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Josh Hazlewood joins the RCB camp ahead of IPL 2025 playoffs
In a big boost for the team, Josh Hazlewood has finally returned to join the RCB camp following the IPL 2025 suspension. The primary seamer left India during the suspension with an injured shoulder. While the season resumed after a little over a week, Hazlewood's injury kept him from returning in time. Nonetheless, with his return, the signs are positive for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have already qualified for the IPL 2025 playoffs. The team has to play one last match at the group stage before the playoffs arrive. Meanwhile, the RCB vs LSG IPL 2025 match, their last league match, is significantly crucial as the last chance for RCB to make a lunge into the Top 2 of the points table.
Josh Hazlewood returns to the RCB camp for IPL 2025 playoffs
Before the IPL 2025 suspension due to the India-Pakistan conflict, Josh Hazlewood missed the RCB vs CSK game due to a shoulder niggle. After resumption, Hazlewood stalled his return as he continued his recovery process back at home in Australia. Despite the delay, RCB remained hopeful of his availability in the IPL 2025 playoffs. Following the resumption of the season, the RCB vs KKR match was abandoned due to heavy rainfall in Bengaluru. However, despite the additional halt, Hazlewood could not make a timely return.
Josh Hazlewood is back! 🔥🫡
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 25, 2025
How excited are we, 12th Man Army? This is Royal Challenge presents RCB Shorts.#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/JwDneqD8Lz
The season finally resumed for Bengaluru with the RCB vs SRH match, which was relocated to Lucknow from Chinnaswamy. While the team had already qualified for the playoffs, the match was crucial for RCB to qualify for the Qualifier 1. However, SRH beat the fan-favorites by 42 runs to push them to the third spot on the points table. Now, the RCB vs LSG match, also in Lucknow, is their last remaining chance to aim for a Top 2 finish.
Amid reports of Phil Salt also leaving the RCB camp ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs, the return of Josh Hazlewood is a welcome update. Overseas picks like Jacob Bethell and Lungi Ngidi have already left or are ready to leave before the playoffs to focus on their national duties. With the overseas assistance slipping away, Hazlewood now remains one of the most significant prospects for the final stage. Despite playing just 10 matches in the season so far, Hazlewood is still etched as the highest wicket-taker for RCB this season with 18 scalps in his account.
