IPL 2025: Josh Hazlewood set to return to RCB for the playoffs

According to reports published on ESPNCricinfo, Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Josh Hazlewood is all set to return to the franchise in the IPL 2025 playoffs after completing his rehabilitation for a shoulder niggle in Australia.

Notably, Hazlewood missed RCB's last match before the IPL got suspended due to the India and Pakistan cross border tensions. He returned to Australia and since then he has been training in Brisbane as part of the Australia’s camp for the WTC 2025 Final vs South Africa.

It’s important to note that Hazlewood has scalped 18 wickets from 10 games at an average of 17.27 this season to emerge as the franchise’s leading wicket-taker. With him responding well in the Australian camp, he has decided to return to India, while his final confirmation to the franchise is still pending.

Notably, RCB has two league games before concluding their league phase. They will next take on the Sunrisers Hyderabad on Friday, May 23 and then on the Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday, May 27. Both contests will be held in Lucknow.

Interestingly, only Hazlewood and Punjab Kings keeper-batter Josh Inglis are expected to be a part of their franchises during the playoffs while all other Australian players will take part in the WTC 2025 Final camp from May 29 in the United Kingdom.

With the SRH not part of the playoffs, skipper Pat Cummins and opening batter Travis Head will end their campaign on May 25 while the Delhi Capitals pacer Mitchell Starc decided not to return to the tournament. 

Other Aussie players like Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Beau Webster and travelling reserve Brendan Doggett are currently playing county cricket in England. Notably, the IPL 2025 grand finale is scheduled to take place on Tuesday, June 3 while the WTC Final will take place at Lord’s from June 11.

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