IPL 2025: Josh Hazlewood returns to RCB in a major boost for Rajat Patidar-led side ahead of playoffs

In a major boost for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the playoffs in the ongoing season of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood confirmed his availability for the remaining matches of the season.

Hazlewood, who had been recovering from a injury back home, will be available for selection in RCB’s final league match of the season, against Lucknow Super Giants in Lucknow on Tuesday which will be taking place exactly a month since his last appearance for the Rajat Patidar-led franchise.

Lost and Found 🤔 pic.twitter.com/jthyWfoC8o

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 24, 2025

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The 34-year-old’s return is a massive boost for the three-time runners-up in their quest for a maiden IPL title this year, given he is their leading wicket-taker this season and the fourth-highest overall with 18 wickets in 10 matches at an average and economy of 17.27 and 8.44 respectively.

RCB have already qualified for the playoffs and currently occupy the third spot on the points table, having dropped a position following their 42-run defeat at the hands of Sunrisers Hyderabad in Lucknow on Friday.

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With Hazlewood back in their attack, Patidar and Co will be hoping to defeat LSG in the 70th and final league match of the season and try and secure a top-two finish – which will give them two attempts at reaching the final.

Hazlewood back just in time for RCB in their quest for a maiden IPL title

Hazlewood’s participation, along with that of Delhi Capitals' pacer and compatriot Mitchell Starc , was in doubt after the ongoing IPL season was suspended for a week earlier this month due to an armed conflict between India and Pakistan.

Both pacers are expected to play a major role for Australia in the ICC World Test Championship final against South Africa that gets underway at Lord’s on 11 June – eight days after the IPL final as per the revised schedule.

Hazlewood, additionally, had been undergoing rehab for the shoulder issue that forced him to miss RCB's thrilling victory over fierce rivals Chennai Super Kings at the Chinnaswamy.

However, while Starc has opted against returning to India after returning home following the week-long suspension, Hazlewood has made himself available for the remaining games.

Hazlewood’s RCB teammate Lungi Ngidi has returned to India and had played Friday’s match against the Sunrisers, proving expensive with figures of 1/51. The South African pacer, however, is set to miss the playoffs with the Proteas requiring all of their WTC-bound players to return from the IPL latest by 26 May.