IPL 2025, RCB vs KKR: Mo Bobat Shares Key Update on Josh Hazlewood’s Availability.

Josh Hazlewood’s Return Uncertain as IPL 2025 Resumes with RCB vs KKR Clash

After a one-week suspension, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is all set to resume with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) taking on Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. RCB will welcome back their overseas stars—Phil Salt, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, and Tim David—who have rejoined the squad. However, the focus remains firmly on the availability of Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood.

RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, offered an important update on Hazlewood ahead of the crucial fixture. Speaking to reporters, Bobat confirmed that Hazlewood is currently sidelined due to a shoulder niggle and remains the only player yet to join the squad. He added that the franchise is in constant touch with Cricket Australia’s medical team to monitor the fast bowler’s recovery.

“With Josh, he’s our only player not here at the moment. He’s recovering from the shoulder niggle that he had. He’s doing that with Cricket Australia,” Bobat said. “Our medical team and their medical teams have been liaising on what that detail looks like, and he’s just taking that day by day.”

Earlier reports by Hindustan Times indicated that Hazlewood is expected to arrive in India next week and could be available in time for the playoffs. Hazlewood has been a key performer for RCB this season, taking 18 wickets in just 10 matches, and currently sits third on the list of highest wicket-takers in IPL 2025. His return could be crucial for RCB’s title hopes.

‘Rajat Patidar recovering well’

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) captain Rajat Patidar, who suffered a finger injury during the clash against Chennai Super Kings on May 3, is recovering well and is expected to play against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) this Saturday. With 16 points, RCB currently sit second on the IPL 2025 points table.

“Rajat’s going well. He had an injury to his hand, but he’s been building up ever so slowly,” said RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat. He mentioned that the one-week IPL suspension allowed Patidar valuable recovery time. “He’s practiced the last few days and he’s doing well,” Bobat added.

The IPL was paused due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pahalgam terror attack. With a ceasefire now in place, the league will resume, and the final has been pushed to June 3.

However, the schedule shift has caused overseas player concerns for RCB. They will lose Jacob Bethell and Lungi Ngidi, who must return for national duties. “We’ll lose Jacob after a couple of games and Lungi as well. We’ll look into replacements soon,” said Bobat. Despite the disruption, most overseas players are keen to return and finish the season.

Bobat acknowledged the challenges: “The extension of the season presented some issues, and we had to work closely with national boards.” Still, RCB remain optimistic about maintaining their momentum as they push for their maiden IPL title.