RCB’s Worst Nightmare? Star Bowler Set to Miss Rest of IPL 2025!
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) may have to finish their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 campaign without their premier pacer Josh Hazlewood if the tournament resumes later this month. According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, the Australian speedster is unlikely to return for the remainder of the season, including the playoffs.
Hazlewood has been in red-hot form this season, picking up 18 wickets in 10 matches at an impressive average of 17.27, making him RCB’s most successful bowler so far. However, the 33-year-old missed RCB’s last match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) due to a shoulder niggle and was also ruled out of the next clash against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) before the league was suspended on May 9 due to rising tensions at the India-Pakistan border.
The fast bowler had only recently returned to action after battling a calf injury and side strain. With the World Test Championship (WTC) final against South Africa looming large from June 11 at Lord’s, Australia are keen on managing Hazlewood’s workload and ensuring he is fully fit for the marquee red-ball fixture.
IPL Final Likely on May 30
Meanwhile, the Indian Express reported that the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) is targeting May 30 as the new date for the IPL 2025 final, moving it five days ahead of its original schedule. Franchises have been asked to assemble their squads by May 13 in preparation for a possible resumption on May 15 or 16.
The BCCI is also expected to add extra double-headers to accommodate the remaining 17 matches, including the suspended game between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, which was halted after 10.1 overs.
BCCI secretary Devajit Saikia said in a statement:
“The BCCI is closely monitoring the evolving situation and developments and will take a call on IPL resumption after consulting all stakeholders and the concerned government authorities. In the next days, we will begin consultations with the franchises, broadcasters, sponsors and state associations… BCCI will duly announce the date of IPL restart once the whole process is over in due course of time.”
Return of Overseas Stars Uncertain
A major challenge for the IPL franchises is the return of overseas players, many of whom flew back home after the league’s temporary suspension. Teams have been instructed to make necessary arrangements to bring their players back to India in time for the restart. However, whether some of the Australian stars will participate remains in question.
Apart from Hazlewood, the likes of Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Travis Head are also reportedly contemplating sitting out the remainder of the tournament. Cummins and Head belong to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), who are already out of playoff contention, while Starc’s Delhi Capitals (DC) still have a fighting chance to make the final four.
Cricket South Africa is expected to decide on the availability of its players for the IPL on May 11. Their verdict could significantly affect multiple franchises as well.
If Hazlewood indeed opts out, it would be a massive blow to RCB’s hopes of clinching their maiden IPL title. The franchise, which has had a resurgence this season with consistent performances from Virat Kohli, Faf du Plessis, and Rajat Patidar, has relied heavily on Hazlewood’s experience and pace to deliver in crunch situations.
RCB fans will now anxiously await confirmation from the franchise regarding the pacer’s availability as the countdown to IPL 2025’s potential restart begins.
