Josh Hazlewood Set To Return For RCB Playoffs After Shoulder Injury; Eyes IPL Comeback-OxBig News Network

IPL 2025: Australian tempo spearhead Josh Hazlewood is more likely to make a vital return to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad simply in time for the IPL 2025 playoffs. This comes as a giant increase for the franchise and their followers, particularly with the high-pressure knockout section on the horizon.

Hazlewood Might Return For IPL Playoffs

Hazlewood had flown again to Australia after lacking RCB’s final league match earlier than the mid-season break as a consequence of a shoulder niggle. He has since been present process rehabilitation in Brisbane beneath the supervision of Cricket Australia’s medical workers.

His restoration program was designed in coordination with the nationwide workforce’s build-up to the World Test Championship (WTC) ultimate in opposition to South Africa. Now, along with his rehab reportedly full, the pacer is predicted to rejoin the RCB squad in India quickly, though an official affirmation continues to be awaited.

A Stellar Season Interrupted

Before his damage, Hazlewood was in elegant kind selecting up 18 wickets in simply 10 matches at an outstanding common of 17.27. His accuracy, economic system, and talent to strike early made him RCB’s go-to pacer, particularly within the powerplay and demise overs.

His damage was a setback not just for RCB but in addition for Hazlewood, who had lastly discovered rhythm after an injury-plagued residence season the place he missed key fixtures together with the tour of Sri Lanka and components of the Champions Trophy as a consequence of a calf pressure and a aspect subject.

RCB’s Playoff Run: Hazlewood’s Timely Boost

RCB have already certified for the IPL 2025 playoffs and are set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday, adopted by Lucknow Super Giants on May 27 of their ultimate league fixtures. Hazlewood’s return couldn’t be higher timed because the workforce seems to iron out its bowling unit for the knockouts.

With RCB eyeing their maiden IPL title, the return of a senior worldwide pacer like Hazlewood brings much-needed expertise and firepower to their playoff arsenal.

The IPL 2025 playoffs will start on May 29 with Qualifier 1 in New Chandigarh, adopted by the Eliminator on May 30. The motion then strikes to Ahmedabad’s Narendra Modi Stadium host to Qualifier 2 on June 1 and the Final on June 3.

With 4 groups already confirmed Gujarat Titans, Punjab Kings, RCB, and Mumbai Indians the stage is ready for an intense showdown. Hazlewood’s presence may tilt the scales in RCB’s favor, particularly on surfaces like Ahmedabad’s that provide bounce and carry.

Hazlewood To Play In WTC 2025

While IPL stays his instant focus, Hazlewood can be in rivalry to characteristic in Australia’s enjoying XI for the WTC ultimate, more likely to edge out Scott Boland. Having missed the 2023 ultimate as a consequence of Achilles and aspect accidents, this could possibly be Hazlewood’s shot at redemption on the world stage.

He, together with Josh Inglis (Punjab Kings), will fly to the UK as quickly as their IPL commitments finish. With the WTC Final scheduled for June 3, there’s barely any respiration room particularly if RCB make it to the title conflict.

RCB’s Full Squad

RCB: Jacob Bethell, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Blessing Muzarabani, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Liam Livingstone, Swapnil Singh, Philip Salt, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara.