IPL 2025 Qualifier 1: Will Josh Hazlewood & Tim David Play For RCB Against Punjab Kings? Check Update

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is all set to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the qualifier 1 match of IPL 2025. Even in the absence of key players like Tim David and Josh Hazlewood, RCB registered record breaking run chase against Lucknow Super Giants in the last league stage match which secured them second spot on the IPL 2025 points table.

Will Tim David and Josh Hazlewood play for RCB in Qualifier 1?

RCB are poised to receive a significant reinforcement ahead of their crucial Qualifier 1 clash against Punjab Kings, with pace ace Josh Hazlewood and Tim David set to return to action. Hazlewood had been sidelined due to a shoulder injury and returned to Australia during the tournament’s brief suspension earlier this month. His last appearance came on April 27 in Delhi, and he has missed three games since.

Although fans anticipated Hazlewood's return in the final league-stage match against LSG, RCB captain Jitesh Sharma confirmed at the toss that the pacer would sit that game out. However, Sharma also assured that Hazlewood is likely to feature in the playoffs, offering a timely boost for the knockout rounds. He had said," Hazlewood will perhaps play in the knockout."

In addition to Hazlewood, RCB could also see the return of hard-hitting batter Tim David, who was unavailable for the LSG clash. With Hazlewood’s experience and firepower back in the bowling unit, RCB will be hoping to make a strong push for their maiden IPL title.

Can RCB bury the ghost from the past?

In 2025, RCB enter the Qualifier 1 for only the third time in their history. Their previous appearances came in 2011 and 2016. In 2011, they were beaten by Mumbai Indians by 43 runs at Chepauk. In contrast, they emerged victorious in 2016, defeating the now-defunct Gujarat Lions by four wickets.

With a chance to finally get their hand son the holy grail, RCB’s playoff success may hinge on their ability to handle pressure something that has often let them down in past seasons.

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