Huge blow for RCB as Josh Hazlewood set to miss initial stages of IPL; Glenn Maxwell remains doubtful for campaign opener
Hazlewood was roped in by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2022 mega-auction last year for INR 7.75 crore and finished as RCB's second-highest wicket-taker with 20 scalps from 12 matches.
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Josh Hazlewood
Australia’s star pacer Josh Hazlewood, who missed the Border-Gavskar Trophy series, as well as the three-match ODI series in India, is set to miss the initial stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL) as well. As per a report by cricket.com.au, Hazlewood will remain in Sydney after being sent back home during the BGT series.
Hazlewood was roped in by the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the 2022 mega-auction last year for INR 7.75 crore and finished as RCB’s second-highest wicket-taker with 20 scalps from 12 matches.
He last played for Australia in the third Test against South Africa in January. He picked up the Achilles problem in the first Test in December 2022.
Apart from Josh Hazlewood, Glenn Maxwell also looks a doubt for initial matches
Australia have a hectic schedule after IPL this year. A week after the IPL final, Australia will be gearing up for the World Test Championship (WTC) final (June 7) against India, and Hazlewood’s role will be huge. After the WTC final, Australia will be touring England for the Ashes in June and July, followed by white-ball cricket to prepare themselves for their visit to India for the ODI World Cup in October and November.
“As fun as T20 is and is lucrative as it is, I find it still plays second fiddle to Test cricket,” Hazlewood had said in February when he was in Bengaluru.
“This series (BGT), Ashes series, and home summers are what you play cricket for. I don’t think that will ever change. It’s probably about short-term loss versus long-term gain a lot of time. You’ve got a T20 World Cup or an IPL or a one-day series, it’s about still ticking those boxes off the field to be ready to go for a Test series,” Hazlewood added.
Whether Hazlewood will join Faf du Plessis and co. will be seen later. But right now he stressed that Test cricket is his top priority. He will consult with Cricket Australia’s medical staff before joining RCB.
Apart from Hazlewood, Australia’s star all-rounder Glenn Maxwell remains doubtful for RCB’s opening match against Mumbai Indians (MI) on April 2. Maxwell played only the first ODI against India this month and as he broke his leg in an accident last November, he finds it challenging to return to the field.
RCB have been dealing with the injuries of their players for a while now. Earlier, England batter Will Jacks got ruled out of the season, then New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell was named his replacement. RCB’s breakout star Rajat Patidar is set to miss at least the first half of the season with a heel injury.]
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Gouri Das
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