• Home
  • Cricket News
  • Will Josh Hazlewood And Tim David Play Todays Rcb Vs Pbks Ipl 2025 Qualifier 1

Will Josh Hazlewood And Tim David Play Today's RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1?

Debashis Sarangi

Josh Hazlewood and Tim David [Source: @Inayatsayyed_, @mufaddal_vohra/X]Josh Hazlewood and Tim David [Source: @Inayatsayyed_, @mufaddal_vohra/X]

The first match of the IPL 2025 playoffs will witness a fascinating battle between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Mullanpur. Ahead of the much-awaited clash, RCB have some injury concerns, with doubts looming over the participation of Josh Hazlewood and Tim David. 

Are Hazlewood And Tim David Fit To Play RCB vs PBKS IPL 2025 Qualifier 1?

RCB's two key players- Josh Hazlewood and Tim David- have faced recent injury setbacks. While Australian pacer Hazlewood missed three group stage matches due to shoulder injury, swashbuckling finisher Tim David sustained a hamstring injury which ruled him out of the previous encounter against Lucknow Super Giants. 

However, in a positive development for RCB and their passionate fans, stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma confirmed Hazlewood's return for the qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings. While speaking to the broadcasters during the toss against LSG, Jitesh revealed that Hazlewood would be back in RCB's playing XI. 

Meanwhile, the explosive keeper-batter had no definite answer to Tim David's comeback. The RCB think tank also hasn't provided an update regarding David's recovery; so, he's expected to take a longer time for rehabilitation. 

What Could Be RCB's Combination If Hazlewood Returns?

If Josh Hazlewood returns to RCB's playing XI, he might replace Nuwan Thushara, despite the latter's impressive outing against LSG. Considering Phil Salt and Romario Shepherd have been prolific with the bat, RCB might consider benching Thushara and get an overseas batter (preferably Tim Seifert) to strengthen their vulnerable middle order. 

Before getting injured, Hazlewood played a pivotal role in RCB's phenomenal group stage performance, scalping 18 wickets in just ten innings at a superb strike rate of 12. Thus, his return could certainly boost the Royal Challengers' bowling unit, which has been taken to the cleaners in the last three matches.