Josh Hazlewood has rejoined Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the remainder of IPL 2025, ahead of their crucial final league match against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27 in Lucknow. The Australian pacer returns after recovering from a shoulder injury that had sidelined him since early May.
Hazlewood underwent focused rehabilitation in Brisbane during the mid-season break and is now fully fit, expected to strengthen RCB’s bowling attack as they aim for a top-two finish. So far, Hazlewood has been RCB’s leading wicket-taker with 18 wickets in 10 matches at an economy of 8.44, including a four-wicket haul.
He missed RCB’s recent loss against Chennai Super Kings due to injury but is now back and eager to resume practice and match action. After the IPL, Hazlewood will join Australia for the World Test Championship final against South Africa starting June 11 at Lord’s.
RCB will be aiming to bounce back from a 42-run defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad and must beat LSG to keep their playoff hopes alive. Hazlewood’s return is seen as a key boost for the team’s bowling unit in this vital phase of the tournament.
