Josh Hazlewood Unlikely to Return for IPL 2025 Remainder Due to Shoulder Injury. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will suffer a considerable blow as their main fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood, is unlikely to get a return for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season. The Australian speedster has a shoulder niggle that kept him out of RCB’s last match before the suspension of the tournament.
Josh Hazlewood was leading wicket taker for RCB
Hazlewood has been the main man for RCB this season. He has taken 18 wickets in 10 matches so far. He was left out on May 3 due to the injury from the fixture against the Chennai Super Kings. The Australian was so doubtful after the injury that his participation against Lucknow Super Giants was already uncertain before the suspension of the IPL on May 9 over the rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
If the IPL resumes on or about May 16, Hazlewood may not be available. Cricket Australia, however, will be cautious, according to speculations. They want to ensure that he is fit for the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa, beginning on June 11 at Lord’s. Hazlewood is expected to join Australia’s conditioning camp for a short duration once he arrives in England in early June.
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Filling Hazlewood’s shoes will be a challenge for RCB’s management. Considerations toward injecting some new life into the bowling attack with one or two replacements from within the squad or amongst the pool of unsold players will surely be made. The team is aiming for a strong finish in the tournament.
His consistent match-winning performances have been important to RCB’s campaign. He will need to replace him to repurpose and adjust strategies for the final stages of IPL 2025.
