Sat. May 31st, 2025

Big Boost for RCB: Hazlewood Rejoins Squad After Injury Layoff

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has received a significant mid-season injection with the recall of their star pacer Josh Hazlewood. The Australian pacer has returned to the RCB squad well ahead of the highly anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 playoffs, with fresh expectations from the fans and team-mates as the franchise aims to lift its first-ever IPL title.

Hazlewood, RCB’s bowling lineup resource, returned to Lucknow on the morning of May 25, having sat out the last fortnight with a shoulder problem. His timely return before RCB’s final league game against the Lucknow Super Giants on May 27 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium has pumped fresh confidence and purpose into the team.

Josh Hazlewood: RCB’s X-Factor

Josh Hazlewood has been Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s best performer in the ongoing IPL 2025 season. Before getting injured, he had emerged as RCB’s leading wicket-taker with 18 wickets in just 10 matches. His accuracy, speed, and ability to extract bounce are qualities of an extremely dangerous weapon, particularly in powerplay and death overs.

Josh Hazlewood – IPL 2025 Performance Summary:

Matches Played: 10
Wickets Taken: 18
Bowling Average: 17.27
Economy Rate: 8.44
Strike Rate: 12.27
Best Bowling Figures: 4/33
4-Wicket Hauls: 1

While Hazlewood was missing, RCB visibly struggled with their bowling attack. The worst of these was the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, where they conceded over 230 runs. The return of Hazlewood not only brings balance to the bowling attack but also increases the team’s confidence, especially when they are struggling to achieve a top-two position in the league table.

“He’s here. Welcome back, Josh Reginald Hazlewood!” went RCB’s tweet, which was soon flooded with comments of overjoyed fans.

Why Hazlewood’s Return Matters

Returning to the side could prove to be one of those unknown events that come at a crucial time for an empty side bereft of momentum, while everyone is trying to catch hold of one ahead of the playoffs. Finishing in the top two would mean RCB playing Qualifier 1, thereby giving them an additional chance in the final.

It’s more that he brings international experience and calmness in pressure situations, which can be the difference in knockout games. Also, having him around lifts some load off other bowlers so that they can bowl better as a unit.

And for any time going out to get their IPL match tickets, such a player instantly raises the stakes and excitement for the forthcoming fixture.

The Injury & Rehab Phase

Injury came as a blow for RCB, at a time when Hazlewood last played on 27th April against Delhi Capitals. Since the tournament was put on brief hold due to rising border tensions between India and Pakistan, Hazlewood returned home to Brisbane for rehabilitation.

During his recovery period, he made sure to keep training with a view not just to the IPL 2025 but also to Australia’s cricketing commitments. He attended a preparation camp for the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, scheduled to begin on June 11 at Lord’s. With the dual focus on recovery and fitness, Hazlewood returned to the IPL in good condition and ready for take-off.

RCB’s Road to the Playoffs

Led by the young and determined Rajat Patidar, RCB seems to have had a consistent season. A mixture of aggressive batters like Virat Kohli and Phil Salt makes for a good combination along with all-rounders like Liam Livingstone and Tim David. Nevertheless, bowling has been their Achilles heel.

The return of Hazlewood not only means an addition to the numbers but also an advantage from a strategy point of view. Picking early wickets will surely change the complexion of games in RCB’s favour. And with the play-offs demanding extreme discipline in execution, having someone like Hazlewood controlling the run flow is beyond value.

For people following Indian national cricket team merchandise, owing to his resurgence, Hazlewood shows how a player of his calibre maintains his prime across formats and leagues. You will also find great cricket player profiles, live cricket scores, match previews, fantasy cricket tips, cricket streaming platforms, and the latest RCB match updates for all fixtures.

Fan Reaction and Market Buzz

The 12th Man Army, as RCB fans are affectionately called, went Wild with joy as the return was announced for Hazlewood. It felt like a buzz across social media and fan forums. Shortly after the announcement, hashtags like #WelcomeBackHazlewood and #RCBStrongAgain started trending.

With growing excitement among fans, there seems to be a surge in demand for IPL match tickets for RCB’s upcoming matches. Online websites, including LiveMatches.in, have seen a surge in traffic as supporters are gearing up to see Hazlewood in action.

Likewise, dealers and e-commerce sites selling India national cricket team merchandise and cricket fan gear, fantasy cricket tips, and cricket equipment reviews have seen a renewed interest in their businesses. International reputation and current form make Hazlewood a favourite with fans again and a marketing high.

What Hazlewood Brings to the Table

Let’s take a closer look at what Josh Hazlewood brings to RCB:

Economical Bowling: Maintains an economy rate under 7.5, even on flat tracks.
Strike Bowler: Picks up wickets during crucial junctures—whether it’s the first over or the 18th.
Leadership: His experience rubs off on younger bowlers, helping them improve.
Fitness & Consistency: Despite injuries, he maintains his rhythm and game awareness.

With all these traits, Hazlewood is a total package, especially for high-pressure matches.

RCB’s Playoff Chances With Hazlewood

The entry of Josh Hazlewood changes the playoff picture for RCB dramatically. It was once seen as a batting-heavy side; RCB now boasts a bowling attack good enough to defend average totals. That balance was always the missing ingredient in their title run.

Now the immediate focus for the side is to get a win over the Lucknow Super Giants to bolster their chances of finishing in the top two. One win there with some magic spells from Hazlewood should set the tone for the knockouts.

Conclusion: RCB’s Title Dream is Alive

Josh Hazlewood’s return from injury isn’t just news—it’s a game-changer for Royal Challengers Bengaluru. It is a time when consistency and firepower are needed, and Hazlewood brings both. His recovery and fitness only go to underline the belief that champions rise at the right time.

With the title hunt for IPL 2025 getting escalated, RCB can breathe just a little. Be it picking up the trophy or not, one thing is for sure—an RCB with Josh Hazlewood is a team to be reckoned with.

For more updates, live cricket scores, match highlights, fantasy cricket tips, RCB match updates, and to buy IPL match tickets, check out LiveMatches.in. Stay ahead of the game by checking out India national cricket team merchandise, detailed cricket equipment reviews, and comprehensive cricket player profiles!