Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have been dealt a major blow in their IPL 2025 campaign as Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood is reportedly set to miss the remainder of the tournament. The ace seamer, who has been instrumental in RCB's bowling attack this season, is likely to opt out in order to recover from a shoulder niggle and prepare for national commitments.

Hazlewood has been in blisterin

National Duty Comes Calling

According to a report by ESPNCricinfo, Hazlewood is now being earmarked for Australia’s squad for the World Test Championship (WTC) Final against South Africa, set to take place at Lord’s in June. Cricket Australia is expected to include him in a pre-final conditioning camp in the UK, which will begin in the first week of June.

With the IPL final tentatively rescheduled to May 30, Hazlewood may be ruled out of contention due to a mix of injury management and preparation for the red-ball showdown at Lord’s.

RCB’s Possible Replacements

RCB still have viable replacement options in their squad, including South Africa's Lungi Ngidi and Sri Lanka's Nuwan Thushara, both capable of delivering impactful spells. Alternatively, the franchise may look to bring in a fresh overseas pacer as cover for Hazlewood’s absence.

More Withdrawals on the Horizon?

The situation also raises concerns for other WTC-bound players from Australia and South Africa, who may not be cleared to continue in the IPL to avoid any last-minute injuries ahead of the high-stakes Test final.

As RCB gear up for the resumed IPL fixtures from mid-May, Hazlewood’s unavailability could prove to be a pivotal moment in their campaign—highlighting the constant tension between franchise leagues and international cricket calendars.

g form this season, claiming 18 wickets in 10 matches, making him the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2025 so far. His effectiveness with both the new ball and at the death has been a key factor in RCB’s bowling success.

However, the Australian missed RCB’s critical match against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) due to a shoulder concern and was also expected to sit out against Lucknow Super Giants—a fixture that never occurred due to the IPL’s temporary suspension amid the India-Pakistan border tensions.