Josh Hazlewood [Source: @viratkohli_un/x]Josh Hazlewood is on track to make his return to competitive cricket just in time for the IPL 2026 season. The legendary fast bowler has not played a single competitive match since his Sheffield Shield appearance for the New South Wales back in November last year owing to injury concerns. Since then, Josh Hazlewood was ruled out of Australia’s entire home Ashes series against England, as well as from the entire 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka. Australia selector stamps IPL 2026 for Josh Hazlewood’s return Earlier, Australia selector Tony Dodemaide has stated that the team management was hopeful about Josh Hazlewood’s return to the national squad for the Super 8 stage of the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. However, Cricket Australia roped in Steve Smith as Hazlewood’s replacement shortly after Australia’s shock Group B defeat to Zimbabwe. With the senior Australian paceman getting officially ruled out of the tournament, the focus is now for the 35-year-old to target the IPL 2026 season for his return to competitive cricket. Also Read- Ricky Ponting Pins The Blame On 3 Players For Australia's Damning Show In T20 World CupDodemaide even stated that had IPL 2026 preceded the 2026 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Hazlewood would have skipped the league to represent Australia. However, the reverse scheduling has now worked out in favor for the RCB franchise in IPL, with Hazlewood now targeting to attain full fitness in time for the franchise league. Great news for RCB as Josh Hazlewood nears recovery Josh Hazlewood was one of the driving factors behind RCB’s historic IPL 2025 title win last year over Punjab Kings in a thrilling Ahmedabad final. The speedster picked up the wicket of dangerman Priyansh Arya in the final to conclude his season with 22 wickets in just 12 innings at an impressive bowling average of 17.54. Overall, the legendary Australian paceman has picked up 45 scalps in the IPL from 27 matches for the RCB. As Hazlewood nears recovery, it comes as a timely boost for RCB ahead of IPL 2026, with the franchise set to regain their proven pace spearhead for the new season. Last year, he was one of the 17 cricketers retained by the RCB franchise alongside the likes of Virat Kohli, captain Rajat Patidar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Tim David, Romario Shepherd among others. Australia in tatters as RCB rejoices As RCB eagerly waits for the recovery and return of Josh Hazlewood, the Australian cricket team recently suffered a humiliating first-round exit from the T20 World Cup 2026. The speedster was ruled out of the national squad mere days prior to the launch of the tournament. However, Cricket Australia decided not to pick his replacement at the time. In the absence of both Hazlewood and fellow legendary quick Pat Cummins, the Australian team suffered crushing defeats to Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in successive games. With two defeats in three matches, Australia’s NRR currently reads a dismal 0.414. They will now face Oman in their final match of the tournament on February 19 at the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium.Also Read- Time's Up! Suryakumar Yadav Indirectly Asks Abhishek Sharma To Step Up After Horrible Form
