Hazlewood has been out of competitive action due to hamstring strain and Achilles tendon issue.
Hazlewood has been out of competitive action for a considerable amount of time due to hamstring strain and Achilles tendon issue. He was expected to recover in time to be feature in the upcoming IPL season.
Now, a report claims that the 35-year-old is still under physio care and his participation in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is subjected to medical clearance.
The defending champions will begin their campaign in the tournament opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
“He is still under the physio care, and his participation in the IPL depends on whether he gets the clearance or not. There's still plenty of time, but it's a wait-and-watch situation for now,” a source privy to developments confirmed to Hindustan Times.
Josh Hazlewood played an instrumental role in RCB’s maiden IPL title win last edition, picking up 22 wickets in 12 matches.
Hazlewood first injured his right hamstring while playing for New South Wales in November. He was tipped to make a comeback midway through the home Ashes series. However, a fresh Achilles injury during rehabilitation ruled him out of the entire five-Test series against England and the subsequent T20 World Cup.
RCB have other overseas pacers like Nuwan Thusara and New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy in their ranks, but Hazlewood’s absence leaves a big void in the reigning champions’ plans.