3 Reasons Why Josh Hazlewood’s Return Is Crucial for RCB in IPL 2025

Josh Hazlewood has returned to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the rest of the 2025 Indian Premier League, giving the team’s bowling attack a much-needed boost.  After the tournament was suspended due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan, many overseas players returned home, and the Australian pacer’s comeback had been in doubt. Hazlewood suffered a shoulder injury before the CSK game and had to miss it.  In anticipation of the upcoming WTC final, Josh Hazlewood will return to national duty after the IPL ends.

Before the RCB’s pivotal league encounter against the Rishabh Pant-led Lucknow SuperGiants on Tuesday, May 27, at the Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Stadium in Lucknow, Hazlewood rejoined the team after recovering entirely from a shoulder injury.

Strengthen the bowling attack:  

For RCB this season, Josh Hazlewood has emerged as a key player and strong performer. The pacer has picked 18 wickets from 10 games. RCB struggled to get wickets when he missed a few games due to injury. His perfect line and length, sharp bouncers and wicket taking ability in any phase of the game makes him a key bowler in the team. 

Effective in death overs:

RCB’s bowling strategy is dependent on Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood and Bhuveshar Kumar have formed a good bond in the death overs as both pacers get wickets. Both pacers do not leak runs in death overs and control the game. Even if Bhuveshar Kumar goes for runs, batters find it difficult to get runs, Hazlewood. Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar bowls the most effectively spell in the last overs.

Useful in Power Play:

When other teams runs are leaked in power play, RCB is the only team which haven’t leaked runs in powerplay overs. By having Josh Hazlewood in bowling attack, RCB are able to prevent huge leaks of runs. Even on the wicket of M. Chinnaswamy Stadium Hazlewood gets wicket and controls the game with his bowling. 

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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