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

Debashis Sarangi

Josh Hazlewood with his RCB teammates [Source: AP]Josh Hazlewood with his RCB teammates [Source: AP]

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will cross swords against Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the final group-stage match of the IPL 2025 competition. The high-voltage clash, scheduled at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, holds significant importance for RCB, as a victory will ensure their qualification for the qualifier 1. However, the second-placed side currently faces some selection conundrums, with injury threat looming over several first-choice players. 

Is Josh Hazlewood Fit To Play RCB vs LSG Match?

Veteran Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood missed RCB's previous two matches against DC and CSK due to a shoulder injury. The fast bowler left the RCB setup and returned to his home as soon as the IPL 2025 was suspended amid the India-Pakistan military conflict. 

The Australian mainstay rehabilitated at the Centre of Excellence in Brisbane before recently rejoining the RCB squad ahead of the playoffs. Hazlewood has linked up with his teammates in Lucknow and will likely participate in the upcoming encounter against LSG. 

As ESPNCricinfo mentioned in its preview, Hazlewood is all set to make his IPL 2025 comeback through the game against LSG tonight. 

Who Will Josh Hazlewood Replace In RCB Playing XI?

If Josh Hazlewood returns to RCB's playing XI, he will replace Lungi Ngidi, who played as his replacement against DC and CSK. The South African fast bowler has left the RCB camp to join his Proteas teammates to prepare for the World Test Championship final. 

Thus, Hazlewood, who bagged 18 wickets in ten innings before getting injured, is expected to spearhead RCB's pace attack with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal. Meanwhile, the wily duo of Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya will lead their spin bowling attack in this match.