Picture Credit: BCCI/IPL
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) side have received a massive boost as they set their eyes on their maiden title triumph in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. With the Rajat Patidar-led franchise already sealing a spot in the IPL 2025 playoffs, they have been boosted by the addition of Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood.
It is to be noted that Hazlewood was part of the RCB squad before the suspension of the tournament due to heightened cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, but returned to his home country. However, several overseas internationals made a return for the remainder of the season, but Hazlewood’s return was delayed as he was nursing a shoulder injury.
Josh Hazlewood rejoins RCB squad ahead of IPL 2025 playoffs
However, there were speculations going around Hazlewood return ahead of the playoffs, it came to a reality as the veteran pacer rejoined the side in Lucknow on Sunday morning, May 25. However, his participation in RCB’s final league stage fixture, where they are set to take on Lucknow Super Giants at the Ekana Cicket Stadium on May 27 is now known, he is likely to play a crucial role in the playoffs.
Taking to their official social media handles, RCB shared video of Hazlewood’s arrival with the caption reading, “Josh Hazlewood is back! How excited are we, 12 th Man Army?”
Furthermore, the Aussie pacer also expressed excitement on rejoining the side while adding that he is set to begin his practice from Monday, May 26. “It's obviously great to be back. A couple of weeks at home, (I) made the most of the last (as I) went up to Brisbane and bowled quite a few overs,” Hazlewood said in a video posted by RCB. “Everything has been good. Hopefully to get the ball rolling again and, yeah, look forward to tomorrow and start the practice,” he added.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s updated squad for IPL 2025
Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Liam Livingstone, Rasikh Dar, Suyash Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Nuwan Thushara, Manoj Bhandage, Jacob Bethel, Mayank Agarwal, Swastik Chhikara, Lungi Ngidi, Abhinandan Singh, Mohit Rathee
