The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have added two big names to their roster for IPL 2025, with Indian seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood returning to the fold. Both players are looking forward to making a significant impact, especially with the prospect of playing at the iconic Chinnaswamy Stadium for the first time in RCB colors.

A Long-Awaited Return for Bhuvneshwar

Bhuvneshwar, who began his IPL journey with RCB in 2009, expressed his delight at coming full circle. “I’m really happy to be back at RCB—it’s where my IPL story began. I want to thank the management for trusting me and a big shoutout to the fans for their unwavering support. Looking forward to a great season,” he said.

Since his brief stint with RCB, Bhuvneshwar has become one of the league’s most consistent bowlers. With 181 wickets in 176 IPL matches, he stands as the fourth-highest wicket-taker in IPL history. His decade-long spell with Sunrisers Hyderabad, where he claimed 157 scalps, showcased his ability to thrive under pressure.

Hazlewood’s Second Coming

Josh Hazlewood, too, has donned the RCB jersey before but has yet to play a match in Bengaluru. During his pandemic-era stint with the franchise, Hazlewood made waves, picking up 23 wickets in 15 matches with an economy of 8.26.

Reflecting on his return, Hazlewood shared his excitement about playing in front of the RCB faithful.

“We’ve got the best fans in the competition; every game feels like a home game. I can’t wait to experience the energy at Chinnaswamy this year. Thanks to the management for bringing me back,” he said.

Eyes Set on Chinnaswamy

Both players are excited about creating new memories at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, known for its high-scoring matches and electrifying atmosphere. The ground, which has hosted countless iconic RCB moments, is now set to witness the duo anchoring the team’s bowling attack.

RCB fans will hope that the pairing of Bhuvneshwar’s swing and Hazlewood’s precision can neutralize the challenges of the small boundaries and flat pitches. The team’s bowling unit, bolstered by their inclusion, promises a perfect blend of experience and skill.

Building Toward IPL Glory

With a totally new looking squad, including stars like Virat Kohli, Liam Livingstone, and Phil Salt, RCB looks well-equipped to mount a serious title challenge in IPL 2025. Both Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar will be integral to this push, as they aim to script a memorable chapter in the franchise’s history.

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