Is Josh Hazlewood Available For Ipl 2025: Yes, Josh Hazlewood is available and actively playing in the IPL 2025 season. After recovering from a series of injuries—including a calf strain, side strain, and a recent hip issue—he has joined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) camp and is fully fit for the remainder of the tournament.
Hazlewood was RCB’s most expensive acquisition at the IPL 2025 mega auction, purchased for ₹12.5 crore . He has been a key contributor to RCB’s bowling attack, taking 9 wickets in 6 matches as of April 13, 2025, with a best of 3/21 and an economy rate of 8.65.
Josh Hazlewood to return to Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood is poised to rejoin Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as they chase their elusive first Indian Premier League (IPL) title. Sources close to the fast bowler have confirmed to Hindustan Times that Hazlewood will soon fly to India to link up with the RCB squad, though the exact date of his arrival remains unconfirmed.
The experienced seamer, known for his accuracy and control, had previously returned to Australia—along with several other top-tier Australian players—when the IPL was paused amid escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. With the BCCI announcing a revised schedule to resume the tournament, there was initial uncertainty around the availability of both Australian and South African players, especially with preparations underway for the upcoming World Test Championship final.
While the status of South African stars like Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Lungi Ngidi remains unclear, Hazlewood’s return has been confirmed—offering a significant boost to RCB’s pace attack and title ambitions.
Veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who has been instrumental in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s strong campaign this IPL season with 18 wickets in 10 games, was sidelined for their last league match due to a shoulder injury. However, concerns about his fitness have eased following his inclusion in Australia’s squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
A source close to Hazlewood, speaking to Hindustan Times on condition of anonymity, confirmed:
“Yes, Josh will travel to India. We are in discussions with the authorities regarding the exact date of his arrival.”
His return comes at a crucial time for RCB, especially as they face the possibility of missing their captain, Rajat Patidar, who is nursing an injury. Hazlewood’s presence could be a much-needed boost as the team looks to maintain momentum heading into the business end of the season.
Cricket Australia has offered full support to its players choosing to return to the IPL, stating:
“Following the announcement that the IPL will resume on Saturday, Cricket Australia will support players in their individual decisions whether to return to India or not.”
The IPL resumes on May 17 with RCB set to face Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR). Given that Hazlewood’s arrival date is yet to be finalized, his participation in the match against KKR remains uncertain.
Meanwhile, several overseas players have already rejoined their respective squads in India. West Indies all-rounder Romario Shepherd and England’s Liam Livingstone have linked up with RCB ahead of the weekend clash. Shepherd arrived alongside fellow Caribbean stars Andre Russell and Sunil Narine, as well as KKR mentor Dwayne Bravo.
However, Shepherd’s availability beyond May 29 is uncertain due to the West Indies’ ODI tour of England, which overlaps with the IPL playoffs. Similarly, England’s Jacob Bethell has also rejoined RCB but will miss England’s four-day Test against Zimbabwe starting May 29, having received a no-objection certificate (NOC) valid until May 25—the original IPL final date.
On the other hand, KKR have managed to assemble a full-strength squad well ahead of their May 17 fixture.
“KKR players and support staff have assembled in Bengaluru for our match vs RCB on 17 May,” the franchise confirmed.
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