Josh Hazlewood, the death overs specialist who has single-handedly changed the course of several games for RCB this season, is recovering from a shoulder niggle
Josh Hazlewood, the perfect Purple Cap contender with 18 wickets from 10 matches and the leader of Royal Challengers Bangaluru's bowling attack, is now doubtful to continue as injury concerns threaten to derail RCB's pursuit of their first Indian Premier League title ahead of the 2025 season restart.
The suspension of IPL 2025 came following border tensions between India and Pakistan on May 9, the same day RCB was scheduled to face Lucknow Super Giants in Match 59 at Ekana Sports Complex.
However, now with a ceasefire in place between the two neighboring nations, things are slowly returning to normal -- and so is the IPL. Reports suggest the BCCI will allow the season to resume on May 16, picking up from where it was halted, with the RCB vs Lucknow Super Giants clash.
While foreign players, including Australians and South Africans, were sent back to their nations, their return now remains uncertain due to the upcoming World Test Championship (WTC) final, which begins on June 11 at Lord라이브 바카라. This leaves just a 10-day window between the IPL final, expected on May 30, and the WTC final.
However, despite the foreign players' safety concerns and the IPL suspension itself, the curse for RCB seems to have already taken hold.
Josh Hazlewood, the death overs specialist who has single-handedly changed the course of several games for RCB this season, was suffering from a shoulder niggle.
He missed the match against Chennai Super Kings on May 3. Even though RCB managed to secure a narrow 2-run victory without him, his absence was certainly felt.
Also, in RCB's match against LSG (earlier scheduled on May 9) the Australian pace bowler was a doubtful player in the XI.
Now, speaking of RCB's overseas contingent, the squad features:
Australia: Josh Hazlewood, Tim David
England: Phil Salt, Liam Livingstone, Jacob Bethell
Sri Lanka: Nuwan Thushara
West Indies: Romario Shepherd
South Africa: Lungi Ngidi
After the suspension of the league, Royal Challengers Bengaluru confirmed that their "players and extended staff have safely returned to Bengaluru and are now homebound to their respective cities and countries".
In their official statement RCB added, "We're deeply grateful for the swift coordination and support from the BCCI, local authorities, and the police who made this possible," the RCB statement added.
The return of foreign players to India for the remainder of the IPL remains uncertain.
All foreign players have been granted No Objection Certificates (NOCs) by their respective cricket boards until May 25, which was the original schedule for the IPL final. However, these NOCs were issued without any updated safety negotiations. If any player chooses to withdraw from the tournament due to safety concerns, their cricket board is expected to fully support their decision.
After reaching Sydney, Australian pacer Mitchell Starc and his wife Alyssa Healy -- who had to travel by road and train from Dharamsala to Delhi following the airstrike-related blackout during Delhi Capitals’ match against Punjab Kings -- chose not to speak to the media.
Along with Hazlewood, RCB captain Rajat Patidar is also uncertain for the season restart due to a finger injury. He might miss at least first two games if the season resumes on the expected date.
RCB currently sit second on the points table with 16 points from 11 matches. Their playoff spot is all but sealed, with just three league games remaining -- against Lucknow Super Giants, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Kolkata Knight Riders.