Big setback for RCB ahead of IPL 2025 restart key player in doubt

The fast bowler’s availability is uncertain amid BCCI’s revised schedule plans and international duties. The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are facing mounting internal unrest even before the resumption dates for IPL 2025 are officially announced. The Board of Cricket Control of India (BCCI) is said to announce the updated schedule very soon, reportedly restarting the league on May 16, with May 30 reportedly being the finale. But worse things are looking for RCB, who were already dealt a huge blow with the news of Josh Hazlewood, who has been this season's best wicket-taker for them, not making it back following a recurring issue with his shoulder.

Hazlewood, who is currently the third-highest wicket-taker of IPL 2025 with 18 scalps, has been a pillar of strength for the RCB bowling unit. His absence would hugely affect the team's chances in the remaining games. It has been reported that the Australian pacer will not be coming to India this season again, with Cricket Australia giving preference to his recovery and preparations for the next ICC World Test Championship final in England. Hazlewood's appearance at a pre-match camp has already been finalized, which renders his return to the IPL very unlikely.

🚨 NO HAZELWOOD FOR RCB 🚨

- Josh Hazelwood is a doubt to return for the remainder of IPL 2025 if it resumes this month due to a shoulder niggle. (ESPNcricinfo). pic.twitter.com/uzqpJtkhNW

— Tanuj (@ImTanujSingh) May 11, 2025

Also read: IPL 2025 Final Venue Change: Kolkata set to be replaced

RCB’s Pressure Rises with Chaos in Scheduling

 RCB's internal environment seems to be getting tense as the ambiguity around players' availability mounts. Already, the week-long IPL 2025 break caused by India-Pakistan diplomatic tensions has had RCB off stride; meanwhile, now that Hazlewood could miss time, fans begin to debate the quality of the depth on RCB's bowling roster. If, somehow, Siraj, Topley, and young Indian bowlers need to be relied upon to share the bowling load, is RCB getting what they paid for, given the franchise's expectations based on international reputations?

The uncertainty is compounded by the unclear status of other international superstars. It remains unclear if Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Travis Head (among other Australian players) have any intent to play the remainder of the season, as the BCCI struggles to communicate and coordinate amongst the international boards. It is surreptitious groundwork exposing RCB's season to high degrees of difficulty. The thought of losing Hazlewood, if even possible, is not just a tactical opportunity lost; it could represent a watershed moment in RCB's IPL 2025 campaign.