IPL 2025: Josh Hazlewood set to join RCB squad despite injury concerns

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Josh Hazlewood was initially reported as unavailable for the rescheduled Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. However, as per recent reports, the right-arm fast bowler will now be available for the final leg of the tournament despite an ongoing injury concern for the tall pacer. The exact date of his arrival is yet to be confirmed, though.

Hazlewood has been selected for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final between Australia and South Africa, which is scheduled to begin on June 11 at the Lord's. The reports indicate that many overseas players may miss the remainder of the IPL due to the collision of their international commitments. But, the pacer’s availability comes as a significant boost for RCB.

According to Hindustan Times, the Australian pacer was in his top-form for the Bengaluru-based franchise and picked up 18 wickets in 10 innings at an economy rate of 8.44. The 34-year-old had undergone rehabilitation earlier this year to recover from a string of injuries, including a side strain and a calf issue.

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The Bengaluru side is also awaiting confirmation from Jacob Bethell and Lungi Ngidi for their presence during the playoffs stage, if they qualify. Because, the overseas stars have their respective national duties colliding with the playoffs schedule of the current IPL season, which was pushed back following a series of geopolitical events in the country.

Meanwhile, RCB are currently second in the IPL 2025 points table with eight victories in 11 matches. The first clash for the Rajat Patidar-led team will be against the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 17 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

The win against KKR will take the Rajat Patidar-led side to the playoffs stage with 18 points. RCB’s remaining fixtures of the league stage will be against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 23 and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27.