Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended the league stage of the Indian Premier League 2025 (IPL 2025) in the top two, meaning they will face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the Qualifier 1 scheduled at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on May 29.
Ahead of the mouthwatering clash, RCB are grappling with fitness concerns which could be very detrimental to their performance in the playoffs.
One of the major worries for RCB is the fitness of Tim David, who suffered a hamstring injury while fielding against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). He had to miss RCB’s last league match versus Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). Josh Hazlewood, their leading pacer, has also missed the previous three games due to a shoulder niggle.Â
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Also read: PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 IPL 2025: What If Rain Plays Spoilsport?
Josh Hazlewood Set to Return, Tim David Still in Doubt for Qualifier 1
RCB have received encouraging news on the fitness front. The team, which is set to take on Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 on May 29, will welcome back experienced Hazlewood to the playing XI.Â
His return would be a timely reinforcement for a bowling attack that has occasionally lacked teeth in the latter stages of the tournament.
Before getting injured, Hazlewood was RCB’s best bowler this season with 18 wickets in 10 matches in his tally. While he missed the last match against LSG, RCB stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma confirmed his availability for the Punjab Kings clash.
"Josh Hazlewood will be back in the next game," Jitesh said as quoted.
While Hazlewood's comeback is a major positive, the status of middle-order power-hitter David remains uncertain. The team management is keeping a close eye on his recovery, but as of now, his participation is still hanging in the balance.
While there were hopes that David might recover in time for the playoffs, RCB’s medical staff is reportedly being cautious. The team might opt to rest him unless he is fully fit. A final call is expected closer to the match.
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RCB Aiming to Break Trophy Jinx
A direct place in the final is at stake. RCB, after an impressive league campaign, will aim to ride their momentum and break their IPL title drought.
They last played the Qualifier 1 in 2016. That year, they lost in the final to Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). However, this time, the chances of them passing that final hurdle look better than before with the team clicking on all fronts in IPL 2025.
Also read: IPL 2025: Prithvi Shaw to LSG? Deal Falls Through Despite Langer’s Interest
