Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to receive a major boost ahead of the IPL 2025 playoffs, with Josh Hazlewood on track to rejoin the squad after recovering from a shoulder niggle. According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the Australian pacer has come through rehab successfully in Brisbane and is expected to return to India soon, although official confirmation from Cricket Australia or RCB is still pending. Hazlewood had flown back to Australia during the IPL suspension and has been training with the national team in preparation for the World Test Championship final. Despite missing RCB’s last game before the break, the fast bowler has had a strong season so far, picking up 18 wickets in 10 matches at an impressive average of 17.27. RCB currently sit in the 2nd spot, with 12 matches played: 8 wins, 3 losses, and one washout due to rain against Kolkata Knight Riders on May 17 at Chinnaswamy Stadium. Their next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 23 was shifted to the Ekana Cricket Ground in Lucknow due to persistent weather issues in Bengaluru. The final league game is scheduled for May 27 against Lucknow Super Giants. Also READ: Report: Top pacer unlikely to be picked for England Tests due to fitness concerns RCB hopeful as Hazlewood eyes WTC, IPL final in quick succession Hazlewood's return to IPL 2025 also marks his comeback after an injury-plagued home season. He missed most of Australia’s matches due to a sequence of injuries, including a side strain and calf issues that sidelined him for the latter half of the India Test series and tours to Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy. Hazlewood, who has picked up 279 Test wickets in 72 matches, last played for Australia in December, during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at Brisbane. The IPL served as his return to competitive cricket ahead of the WTC final against South Africa, where he is expected to feature in the playing XI. Also READ: "We can't make excuses": Rishabh Pant sends clear message after LSG's win vs GT Should RCB go deep into the tournament, Hazlewood will have a tight turnaround before joining the Australian squad in the UK. The IPL final is set for June 3, and Australia’s players flying from the IPL, including Hazlewood and Josh Inglis, will have less than a week to prepare for the WTC clash. Notably, only Hazlewood and Inglis are involved in the IPL playoffs from Australia's WTC squad. Meanwhile, Pat Cummins and Travis Head will end their campaigns with Sunrisers Hyderabad on May 25, while Mitchell Starc opted not to return for the remainder of the season with Delhi Capitals.