RCB fans, rejoice—Josh Hazlewood will return to RCB, and not a moment too soon. With RCB qualify for playoffs confirmed, his return ahead of the final league game is a massive boost to their championship hopes. This isn’t just another squad update—Josh Hazlewood’s performance in IPL 2025 has been a game-changer, with 18 wickets in just 10 matches, making him the team’s most potent bowler. Now, with the playoffs around the corner and the title dream alive, Hazlewood is back to make the difference when it matters most.

Good morning, 12th Man Army! ☀

How’s the Josh to 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙢 𝙖𝙬𝙖𝙮 those Monday blues? 😏😅#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/jPGy7E7cWR

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 26, 2025

Why Hazlewood Left RCB Mid-Season？

Let’s rewind. Why did Hazlewood leave RCB mid-season when he was in such hot form? There were two main reasons. First, he was managing a shoulder injury, and team management, along with Cricket Australia, opted for a return home for rehab in Brisbane. Second, the IPL faced a brief suspension due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. During that uncertain window, several international players, including Hazlewood, flew home. His decision to come back just as RCB qualify for playoffs shows his dedication to the franchise.

Josh Hazlewood’s Performance in IPL 2025：Why His Return Matters

It’s all about the numbers. Josh Hazlewood’s performance in IPL 2025 has been elite. In just 10 matches, he has:

Even after a break, he remains RCB’s top wicket-taker and is 4th overall in the IPL 2025 bowling charts. When RCB needed breakthroughs, Hazlewood delivered—consistently. And now, as RCB qualify for playoffs, his return gives them exactly what they’ve been missing in the middle and death overs.

Lungi Ngidi struggled in his absence, and while Muzarabani and Thushara show promise, neither matches Hazlewood’s IPL pedigree. Quite frankly, Josh Hazlewood’s performance in IPL 2025 has been irreplaceable.

Why This Return Changes the Game for RCB

This is more than a comeback—it’s a statement. Josh Hazlewood will return to RCB at a moment when every over, every ball counts. With RCB qualify for playoffs, the team is on the edge of something special—and Hazlewood’s return might just tip the balance in their favor. He brings composure, international experience, and the ability to strike under pressure—traits that define winners in knockout cricket.

Josh Hazlewood is back! 🔥🫡

How excited are we, 12th Man Army? This is Royal Challenge presents RCB Shorts.#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2025 pic.twitter.com/JwDneqD8Lz

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) May 25, 2025

And let’s not forget, his bowling wasn’t a fluke. It was dominant, it was consistent, and it was decisive. With RCB attending the 2025 playoffs, the path to a historic maiden IPL title is still open. With him comes the x-factor RCB has long missed in the playoffs. Josh Hazlewood’s performance in IPL 2025 could very well be the spark that turns dreams into trophies. RCB qualify for playoffs, and now they have their ace back. Let the final chapter begin.