In a big boost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru, pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood was named in the Playing XI for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings in Mullanpur on Thursday.

Hazlewood was named in the Playing XI in place of Nuwan Thushara, who picked one for 26 from his four overs on his RCB debut against Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday.

Hazlewood last featured in this edition of the IPL against Delhi Capitals on April 27 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. The Australian pacer had returned home during IPL’s week-long suspension earlier this month. He is nursing a shoulder injury and returned to India only on Sunday.

The 34-year-old is fourth in the list of the leading wicket-takers this season, with 18 scalps in just 10 matches, and has been the linchpin of RCB’s bowling attack.