Josh Hazlewood Compares RCB to Australian Team; Praises Bhuvneshwar Kumar Partnership
Josh Hazlewood: RCB’s Australian Connection and Bowling Prowess
Veteran Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood has undeniably been a transformative addition to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) since his return to the Indian Premier League. Having commenced his IPL journey with Chennai Super Kings, where he clinched a title in 2021, Hazlewood moved to Bengaluru in 2022 and played an instrumental role in the team’s triumphant 2025 season. Ahead of a crucial fixture against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala, the seasoned right-arm pacer offered a profound compliment to his current side, drawing an intriguing comparison.
RCB Feels Like Home: A Nod to the Australian National Team
According to the 35-year-old Hazlewood, donning the RCB colours feels remarkably akin to representing his national side. Speaking to ESPN Cricinfo, he was quoted as saying, “It feels like Australia, where each and every base seems covered. Players with different skills and styles make it harder for the opposition.” This high praise from a player of Hazlewood’s calibre underscores the depth and strategic balance within the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad. The comparison highlights not just the talent pool but also the versatility and complementary skills present, which collectively make RCB a challenging opponent for any team in the league. This sense of completeness and tactical advantage is a hallmark of top-tier international teams, and Hazlewood’s observation speaks volumes about the current setup in Bengaluru.
The Potent Partnership: Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Beyond the team’s overall strength, Hazlewood specifically lauded his bowling partnership with fellow seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who currently leads the wicket-taking charts with an impressive 22 scalps, compared to Hazlewood’s 11. The Australian star likened their dynamic to the formidable pairing of Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. “It is like bowling with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc,” Hazlewood stated, elaborating on their distinct yet complementary styles. “He (Bhuvneshwar) likes to pitch the ball up and also gets the ball to swing. I love to hit the seam and make the ball bounce. We’ve had two good years with a great mix of players.” This synergy, combining Kumar’s swing and upfront aggression with Hazlewood’s precision and bounce, creates a multifaceted threat that has consistently troubled opposition batsmen. Their ability to adapt and attack in different phases of the game has been a cornerstone of RCB’s bowling success.
RCB’s Collective Bowling Prowess: A Force to be Reckoned With
The magnificent performances of the RCB bowlers extend far beyond the formidable duo of Hazlewood and Kumar. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, the team has showcased exceptional prowess with both the new ball and in the critical middle and death overs. Kiwi seamer Jacob Duffy has proven to be a reliable asset, consistently delivering strong performances whenever called upon. Young Rasikh Salam Dar has also been a revelation, maintaining a consistent best with the ball, particularly in the death overs where his slower balls have been highly effective in stifling opposition scoring. The spin department has been brilliantly marshalled by the experienced Krunal Pandya, who at 35, has picked up 10 crucial wickets. He has found excellent support in Suyash Sharma, who has chipped in with seven wickets, demonstrating the depth in RCB’s spin options. Furthermore, Duffy and Romario Shepherd have both made significant contributions, each securing six wickets, further solidifying the diverse and effective nature of RCB’s bowling attack across all formats of the game.
Reliving the Season’s Best: The Delhi Capitals Encounter
As the defending champions, RCB are on the brink of securing a playoff spot this season, needing just one more victory. Reflecting on their journey, the Australian pace ace recollected what he considers the best bowling performance by his side during the current season. The 76-Test veteran pinpointed the game against the Delhi Capitals as his favourite moment so far. “When the things are going your way, like the game in Delhi where Bhuvi and myself, you are bowling good deliveries, and you are in complete control,” he explained to ESPNCricinfo. Hazlewood further elaborated on the satisfaction derived from such performances: “When you fight back after conceding plenty of runs in an over, with yorker length bowling and slower balls and end up with decent bowling figures, makes me proud.” This particular match encapsulated the fighting spirit and strategic execution that has defined RCB’s bowling unit, highlighting their ability to rebound and execute under pressure, a trait crucial for championship contenders.
Conclusion
Josh Hazlewood’s insights offer a compelling view into the inner workings and strengths of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squad. His comparison of RCB to the Australian national team underscores the belief in the team’s depth and versatility. The exceptional partnership he shares with Bhuvneshwar Kumar, coupled with the consistent contributions from other key bowlers like Jacob Duffy, Rasikh Salam Dar, Krunal Pandya, and Suyash Sharma, paints a picture of a well-oiled, formidable bowling unit. As RCB pushes for another playoff appearance, the collective might and strategic brilliance of their bowling attack, epitomised by Hazlewood’s experience and leadership, will undoubtedly be pivotal to their continued success.
