Josh Hazlewood will reportedly return to India soon to boost RCB’s IPL 2025 campaign, while the team awaits injury updates on captain Rajat Patidar.
Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood will return to India to rejoin Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the remainder of IPL 2025. The experienced right-arm seamer has taken 18 wickets in 10 matches this season, playing a key role in RCB’s campaign. He missed the last game due to a shoulder injury but was later included in Australia’s squad for the World Test Championship final, confirming his fitness.
Hazlewood, like several Australian players, returned home after the tournament was paused on May 9 amid India-Pakistan tensions. According to reports from the Hindustan Times, RCB expect him to arrive shortly, though the exact date is unconfirmed.
“Yes, Josh will travel to India. We are in discussion with the authorities about the exact date of his arrival,” a source close to Hazlewood was quoted as saying by HT.
The tournament resumes on May 17, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru facing Kolkata Knight Riders at M Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, Josh Hazlewood’s arrival date remains uncertain, putting his availability for the opening match in doubt.
Earlier, Cricket Australia announced full support for players who chose to return to India for the remainder of IPL 2025. Meanwhile, the England and Wales Cricket Board has granted no-objection certificates to its IPL-bound players until May 25. This was the original date for the IPL final before the schedule was revised. Due to this extended commitment, Jacob Bethell was excluded from England’s squad for the four-day Test against Zimbabwe, starting on May 29.
Meanwhile, doubts remain over the return of South African players like Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi due to national team preparations. RCB are still in playoff contention and will look to Hazlewood for a late-season boost as they chase their first IPL title.
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Last Updated on May 15, 2025
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