IPL 2022: Josh Hazlewood to be available for RCB from April 12

After a five-wicket defeat in their IPL 2022 opener against the Punjab Kings, the Royal Challengers Bangalore went on to register a hard-fought three-wicket victory in their next game against Kolkata Knight Riders. RCB will be playing two more matches in the ongoing week but it has been learnt that one of their overseas players will only be available by next week.

The player in the discussion is pacer Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood is one of the members of the Australian squad for the ongoing bilateral series against Pakistan, which concludes on April 5. However, the tall speedster will not be joining the RCB squad before April 12. He is expected to join the team in the next couple of days after which, he must undergo a mandatory three-day quarantine.

Josh Hazlewood will be joining the team in next couple of days: IPL source

“Hazlewood would be joining the team in the next couple of days. Unlike others, he didn’t directly link up with his franchise post Pakistan series. He has taken a short break due to personal reasons,” an IPL source was quoted as saying by News18.

This means that Hazlewood will miss the next two matches against the Rajasthan Royals on April 5 and Mumbai Indians on April 9 respectively, and will only be available for selection against Chennai Super Kings on April 12.

Hazlewood was purchased by the Bengaluru-based franchise for INR 7.75 crore at the IPL 2022 mega auction in February. The 31-year-old had played a key role in CSK’s title triumph last season, picking up 11 wickets from nine matches at an average of 26.63 and an economy rate of 8.37. Despite his good performance, he was released by the defending champions.

The promising pacer would now be hoping to continue from where he left, donning the RCB jersey and coming up with consistent performances. At the same time, the pace sensation will also be working in tandem with the likes of Mohammed Siraj, David Willey, his countryman Jason Behrendorff, etc.