Josh Hazlewood: Navigating Injuries and Eyeing a Strong Comeback :

Australian pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood, often lauded for his metronomic accuracy and relentless consistency, continues to be a pivotal figure in international cricket. His recent journey has been a testament to his resilience, marked by impressive performances punctuated by periods of injury management. Fans and pundits alike are keenly following his progress, especially with crucial tournaments and series on the horizon for both his national team and his franchise.

Hazlewood's ability to extract steep bounce and maintain tight lines has drawn comparisons to the legendary Glenn McGrath, a testament to his classic fast-medium bowling style. This enduring quality makes him a valuable asset across all three formats of the game, underpinning Australia's formidable bowling attack alongside Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. His consistent presence and wicket-taking prowess are often key to his teams' successes.

IPL 2025: A Season of Dominance and a Timely Setback :

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season saw Josh Hazlewood in sensational form for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). He quickly became one of the standout performers, leading the Purple Cap race with an impressive 18 wickets from just 10 matches at a remarkable average of 17.27. His disciplined bowling and effective powerplay performances were instrumental in RCB's strong showing, playing a significant role in their push for a maiden IPL title.

However, the season took a concerning turn when Hazlewood was sidelined with a shoulder niggle, forcing him to miss several crucial matches. This injury, which he had been managing for a couple of weeks, led to him returning to Australia for rehabilitation. His absence was a substantial blow to RCB, highlighting his irreplaceable value to the team's bowling lineup.

The Road to Recovery: Rehabilitation and Anticipated Return :

Following his shoulder injury during the IPL, Hazlewood embarked on a rehabilitation program in Brisbane, Australia. This closely monitored recovery process has been a collaborative effort between Cricket Australia's medical team and the RCB management. The focus has been on ensuring his complete recovery and managing his workload effectively to prevent future setbacks.

Recent reports indicate positive progress in Hazlewood's rehabilitation, with optimism surrounding his return to competitive cricket. He is expected to rejoin the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs, providing a crucial boost to their campaign for the coveted trophy. His presence in the knockout stages would undoubtedly strengthen RCB's bowling attack.

International Commitments and Future Outlook :

Beyond the IPL, Hazlewood remains a cornerstone of the Australian national team across all formats. He was a key member of Australia's historic ODI World Cup triumph in 2023 and has continued to be a regular fixture in their Test and T20I squads. His involvement in the upcoming ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2024 squad further solidifies his importance to the national setup.

Looking ahead, Hazlewood's schedule includes a conditioning camp in the UK in June ahead of the World Test Championship final against South Africa, indicating his readiness for the challenges of Test cricket. He has consistently performed at the highest level, taking his 200th Test wicket against India in 2020-21 and passing 250 Test wickets in the summer following the 2023 ODI World Cup, cementing his place among Australia's top wicket-takers.

Recently, on October 19, 2025, Hazlewood showcased his impactful bowling in the first ODI against Australia. He removed Rohit Sharma and Shreyas Iyer in quick succession, highlighting his ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs even in shortened matches due to rain.

Hazlewood's Impact Across Formats: A Versatile Performer :

While primarily renowned for his Test prowess, Hazlewood has successfully adapted his game to excel in limited-overs cricket as well. His significant improvements in variations and off-pace deliveries saw him become a key member of Chennai Super Kings' 2021 IPL triumph and, later that year, Australia's maiden T20 World Cup title.

His consistent performances have earned him high rankings in all three formats, becoming the first bowler to be ranked among the top 10 in Tests, ODIs, and T20Is in ICC rankings after the 2021 T20 World Cup. Currently, he holds the 4th spot in Tests, 11th in ODIs, and 16th in T20Is, underscoring his versatility and consistent threat with the ball.

Reflecting on Recent Test Performances :

Hazlewood's Test career continues to be a highlight, with recent performances showcasing his enduring skill. During the Ashes 2023 in England, he played a pivotal role, securing 16 wickets in four Tests at an average of 31.68. His best innings figures during that series were 5 for 126, demonstrating his ability to take crucial wickets against top opposition.

In the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in 2024-25, he played two Test matches, delivering 79 overs and taking six wickets at an impressive average of 13.17. These figures underscore his effectiveness in the longest format, where his ability to maintain pressure and exploit conditions makes him a formidable opponent for any batting lineup.

Addressing Retirement Rumours and Looking Ahead :

Despite being part of Australia's formidable pace trio alongside Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, speculation regarding their collective retirement has been a topic of discussion. However, Hazlewood has publicly rejected these rumors, stating that the trio still has “a few more games” left together. This reassurance will be welcomed by Australian cricket fans eager to see them continue their successful partnership.

Hazlewood's recent performances and his commitment to both international and franchise cricket suggest a strong desire to continue competing at the highest level. With a focused approach to injury management and a consistent display of skill, Josh Hazlewood is poised to continue his impactful career, contributing significantly to Australian cricket's future endeavors and his IPL team's aspirations.