Josh Hazlewood is on course to rejoin the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad for the IPL 2025 playoffs, after completing a rehabilitation program for a shoulder injury in Australia.
The right-arm pacer has been training in Brisbane as part of Australia’s preparations for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Before his injury, Hazlewood delivered an impressive season for RCB, claiming 18 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 17.27. He missed the team’s final league game before the tournament pause and returned to Australia for rehab.
According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, Hazlewood has shown positive signs during training and is likely to fly back to India for the playoffs. However, RCB is yet to confirm his return officially.
RCB has already qualified for the playoffs and will play Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday and Lucknow Super Giants on May 27.
The outcomes of these matches will determine their final position in the standings.
This IPL marks Hazlewood’s return to top-level cricket after a string of injuries.
He suffered a calf strain during the third Test against India last season and a side strain earlier, which sidelined him for much of the home summer.
He also missed tours to Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy.
Hazlewood is expected to feature in the WTC final against South Africa, likely replacing Scott Boland in the Australian playing XI.
He narrowly missed the 2023 final against India due to Achilles and side injuries.
Australia’s players and support staff currently in Australia will depart for the UK on May 29, while IPL-bound players will join the squad after their respective campaigns conclude.
The BCCI has scheduled the IPL 2025 final for June 3, leaving finalists with limited time to prepare for the WTC final.
Pat Cummins and Travis Head are expected to finish their IPL stints with Sunrisers Hyderabad by May 25.
Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc has opted not to rejoin the Delhi Capitals for the resumed tournament.
Other squad members, including Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, and reserve Brendan Doggett, are currently playing county cricket in England.
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