A timely boost is anticipated for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) as Tim David and Josh Hazlewood, two key overseas players, are anticipated to rejoin their starting lineup for the IPL 2025 playoffs. During Tuesday's toss against the Lucknow Super Giants, stand-in skipper Jitesh Sharma stated that both players are anticipated to make it back to the pivotal knockout rounds, even though they were unable to play in Lucknow.
With 18 wickets in just 10 games this season, Hazlewood has been RCB's most impressive bowler. However, he has been out since April 27. Following the temporary suspension of the IPL due to cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, which forced numerous international players, including Hazlewood, to return home, he was absent. The Australian bowler has fully recovered and joined the RCB camp in Lucknow after returning to training in Brisbane as part of Australia's preparations for the World Test Championship match against South Africa.
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Hazlewood has had a summer marred by injuries in Australia. He missed the Champions Trophy and the Sri Lankan tour due to a calf strain sustained during the third Test match against India, which was followed by a side strain. Both RCB and the Australian team have benefited greatly from his outstanding IPL campaign.
"Josh Hazlewood will be back in the next game," Jitesh Sharma confirmed at the toss. "He's been one of our key bowlers and it's great to have him returning at such a critical stage."
Tim David, RCB's reliable middle-order power hitter, is also getting close to making a comeback. As they get ready for the playoffs, Jitesh hinted that the Australian batter, who was born in Singapore, would soon return, bolstering RCB's lower-order hitting.
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Liam Livingstone, Nuwan Thushara, Cameron Green, and Will Jacks were selected to play overseas, leaving David out of the starting lineup for the match against Lucknow. Additionally, Lungi Ngidi was left out.
In order to earn a spot in the top two of the league and a second opportunity at the playoffs, RCB decided to bowl first in Lucknow.
"If we win, we'll finish in the top two-that's an added advantage," stated Jitesh, who also disclosed that Rajat Patidar would be used in the chase as an impact player.
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