Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood is set to return to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad for the remaining matches of IPL 2025, providing a timely boost as the tournament resumes on May 17. According to a report by Hindustan Times, the fast bowler will soon fly back to India after IPL 2025 was suspended due to the India-Pakistan border tensions.
With a ceasefire now in place, the BCCI has confirmed that the season will continue with the final scheduled for June 3. Hazlewood, who has claimed 18 wickets in 10 matches this season, is expected to significantly strengthen RCB’s bowling lineup ahead of the playoffs.
“Yes, Josh will travel to India. We are in discussion with the authorities about the exact date of his arrival,” a source close to Hazlewood told Hindustan Times.
Hazlewood’s Injury and WTC Considerations
The Australian quick missed RCB’s last game before the IPL pause due to a shoulder injury, raising concerns over his fitness ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June. However, his imminent return suggests he has recovered well, and his participation would be crucial for both RCB and Australia’s WTC title defense.
RCB are currently in a strong position in the points table, and Hazlewood’s return adds both experience and firepower to their playoff push.
Other Foreign Players Returning to IPL 2025
Alongside Hazlewood, several other international players are also set to rejoin their IPL franchises. According to IANS, Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis are expected to join Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of their May 24 clash against Delhi Capitals (DC) in Jaipur.
Additionally, Marco Jansen, Xavier Bartlett, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Mitchell Owen have confirmed availability for PBKS and are likely to join the squad by May 16.
The availability of these players remains subject to changes depending on their WTC commitments, as both Inglis and Jansen are part of their respective national squads for the WTC final at Lord’s, starting on June 11.
IPL 2025 Resumption Key Dates
- IPL Resumes: May 17, 2025
- RCB’s Next Match: May 18, 2025 (TBD opponent)
- PBKS vs DC: May 24, 2025 in Jaipur
- IPL 2025 Final: June 3, 2025
- WTC Final (Australia vs South Africa): June 11, 2025 at Lord’s
Also read: WTC Final Winner to Receive Rs 30.79 Crore as Prize Pool Increases
Sources: NDTV, Hindustan Times, IANS
