Hazlewood rejoins RCB ahead of IPL 2025 playoffs, bolstering top-two hopes

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have received a timely boost ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs, with Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood rejoining the squad ahead of their final league game against Lucknow Super Giants on May 27. The 34-year-old, who had returned to Australia during the league’s pause due to the India-Pakistan conflict, has recovered from a shoulder niggle and resumed full training.

Also read: IPL 2025: Gujarat’s outcome today could open doors for RCB; fierce race for top two spots

Hazlewood, who trained in Brisbane as part of Australia's World Test Championship final preparations, said he’s eager to hit the ground running. “It’s great to be back. I had a couple of productive weeks at home, bowled plenty of overs, and everything feels good,” he said in an RCB video released on May 25.

RCB have already secured a playoff spot, but their hopes of finishing in the top two remain uncertain. They will need to beat LSG and rely on other results, especially the outcome of the PBKS vs Mumbai Indians clash. A narrow win for Punjab would favour RCB, but a loss to LSG could push them into the Eliminator stage again.

Hazlewood has been RCB’s standout bowler this season, claiming 18 wickets in 10 games and currently ranking fourth on the overall wicket-takers list. His return strengthens a side looking to go beyond the playoffs and claim their maiden IPL title.