Josh Hazlewood returns to RCB as race for top 2 heats up; fans rejoice at 'Hazlegod's' comeback: 'It's over for others now'
Josh Hazlewood has officially rejoined Royal Challengers Bengaluru ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs, boosting their pace attack at a crucial time. His return has thrilled fans and reignited RCB¡¯s push for a top-two finish.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans finally have a reason to celebrate ahead of the crucial final leg of IPL 2025. Star Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has rejoined the RCB squad in Lucknow, just in time to boost their bowling attack before the playoffs. His return has sparked a wave of excitement among fans online, with hashtags like #Hazlegod trending across social media platforms.
Back in red: Hazlewood returns to the RCB camp.
Hazlewood¡¯s comeback had been the subject of much speculation ever since the IPL resumed on May 17. The Australian speedster arrived in Lucknow on Saturday, which RCB hinted at through a cryptic teaser post that night. The confirmation came on Sunday morning via RCB¡¯s official Instagram handle, ending the anxious wait for fans who have long viewed him as a pillar of the team¡¯s bowling unit. "He's here. Welcome back Josh Reginald Hazlewood," they wrote."
Hazlewood had missed several games due to a lingering shoulder niggle, including RCB¡¯s match against Chennai Super Kings before the season was temporarily suspended. There were even rumors suggesting he might skip the remainder of the IPL to focus on preparations for the upcoming World Test Championship final between Australia and South Africa. But those fears have been put to rest, with Hazlewood now back in red and gold.
Fans explode with joy: 'Hazlegod is back!'
As soon as the news broke, social media lit up with excited reactions from RCB supporters. Comments poured in celebrating the return of the Aussie pacer, who has built a loyal fan base in Bengaluru.
¡°Josh Hazlewood. The God Returns,¡± one fan simply posted, summing up the mood online.
Josh Hazlewood ???? The God Returns ?? @RCBTweets #IPL #IPL2025 #JoshHazlewood pic.twitter.com/uSKsTJThKn
¡ª ?Praveen de Villiers? (@RCB_Rasigan) May 25, 2025
¡°Josh Hazlewood is home! It¡¯s over for others now,¡± another fan wrote, confident that RCB¡¯s bowling woes would now be addressed. ¡°Pace, power, and precision coming your way! RCB just got fiercer!¡± one post read. ¡°King is returned¡ªthe Bowling King. RCB on fire, ready for the day,¡± added another excited fan.
RCB's hopes for top 2 alive
While RCB has already secured a spot in the playoffs, the race for a top-two finish remains wide open after Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings also lost their recent matches. Meanwhile, RCB's latest loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, where they struggled to chase down a mammoth total without Hazlewood, exposed the vulnerabilities in their bowling lineup. His return comes at a crucial time as RCB aims to bounce back and grab a top-two spot, which would give them a second shot at reaching the final.
With Hazlewood back in the squad and the playoffs just around the corner, RCB¡¯s campaign has received a much-needed boost. The match against Lucknow Supergiants on Tuesday will determine whether this return can translate into the kind of results fans are hoping for. While unofficial reports have confirmed the bowler will play against LSG, RCB have yet to confirm the same.
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