Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans received a major boost as star Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood confirmed his return for the remainder of the IPL 2025 season, as announced on May 15, 2025. The IPL, which resumed on May 17 after a week-long suspension due to geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan, sees RCB in a strong position, currently 2nd on the points table with 16 points from 11 matches. Hazlewood's comeback is an important boost for the team as they look to win their first IPL title, with three important league matches left prior to the playoffs.

Hazlewood has been a questionable starter for much of the season because of a shoulder complaint that kept him out of RCB's game against Chennai Super Kings on May 3, and there were fears that he could miss the entire tournament after the IPL was suspended. But his confirmation has come as a relief, following previous indications that he could have focused on preparations for the World Test Championship final against Australia on June 11 at Lord's. His return fortifies RCB's bowling line-up, which has been a pillar of their success this season.

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The news has generated thrill among RCB fans, who consider Hazlewood's comeback to be a game-changer. The 34-year-old pacer, infamous for his accuracy and ball-reversal skills, boasts a good IPL track record, having taken 35 wickets in 27 games at an economy rate of 8.07. His experience playing high-pressure matches, such as the 2021 T20 World Cup title with Australia, gives strength to RCB's lineup as it plays strong teams in the remaining games.

Hazlewood's Contribution to RCB's Title Chances

RCB's remaining games against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 17, Mumbai Indians (MI) on May 22, and Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 27 are crucial to avoid a middle-table finish. Hazlewood's return and the addition of some of the other major players, such as Virat Kohli and Glenn Maxwell, strengthen their cause, particularly with the bowling unit having faced a gauntlet of injuries and foreign commitments throughout the season.

🚨 HAZLEWOOD COMING FOR IPL. 🚨

- Josh Hazlewood will join RCB for the remainder of IPL 2025. (Vishesh Roy). pic.twitter.com/l2dVt1MGu4

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) May 15, 2025

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Though the participation of Hazlewood in the playoffs from late May depends on the WTC final conflict. South Africa has a few IPL players like Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje in their WTC final team, which is expected to create some schedule conflicts for other teams too. For the time being, RCB fans will rejoice at the return of Hazlewood, hoping to lift them towards the IPL 2025 final, which is rescheduled for June 3.