News India Live, Digital Desk: After several speculation and reports, Josh Hazlewood has finally returned to India to join India for the remaining matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Hazelwood has been included in the team just before the playoff stage, for which RCB was in dire need of the Australian fast bowler to help win their first IPL trophy.
Although RCB can include them in their last league-step game, which is on 27 May, but as the situation is, Hazelwood is now available by RCB, after sitting out for some time due to a shoulder injury. The team announced his arrival in a very brilliant way, first with a social media post in which his Cricket Australia Kit Bag was a picture and the caption was “Khoya and Paaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Hazelwood has been the highest wicket -taking bowler this season, he has taken 18 wickets despite playing only 10 matches. He last played for the team on 27 April and returned to Australia when the IPL was temporarily suspended after cross -border tension between India and Pakistan. After the rehab period at home, there were reports of his return a few days ago. He was training in Brisbane as part of Australia’s preparations for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa and became quite good to return to RCB from those sessions. On Sunday morning, the team officially reported the return of Hazelwood, posted a welcome picture of him with the caption, “He is here.”
Effect of hazelwood in playoffs
RCB is already in the playoffs, but he was shocked after losing to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday, which has reduced their chances of staying in the top two in the IPL 2025 points table. Although the possibilities are not over, the involvement of Hazlewood may promote them. The top two places ensure two opportunities to reach the final, and in that case the Australian return is on time for the team.
Despite getting a long break in matches, Hazelwood remains the fourth highest wicket -taking bowler in IPL 2025, his 18 wickets at an average of 17.27 and an economy rate of 8.44. When Hazelwood returned home, Lungi Engidi was replaced, but he did not get that much success. He will not be in the playoffs for RCB as he has returned home for national duties.
Hazelwood returned to the domestic summer with IPL 2025 after tackling his calf injury and then the side problem. He missed out on parts of the Test series against India in December last year and was later dropped from the Sri Lanka tour and the Champions Trophy 2025. Now he is expected to return to Australia in the next month’s WTC final.
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