IPL 2025: RCB in trouble as Josh Hazlewood's injury clouds uncertainty over his presence for remaining tournament

As the talks of IPL 2025’s resumption are underway, all franchises are gearing up to regain the momentum they may have lost in the meantime from the suspension to the resumption of the tournament. Meanwhile, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru have also faced a big challenge to deal with after the tournament resumes.

In what seems to be a big setback for the in-form RCB side, the clouds of uncertainty are looming over the availability of their star in-form Josh Hazlewood. He sustained a shoulder niggle, which forced management to keep him away from the playing XI in the home game against CSK on May 3. His availability was also doubtful for the game against LSG that was scheduled to be played on May 9, if the tournament had not been suspended.

A report in ESPNcricinfo understands that, “a shoulder niggle had ruled him out of RCB's previous home fixture against Chennai Super Kings on May 3. He was a doubtful starter for RCB's next match against Lucknow Super Giants on May 9 before the tournament was suspended, and he may have missed the remainder of the season even if the tournament had not been interrupted.”

RCB might miss Josh Hazlewood, CA looks optimistic

Hazlewood was one of the key performers for RCB before the tournament was suspended by the BCCI due to the escalating cross-border rifts between India and Pakistan. The veteran Aussie speedster was the leading wicket-taker for his side in the tournament.

The 34-year-old had scalped 18 wickets in 10 innings, with a brilliant bowling strike rate of 12.27, including a four-wicket haul to his credit. He played a crucial role in RCB’s win in aa lot of crucial games.

Returning to Hazlewood’s injury, Cricket Australia is also optimistic about the star pacer’s availability for the national side of Australia for the upcoming World Test Championship 2025 Final against South Africa. CA expects his selection in the Test squad, followed by a conditioning camp in the UK next month.