Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood might miss out on the remaining phase of IPL 2025 when the season resumes. The season was brought to a close abruptly on May 10 after cross-border tension between India and Pakistan.
Previously, the match between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Delhi Capitals (DC) was called off due to security reasons. The BCCI on May 10 decided to postpone the IPL for a week.
With reports of the season's resumption on May 16, the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) might resume the season and in that case, RCB will most likely miss out on Hazlewood. RCB are placed second on the IPL 2025 points table with 16 points from 11 games. Hazlewood, with 18 wickets, is third on the Purple Cap list with 18 wickets from 10 games.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Suspension: BCCI incurs heavy losses as INDO-PAK tensions halts T20 league
Seems Like Josh Hazlewood Won't Be There: Aakash Chopra
Aakash Chopra, in his recent video, said that Josh Hazlewood's absence will be a big blow to RCB if he eventually misses out. He did not play RCB's last match before the postponement against CSK due to a shoulder niggle.
"There are indications that some players might not come. It's being said that Josh Hazlewood is completely ruled out. There is some problem with his shoulder. He didn't play the last match, and he won't play now. LSG vs RCB might be the first match on resumption and the Punjab-Delhi match might be slotted somewhere in the middle," Chopra said.
"However, it seems like Josh Hazlewood won't be there in that, and that is a huge blow to RCB's chances. (Lungi) Ngidi did the job in one match, but let's be honest, you won the match by two runs, by the skin of your teeth. In that too, Romario Shepherd made an unbelievable contribution. So that game went in RCB's favor," he further added.
Also Read: IPL 2025: SRH, LSG Start Refunding Tickets With Season Postponed
Aakash Chopra On Tim David
With Australian players considering not returning to the IPL, Chopra predicted that the absence of Tim David could further hurt RCB's campaign. David has scored 186 runs at a strike rate of almost 194, just getting dismissed twice in eight innings. He also scored his maiden IPL fifty this season as well.
"Secondly, it's been heard that the Australians are a little unsure. So if Tim David doesn't come, things will look really grim and gloomy when I think about it from RCB's point of view. I really hope that Tim David comes because if he doesn't, you won't get anyone like him," Chopra observed.
RCB is well placed to make it to the IPL 2025 playoffs with 16 points from 11 games at the moment. Getting to 18 points will almost confirm them a spot in the final four.
Also Read: “I'll Never Go to Pakistan Again” – Daryl Mitchell and Tom Curran Breaks Down at Airport
