The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to return to action this weekend and will face the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders KKR) at their home ground in Chinnaswamy Stadium.
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With the league entering its crucial phase, the spotlight is not only on the big contest but also on the fitness of two of RCB’s main players: Josh Hazlewood and Rajat Patidar.
RCB fans have been waiting eagerly for some clarity on whether the fast bowler from Australia and their captain will be fit in time for this all-important fixture. Finally, some updates have come in.
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Josh Hazlewood injury update: Will he return to play RCB vs KKR IPL match?
Hazlewood has not featured in RCB’s recent matches due to a shoulder issue. There had been speculation earlier that the Aussie quick might not return to India for the remainder of the IPL.
However, RCB's Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, has explained that Hazlewood is still in recovery mode and is currently being looked after by Cricket Australia's medical unit. The franchise is maintaining regular communication with them regarding his progress.
“With Josh, he's our only player not here at the moment. He's recovering from the shoulder niggle that he had. He's doing that with Cricket Australia,” he told reporters on Friday.
“Our medical team and their medical teams have been liaising on what that detail looks like, and he's just taking that day by day, and he's trying to improve his shot,” he added.
Is Rajat Patidar likely to play RCB vs KKR match?
RCB skipper Patidar had injured his finger while fielding during the game against CSK earlier this month. Since then, he has been going through the healing process. According to Mo Bobat, Patidar is recovering well and has already returned to practice.
He mentioned that the short break in the IPL schedule actually helped Patidar, giving him extra time to rest and let the swelling reduce. Over the past few days, he’s resumed batting drills and is showing good signs.
"Rajat's going well. He had an injury to his hand, but he's been building up ever so slowly," said Bobat.
"For him personally, probably the disruption gave him a few more days just to get through some of that early healing, and for the swelling to go down, and for him to get used to picking up a bat again. He's practiced the last few days, and he's doing well," he added.
What's next for RCB?
RCB currently sits second on the points table with 16 points. With only a few games left before the playoffs, every match counts.
If Patidar can lead from the front and Hazlewood returns for the knockout rounds, RCB will be well placed to push for their first IPL title.