Josh Hazlewood with RCB teammates [Source: AFP]Josh Hazlewood might well be making his return to competitive cricket sooner than one can realize. Out of action since last November, the legendary Australian fast bowler is currently in India as part of the RCB franchise for the IPL 2026 season. However, Hazlewood was ruled out of RCB’s opening match of the tournament, as he was still in his recovery phase. As of now, the 35-year-old has been spotted warming up by bowling in the nets as the RCB prepares for its next IPL 2026 match against age-old rivals CSK. Josh Hazlewood to return for RCB vs CSK? After spending months on the sidelines, Josh Hazlewood has hit the nets for the RCB franchise at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. As reported by RevSportz, the legendary Australian paceman was spotted warming up as he bowled a few deliveries in the side net of the venue.Bharath Ramaraj @Fancricket12 Some good news - Hazlewood bowling a few deliveries. But his run-up comprises only a few paces. This development indicates that Hazlewood is edging closer to attaining full match fitness, potentially putting him in contention for selection in the high-stakes clash against CSK. His return would be a timely boost for RCB as they look to mount a strong title defence.When did Josh Hazlewood last play cricket? Josh Hazlewood played a key role in RCB’s triumphant IPL 2025 last year, where he picked up 22 wickets in just 12 innings at an exceptional bowling average of 17.54. However, the speedster suffered an injury later that year in November while playing a Sheffield Sheild match for the New South Wales. Also Read- RCB Player Drags Own Cricket Board To Court In Midst Of IPL 2026The cricketer was subsequently forced to miss Australia’s entire 2025-26 home Ashes series, the three-match tour of Pakistan, and was also dropped from Australia squad for the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. In his absence, coupled with that of fellow injured paceman Pat Cummins, Australia crashed out of the competition within its opening round itself. RCB looks to build on momentum after SRH win Even in the absence of Josh Hazlewood, RCB got off to a winning start in the ongoing IPL 2026 season against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) last week. Fast bowlers Jacob Duffy and Romario Shepherd picked up three wickets each, but the ‘Orange Army’ still managed to mount 201-9 from 20 overs upfront. In response, legendary opener Virat Kohli bludgeoned 69* off just 38 balls with five fours and five huge sixes in Bengaluru. Devdutt Padikkal also blasted 61 from just 26, while captain Rajat Patidar smeared 31 off 12 deliveries as the defending champions blazed past the SRH in just 15.4 overs with six wickets to spare. Rajat Patidar and co. will now be taking on CSK in match number 11 of the tournament on Sunday, April 5. The match will also be hosted by the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru and the action will commence from 7:30 PM IST onwards. Given the nature of his recent workload, RCB’s think tank is likely to take a measured approach with Josh Hazlewood’s return, ensuring he is fully primed rather than rushing him back into action. That said, even the prospect of his return adds a layer of depth and assurance to their bowling unit ahead of the marquee clash against CSK. As of now, the RCB management is yet to give an official update regarding the speedster’s availability for their upcoming match. However, late last month, the franchise stated that the fast bowler will have to miss the initial phase of the tournament. Also Read- Delhi Capitals Lock Ben Duckett’s Replacement; Star All-Rounder Joins Squad
