Josh Hazlewood return to RCB IPL 2025 has been officially confirmed, bringing a major boost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the pacer joins the squad for the remaining matches.
Josh Hazlewood Return to RCB IPL 2025: Full Update After Injury Break
Hazlewood had been absent from RCB’s recent matches due to a shoulder injury and had reportedly flown back to Australia during the one-week IPL break. However, fresh updates suggest he’s now expected to rejoin the team in India soon, giving RCB a strong edge as the tournament nears its climax.
A source quoted by Hindustan Times confirmed, “Yes, Josh will travel to India. We are currently discussing his exact travel plans with the authorities.”
IPL Resumes After Safety Pause, Final on June 3
The IPL 2025 season took a short break due to rising geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan. The BCCI has now announced the revised fixtures, with matches resuming from May 17 and the grand finale scheduled for June 3.
While some overseas players may skip the rest of the season due to World Test Championship (WTC) final preparations, Hazlewood’s return is seen as a sign of commitment to RCB’s playoff ambitions.
🇦🇺 Cricket Australia Leaves Decision to Players
In a statement, Cricket Australia reiterated its neutral stance on the matter, stating:
“We support our players in making their own decisions regarding IPL participation.”
This statement clears the way for Hazlewood’s comeback and also hints that other Australian players might make similar calls.
Latest on Other RCB Overseas Stars
RCB’s overseas unit is going through some changes:
- Romario Shepherd has joined the squad recently, though his availability after May 29 (when the West Indies tour of England begins) is still unclear.
- Liam Livingstone, Phil Salt, and Jacob Bethell have also rejoined the team, but their duration of stay remains uncertain due to England’s white-ball series commitments.
Bethell is named in England’s squad for the West Indies tour, while Livingstone has been dropped from England’s limited-overs setup, which may allow him to stay longer with RCB.
Why Hazlewood’s Return Matters
Josh Hazlewood is one of RCB’s top wicket-takers and a key weapon in the pace attack. His return could strengthen the bowling unit significantly — especially in high-pressure playoff situations.
With big games coming up, his experience and consistency can be a game-changer for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Final Thoughts
RCB’s campaign in IPL 2025 gets a major boost with Hazlewood’s return. As they gear up for the final leg of the tournament, having their senior pacer back could be the difference between qualification and elimination.
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