a lift as Josh Hazlewood set to return for the final stretch of IPL 2025
Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood is set to return to India to rejoin Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the remainder of their IPL campaign. Hazlewood, along with several other overseas players from various franchises, had earlier left the country after the IPL was temporarily suspended.
Like several of his teammates, Hazlewood had flown back to Australia after the IPL was put on hold amid rising border tensions. With the BCCI announcing a revised schedule and confirming the tournament’s resumption, uncertainty had lingered over the participation of Australian and South African players, especially with preparations underway for the World Test Championship final.
Hazlewood has been vital in RCB’s bowling unit, taking 18 wickets in just 10 matches. Although he sat out their previous league fixture due to a shoulder issue, concerns about his fitness were eased following his inclusion in Australia's squad for the WTC final.
RCB will resume their campaign on May 17 against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Bengaluru. However, with Hazlewood’s return timeline still unclear, his availability for that game remains uncertain.