Josh Hazlewood is likely to make his comeback for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the IPL 2025 playoffs. After dealing with a shoulder injury, Hazlewood has been undergoing rehabilitation in Australia.
Hazlewood returned to Australia when the IPL took a break, missing RCB’s last match before the suspension. His rehab in Brisbane has been part of his preparation for the World Test Championship final. “Josh has emerged well from the sessions,” a source told ESPNcricinfo. Although his return to India isn’t yet finalised, optimism surrounds his recovery. Hazlewood has performed impressively, bagging 18 wickets at an average of 17.27 across ten matches this season.
RCB are already through to the playoffs, and their final league games against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants will define their playoff path. The IPL marked Hazlewood’s return after an unfortunate run with injuries last summer, including a calf strain and a side problem during the Test series against India. These setbacks sidelined him from the Sri Lanka tour and the Champions Trophy.
With the WTC final against South Africa approaching, Hazlewood is expected to be in Australia’s XI, replacing Scott Boland. He barely missed the 2023 final against India due to Achilles and side injuries.
Players and staff remaining in Australia plan to leave for the UK on 29 May. Those involved in the IPL, like Hazlewood and Josh Inglis, will head over once their commitments end. The IPL final on 3 June will provide limited preparation time for the South Africa match if they stay till the end.
Meanwhile, Captain Pat Cummins and Travis Head are finishing their IPL stints with Sunrisers Hyderabad. Mitchell Starc decided against rejoining Delhi Capitals, and other players like Marnus Labuschagne and Cameron Green are currently playing county cricket in England.
Andrew McGlashan, who is a deputy editor at ESPNcricinfo, provides this update.
