Will Hazlewood play for RCB in playoffs?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to receive a major boost ahead of the Indian Premier League 2025 playoffs, as Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood is all set to rejoin the squad. Let us look at details on Will Hazlewood play for RCB in playoffs.
Hazlewood, who has been a key performer for RCB in this campaign, is expected to land in India by the end of next week and will be available for the all-important knockout phase. Despite nursing a minor shoulder niggle, the franchise is optimistic about his full fitness before the playoffs begin.
The return of Hazlewood comes at a crucial juncture for RCB, who are strongly placed in the points table. Currently in second position with 8 wins and 16 points, the Rajat Patidar-led side is well on track to qualify for the playoffs.
They remain favourites to secure a top-two finish, which would give them an extra chance to reach the final. Winning their remaining three matches will guarantee them a spot in the top two, although even two wins might suffice depending on other results.
Hazlewood’s return is particularly timely given the unavailability of South African pacer Lungi Ngidi, who will leave the IPL before the playoffs due to national commitments.
With 18 wickets in 10 matches, Hazlewood sits third on the list of leading wicket-takers this season and has been instrumental in RCB’s surge. His absence was felt in the recent match against Chennai Super Kings, which he missed due to his shoulder concern.
Gujarat Titans currently top the standings, holding the same number of points and wins as RCB but edging ahead on net run-rate. The two sides are locked in a close battle for playoff positioning.
RCB will next face Kolkata Knight Riders on May 17 at the M.Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, aiming to solidify their position ahead of the league’s final phase.
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