Amid growing concerns over losing their premier pace weapon due to injury and international tensions between India and Pakistan, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have received a major boost. Despite being on the back foot after a disappointing loss to an already-eliminated Sunrisers Hyderabad, the team has welcomed the return of Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood just ahead of the playoffs.
Hazlewood missed three matches this season due to a shoulder injury and briefly returned home. Yet, he remains RCB’s leading wicket-taker, with 18 wickets in 10 matches, placing him fourth overall in the tournament’s top wicket-takers list. His inclusion is set to significantly strengthen RCB’s bowling attack as they push for a top-two finish in the league standings.
While recovering in Australia, Hazlewood had also begun preparations for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, where Australia will face South Africa at Lord’s on June 11—well after the IPL concludes.
RCB, who recently secured a playoff berth, are currently third on the points table with 17 points from 13 matches. However, their 189-run chase against Sunrisers fell short, denting their hopes of finishing in the top two. Their final league match is scheduled for May 27 against the Lucknow Super Giants, and Hazlewood’s return ahead of this crucial fixture is a timely gain.
Speaking to ESPNcricinfo, Indian spin legend Anil Kumble remarked, “It’s a good thing for RCB that they’re playing the last match of the league stage. By then, they’ll know exactly what needs to be done to qualify in a stronger position.”
In Hazlewood’s absence, South African pacer Lungi Ngidi tried to fill the gap but won’t be available for the playoffs due to national commitments. As a replacement, RCB have roped in Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani.
Hazlewood, returning after a break, has delivered at an average of 17.27 and an economy rate of 8.44 this season. Behind him in RCB’s wicket charts are Krunal Pandya (15 wickets) and Yash Dayal (10 wickets). Also part of the squad is Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara, who is yet to feature in a match this season.
As RCB chase their first-ever IPL title, they enter the playoffs with a mix of optimism and pressure — strengthened by Hazlewood’s return, but still dealing with the weight of expectations and recent setbacks.
UA / TDS
