Islamabad, 24 May 2025: Australia’s pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood is on track for a possible comeback in the IPL 2025 playoffs, following a successful rehabilitation period in Brisbane after managing a shoulder issue.
His return could be a timely boost for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who are preparing for the final leg of the tournament.
Hazlewood had returned to Australia after missing RCB’s last league fixture before the tournament pause. Since then, he has been training as part of Australia’s pre-World Test Championship (WTC) final preparations.
Sources close to the team have indicated that he completed his training sessions without any complications and may rejoin RCB soon, though official confirmation is still awaited.
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Strong Form Before Injury
Before his brief exit, Hazlewood had delivered one of his best IPL seasons, collecting 18 wickets in 10 appearances at an average of 17.27. His consistency and ability to deliver in crucial moments had been central to RCB’s progress to the playoff stage.
RCB, already qualified for the knockouts, still have two key fixtures in the league stage against Sunrisers Hyderabad (May 23) and Lucknow Super Giants (May 27). The results of these matches will determine their final seeding and path in the playoff bracket.
Hazlewood’s injury recovery comes after a turbulent home season plagued by multiple setbacks, including a calf strain during the third Test against India and an earlier side injury that ruled him out of the second Test. He was also absent from Australia’s tours to Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy.
Eyes Set on WTC Final
Should he return to full match fitness, Hazlewood is expected to reclaim his spot for the WTC final against South Africa, potentially edging out Scott Boland. He had narrowly missed the 2023 WTC final against India due to Achilles and side concerns.
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While most of the Australian Test squad is preparing in the UK, players still active in the IPL including Hazlewood and Josh Inglis (Punjab Kings) will join later, depending on their team’s progression. The IPL final is scheduled for June 3, just days before the WTC showdown.
Captain Pat Cummins and batter Travis Head will conclude their IPL stints with Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 25, while Mitchell Starc has opted out of a return.
Meanwhile, Marnus Labuschagne and others are maintaining form through county cricket ahead of the UK summer.
