Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar celebrate “Special Homecoming” as they return to RCB for IPL 2025

Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar, two veteran bowlers of international cricket, are gearing up for a “special homecoming” as they return to the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for the IPL 2025 season. The duo, reunited with RCB after being picked in the IPL 2025 auction, sees this not just as a professional opportunity but as an emotional return to the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium.

While both players have previously donned the RCB jersey, they have yet to bowl at the Chinnaswamy Stadium for the franchise. This season marks a historic moment for Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar as they prepare to take on bowling duties at Bangalore’s beloved cricketing fortress, which has become a symbol of passion and resilience for RCB fans.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who began his IPL career with RCB in 2009, shared his excitement about returning to his roots. “Really happy to be part of RCB, it’s where I started in 2009. I want to thank the RCB management for considering me and a big shout-out to the RCB fans for showing so much love. Looking forward to a great season,” he said in an RCB press release.

Since leaving RCB in 2010, Bhuvneshwar has established himself as one of the league’s top bowlers. With 181 wickets in 176 matches, he is the fourth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history. A decade-long stint with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) saw him win the 2016 IPL title and claim 157 scalps in 145 games, making him SRH’s all-time leading wicket-taker.

For Josh Hazlewood, this will be his first opportunity to play for RCB at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, as his previous stint with the team during the pandemic did not include matches in Bangalore. Despite that, he impressed with 23 wickets in 15 games across the 2022 and 2023 seasons, including 20 scalps in his debut year for RCB.

Excited to rejoin the squad, Hazlewood said, “We have got the best fans in the competition; every game feels like a home game. I cannot wait. Big thanks to the management for getting me back onboard this year.”

The Chinnaswamy Stadium is known for its high-scoring games, posing a challenge for bowlers. Yet, Bhuvneshwar has a strong record at the venue, with nine wickets in as many matches at an economy of 8.25. Together with Hazlewood’s precision, the duo is set to create a formidable bowling combination.

The return of Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood not only strengthens RCB’s lineup but also brings an emotional connection to the team and the fans. The Chinnaswamy Stadium, which former RCB star Chris Gayle described as “one of the best venues I have played at,” is expected to witness a special season with its iconic chants, roaring fans, and thrilling performances.

RCB squad ahead of IPL 2025:

-Batters: Virat Kohli (retained), Rajat Patidar (retained), Tim David, Manoj Bhandage, Devdutt Padikkal, Swastik Chikara

-Wicketkeepers: Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma

-Allrounders: Liam Livingstone (spin), Krunal Pandya (spin), Swapnil Singh (spin), Romario Shepherd (pace), Jacob Bethell (spin), Mohit Rathee (spin)

-Spinners: Suyash Sharma, Abhinandan Singh

-Fast bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal (retained), Rasikh Salam, Nuwan Thushara, Lungi Ngidi.