Aakash Chopra says Josh Hazlewood’s absence will be a huge blow to RCB’s chances in remainder of IPL 2025

Former Indian Test opener Aakash Chopra believes Josh Hazlewood’s absence will be a huge blow to RCB’s chances in the remainder of IPL 2025. The Australian is reported to not return to India for the rest of the tournament after suffering a shoulder niggle.

Hazlewood has played a key role in RCB’s success this season, taking 18 wickets in 10 matches at an average of 17.28. RCB has often struggled with the ball in the IPL but Hazlewood has been their key bowler in IPL 2025.

Meanwhile, RCB has won eight of their 11 matches and they are in second place in the IPL standings with 16 points.

“There are indications that some players might not come. It’s being said that Josh Hazlewood is completely ruled out. There is some problem with his shoulder. He didn’t play the last match, and he won’t play now. LSG vs RCB might be the first match on resumption and the Punjab-Delhi match might be slotted somewhere in the middle,” Chopra said on his YouTube Channel.

“However, it seems like Josh Hazlewood won’t be there in that, and that is a huge blow to RCB’s chances. (Lungi) Ngidi did the job in one match, but let’s be honest, you won the match by two runs, by the skin of your teeth. In that too, Romario Shepherd made an unbelievable contribution. So that game went in RCB’s favor,” he added.

It has been reported that Australian players might not return for the rest of the IPL, which has also put Tim David’s participation in doubt.

“Secondly, it’s been heard that the Australians are a little unsure. So if Tim David doesn’t come, things will look really grim and gloomy when I think about it from RCB’s point of view. I really hope that Tim David comes because if he doesn’t, you won’t get anyone like him,” Chopra observed.

Meanwhile, Delhi Capitals gun fast bowler Mitchell Starc is also reported to not return back to India, which would be a huge blow for the franchise. The left-arm pacer has scalped 14 wickets in 12 matches for DC.

“Mitchell Starc was with Delhi. So they will also be at a loss if he doesn’t come. Who are the other Australians whose unavailability would change the world a lot – Josh Inglis and Marcus Stoinis. Mumbai don’t have anyone. Gujarat also don’t have anyone. Punjab’s overseas contingent is entirely Australian, if we leave aside Marco Jansen,” he said.

IPL 2025 is currently suspended for a week due to border tensions between India and Pakistan.