Josh Hazlewood Praises Bhuvneshwar Kumar as IPL’s Premier Pacer
Josh Hazlewood isn’t missing Mitchell Starc or Pat Cummins at Royal Challengers Bengaluru. And the reason? Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
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Like Bowling with Australia’s Best
In a glowing endorsement, the seasoned Australian pacer revealed that sharing the new ball with Bhuvneshwar feels strikingly similar to his long-standing partnerships with Cummins and Starc for Australia. Despite the absence of his international teammates, Hazlewood finds a comforting rhythm with the Indian veteran.
“It’s a little bit like bowling with Patty [Pat Cummins] and Starcy [Mitchell Starc] for Australia. Bhuvi probably pitches it up a little more and swings the ball. I can hit the seam and get a bit of bounce. It’s nice to have balance in your attack. Last year and this year we’ve had a nice mix,”
That balance has proven crucial on the flat decks of IPL 2025, where Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar have emerged as one of the tournament’s most reliable opening duos.
Bhuvi Leads the Purple Cap Race
Bhuvneshwar Kumar currently sits atop the Purple Cap standings with 22 wickets in 12 matches, a testament to his relentless accuracy and late swing. His ability to dismantle top orders in the powerplay has been instrumental for RCB, making him one of the most feared bowlers with the new ball.
Hazlewood, though quieter with 11 wickets in nine appearances, has been equally vital. His economy and ability to contain runs in the middle and death overs complement Bhuvneshwar’s wicket-taking threat upfront.
Resilience on Flat Tracks
Flat pitches often expose bowlers, but Hazlewood values performances where the odds are stacked against the attack.
“If you’re bowling on a flat wicket and go for 2 for 40 while everyone else goes for 50 or 60, I think those are the satisfying games,” he said.
He also highlighted the mental grit needed when things go awry early.
“But when the batting side is dominant and your first over goes for 20, and then you fight back with yorkers or changes of pace and finish with decent figures, those are the games I’m probably most proud of,” Hazlewood reflected.
A Well-Balanced Attack
Beyond the new-ball pair, Hazlewood praised RCB’s overall bowling composition. With left-arm quick Rasikh Salam stepping in for the injured Yash Dayal, and the spin duo of leg-spinner Suyash Sharma and left-armer Krunal Pandya, the side mirrors Australia’s multi-dimensional attack.
“It feels a bit like Australia—every base is covered,” Hazlewood noted. “If you’ve got three bowlers of the same style, the batter can get a pretty good read on what’s happening. Different skills and different styles make it harder.”
Conclusion: A Partnership Built on Trust
The Hazlewood-Bhuvneshwar combination may not carry the same marquee names as other pace duos, but their synergy, discipline, and contrasting styles are proving to be RCB’s secret weapon. In Hazlewood’s eyes, Bhuvneshwar isn’t just filling in—he’s standing shoulder to shoulder with Australia’s finest.
As RCB aim for playoff contention, their success may well hinge on this understated, yet devastatingly effective, bowling partnership.
