Australian stimulator Josh Hazlewood joined Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Squad before the Indian Premier League (IPL) qualifying series, giving a significant boost to the franchise while they are continuing their first title. Hazlewood, leader of RCB’s counters this season with 18 counters of only 10 games, arrived in Lucknow in the early hours of Sunday, May 25, after an absence of two weeks due to a shoulder injury and the suspension of mid-season of the tournament.
The return of Josh Hazlewood – a big boost for RCB
Hazlewood’s return arrives at a pivotal moment for RCB, who should face Lucknow’s Super Giants in his last championship match on May 27 at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpaye Ekana Cricket Stadium. The team, led by Rajat Patidarhas already obtained a place in the playoff series, but put pressure on a finish among the two in the top two, which would give them a second crucial chance in the direct elimination stadium. The presence of Hazlewood should strengthen the Bowling attack by RCB, which fought in its absence, in particular by conceding more than 230 points in their recent defeat against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
The Australian fast launcher had played for the last time for the RCB on April 27 against Delhi Capitals (DC) before returning home when the IPL was temporarily suspended due to cross -border tensions between India and Pakistan. During his absence, Hazlewood underwent a rehabilitation to Brisbane, where he also formed as part of the preparations of Australia for the next Final of the World Test Championship (WTC) against South AfricaScheduled to start June 11 at Lord’s.
RCB expresses excitation after Hazlewood
The official RCB social media accounts confirmed Hazlewood’s return, sharing images and videos from his arrival in Lucknow with legends such as “He is here. Welcome, Josh Reginald Hazlewood!” And “Josh Hazlewood is back!” To what extent are we excited, 12th Man Army? ”
He’s here
ಬಂದ್ಬಿಟ್ಟ
వచ్చేసాడు
வந்துட்டான்
वो आगया
വന്നിരിക്കുന്നുWelcome, Josh Reginald Hazlewood! 🫡❤🔥 pic.twitter.com/pta5dx3n8
– Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@Rcbtweets) May 25, 2025
Josh Hazlewood is back! 🔥🫡
How excited are we, 12th Man Army? This is Royal Challenge presents RCB shorts.#Playbold # ನಮ್ಮ RCB # IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/jwdneqd8lz
– Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@Rcbtweets) May 25, 2025
Read also: IPL 2025 – Here is how RCB can finish in the top two even after a big defeat against SRH
In a video message, Hazlewood expressed his excitement: “It is obviously great to be back. A few weeks at home, took advantage of it, went to Brisbane and took a lot of steps. Everything was good. Hopefully the ball rolls again and, yes, wait impatiently tomorrow and start the practice.”
“Delighted to be back!” I hope the ball rolls again and start to train tomorrow ”: Josh Hazlewood 🤩
It is @bigbasket_com presents the newspapers RCB. 🎥#Playbold # ನಮ್ಮ RCB # IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/8fbpw3tuhk
– Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@Rcbtweets) May 25, 2025
Hazlewood’s impact on the RCB campaign was substantial. He took 18 windows at an average of 17.27 and a typing rate of 12.27, which itself makes the most effective among the 10 best counters this season. His ability to take counters both with the new ball and death played a decisive role in the success of RCB, and his return is considered a major boost to the aspirations of the team’s title.
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