Josh Hazlewood is currently recovering from a shoulder injury and is eyeing a return to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) playing XI for the upcoming playoff matches in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. Unlike his compatriot Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood chose to return to India after the brief suspension of the tournament.
During the break, Josh Hazlewood traveled back to Australia and has been undergoing training in Brisbane as part of the national team’s preparation for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final. He missed RCB’s final match before the IPL 2025 season was put on hold.
Having completed rehabilitation for his shoulder injury in Australia, Josh Hazlewood has resumed training and is gearing up for both the IPL playoffs and the WTC final.
Josh Hazlewood Set to Return to RCB XI for IPL 2025 Playoffs
Josh Hazlewood is expected to make his return to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) playing XI for the IPL 2025 playoffs. While there has been no official confirmation yet, an ESPNcricinfo report suggests that Hazlewood has responded well to recent training sessions and is likely to return to India soon.
Hazlewood has had an impressive tournament so far, claiming 18 wickets at an average of 17.27 in just ten matches. With two league matches remaining — against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Friday and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) on May 27 — RCB are well on track to qualify for the playoffs. The outcomes of these fixtures will determine their position in the final standings.
The Australian pacer had a challenging home season marred by injuries, missing the second Test in Adelaide due to a side strain and later suffering a calf injury during the third Test against India. These setbacks forced him to skip the ICC Champions Trophy and the tour of Sri Lanka.
Josh Hazlewood, who missed the 2021–23 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final against India due to Achilles and side injuries, is now on track for a return in the upcoming 2023–25 WTC final against South Africa. The Australian pacer has recovered well and is expected to be included in the playing XI, likely replacing Scott Boland.
Hazlewood’s absence in the previous final was a significant blow for Australia, especially given his experience and consistency in red-ball cricket. However, his timely recovery ahead of the 2023–25 final has given Australia a major boost as they prepare to take on South Africa in a high-stakes clash. With his ability to extract bounce and maintain relentless accuracy, Hazlewood is seen as a key figure in Australia’s pace attack alongside Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
His return comes at a critical moment, as the team looks to build on its recent success and capture another ICC title. Boland, who stepped up commendably in Hazlewood’s absence in previous matches, might have to make way despite solid performances. The final, set to be held in early June, will see a fully fit Hazlewood aiming to make a strong impact and help Australia secure the WTC crown.
As the extended IPL season nears its conclusion, Australian players and staff still involved in the tournament will leave for the UK on May 29. Among the Test squad members, only Josh Hazlewood and Josh Inglis (both from Punjab Kings) are set to feature in the playoffs.
The IPL final is scheduled for June 3, which means the players reaching the final will have less than a week to prepare for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final against South Africa, if they remain in the tournament until the end.
Travis Head and captain Pat Cummins will complete their campaign with Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 25. Meanwhile, Mitchell Starc has opted not to rejoin the Delhi Capitals for the remainder of the season. Other squad members — Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Beau Webster, and travelling reserve Brendan Doggett — are already engaged in county cricket in England.