Will Josh Hazlewood Play Today's RCB vs KKR IPL 2025 Match?

Debashis Sarangi

Josh Hazlewood in action [Source: AP]Josh Hazlewood in action [Source: AP]

This evening, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will take on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 58th group-stage match of the ongoing Indian Premier Leagues season. Led by Rajat Patidar, RCB are on the verge of qualifying for the playoffs and they will enter the next round if they emerge victorious tonight. 

Is Josh Hazlewood Available For RCB Vs KKR Match? 

Experienced Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood played a pivotal role for RCB before IPL's suspension, scalping 18 wickets in ten innings at a superb strike rate of twelve. He dismantled Chennai Super Kings in RCB's second game before bowling impressive spells against Punjab Kings and Rajasthan Royals. 

However, Hazlewood's shoulder injury sidelined him from the last game that RCB played before the tournament's temporary suspension. As per the latest reports, the ace speedster has yet to join the RCB camp. 

On Friday, the Sydney Morning Herald reported that Hazlewood had been rehabilitating in Brisbane and would likely rejoin RCB ahead of the playoffs, starting on the 29th of this month. Later, RCB's Director of Cricket Mo Bobat hinted at Hazlewood's non-participation, confirming he hadn't returned to India for the remaining matches. 

Thus, as it seems, Hazlewood will likely miss the upcoming RCB vs KKR clash at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. 

Who Will Replace Hazlewood In RCB's Playing XI?

When Hazlewood picked up the injury, RCB replaced him with South African pacer Lungi Ngidi in their playing XI. However, if Ngidi remains unavailable due to national commitment, the Royal Challengers might rope in Nuwan Thushara to spearhead the fast bowling department with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal. 

Meanwhile, the in-form Krunal Pandya is expected to lead RCB's spin department along with Suyash Sharma.