Josh Hazlewood is set to make his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in their match against Rajasthan Royals at the ACA Stadium in Guwahati. RCB captain Rajat Patidar confirmed that Hazlewood will replace Jacob Duffy in the playing XI, making him the only change in the team’s lineup.
Hazlewood, who had been dealing with hamstring and Achilles issues, missed both the Ashes series and the T20 World Cup in 2026 for Australia. His last professional match was in November 2025 for New South Wales in a shield game against Victoria, and his last international appearance was in an T20I series against India in October.
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag won the toss and chose to field first in a rain-affected match. Hazlewood’s return to competitive cricket is eagerly anticipated by fans, as they hope to see him make an impact in the IPL.
The match marks a significant moment for Hazlewood as he looks to regain his form and fitness after his injury layoff. Fans will be watching closely to see how he performs on his IPL debut and whether he can make a positive contribution to RCB’s campaign.
The match between RCB and Rajasthan Royals promises to be an exciting encounter, with both teams looking to secure a crucial victory in the early stages of the tournament. Hazlewood’s inclusion adds an extra dimension to RCB’s bowling attack, and his experience and skill will be invaluable as they look to outclass their opponents.
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