IPL 2025: Josh Hazlewood likely to join RCB squad ahead of playoffs

Star pacer Josh Hazlewood is likely to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs. The pacer has been coming through a period of rehab on a shoulder niggle back in Australia, according to ESPNcricinfo.

The 34-year-old speedster had earlier flown back to Australia following the one-week suspension of the IPL 2025. Following his return, he was training in Brisbane for the upcoming World Test Championship final.

The title clash is set to be played between Australia and South Africa.

In the IPL 2025, Josh Hazlewood is the fourth-leading wicket-taker. So far, having featured in 10 matches, the pacer has bagged 18 wickets for the Bengaluru-based franchise with an average of 17.28.

In the ongoing tournament, the Rajat Patidar-led RCB has already qualified for the playoffs on the back of stunning performances in all three departments of the game. So far in 12 matches, they have clinched eight wins.

Bengaluru are left with two of their IPL 2025 group stage matches, which are scheduled to be played against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Lucknow Super Giants. Ahead of these matches, RCB will aim to seal a place in the top two spots of the playoffs. Recently, the side announced Tim Seifert as the replacement of Jacob Bethell for the remainder of the tournament.

Earlier, the venues for the playoffs of the 18th season of the Indian Premier League were unveiled on Tuesday. According to the latest schedule, Qualifier 1 will be hosted in New Chandigarh on May 29, featuring the top two-ranked sides, followed by an engrossing Eliminator clash on May 30.

Along with the New PCA Stadium, Ahmedabad`s Narendra Modi Stadium, the world`s largest cricket stadium, will serve as the venue for an electrifying Qualifier 2 on June 1 and the grand final of the 18th edition of the cash-rich league on June 3.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Tim Seifert, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Rajat Patidar (c), Jitesh Sharma (wk), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Blessing Muzarabani, Yash Dayal, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Liam Livingstone, Swapnil Singh, Philip Salt, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara.

(With ANI Inputs)

This article first appeared on Mid Day