Josh Hazlewood Compares Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc

A Dynamic Bowling Partnership at RCB

As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) continue their dominant run in the IPL 2026 season, the spotlight has turned toward their lethal bowling unit. With the team sitting comfortably on 16 points after 12 matches, the defending champions are well-positioned for another deep playoff run. Central to this success has been the veteran presence of Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, whose recent form has drawn high praise from none other than his teammate, Josh Hazlewood.

(Source: AFP)

Hazlewood, an iconic Australian speedster, did not hold back in his assessment of the seasoned Indian bowler. In a recent interaction ahead of the crucial clash against the Punjab Kings at the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala, Hazlewood drew direct parallels between the skill sets of Bhuvneshwar and his long-time Australian teammates, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

Defining the ‘Balance’ in the Attack

Explaining the tactical synergy within the RCB ranks, Hazlewood noted how the team’s bowling composition mirrors the successful setups he has experienced at the international level. The Australian pacer highlighted how the diverse skill sets of his fellow bowlers create a multifaceted challenge for opposing batting lineups.

“It’s a little bit like bowling with Patty [Pat Cummins] and Starcy [Mitchell Starc] for Australia,” Hazlewood remarked. “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 that balance in your attack. We have maintained a nice mix of styles that has served us well both last year and this season.”

Bhuvneshwar Kumar: The Purple Cap Leader

The praise from Hazlewood is backed by cold, hard statistics. Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been nothing short of a revelation for RCB throughout the 2026 campaign. Currently the holder of the prestigious ‘Purple Cap’, the 36-year-old has defied age and skepticism to remain the most proficient wicket-taker for his side.

With 22 wickets in just 12 innings, Bhuvneshwar has maintained an impressive bowling average of 16.13. His ability to move the ball early in the innings has been a nightmare for top-order batters, most notably during his masterclass performance against the Mumbai Indians, where he claimed 4-23 in Raipur.

While Hazlewood has contributed with 11 wickets of his own since his return to the side, he acknowledges that his role often involves hitting the deck hard and maintaining pressure, even if it comes at a slightly higher economy rate compared to the clinical precision of Bhuvneshwar.

Cruising Toward the Playoffs

The synergy between these pacers has been instrumental in RCB’s quest for back-to-back titles. Following a hard-fought, six-wicket victory over KKR in their previous outing, the team has solidified its standing in the upper echelons of the points table. With 16 points and a robust Net Run Rate of 1.053, the path to the top four is all but secured.

The upcoming match against the Punjab Kings on Sunday, May 17, serves as a pivotal opportunity for RCB. A win would not only mathematically cement their spot in the playoffs but also bolster their chances of securing a top-two finish, granting them two opportunities to reach the grand finale. As the team prepares for the business end of the tournament, the leadership transition following the exit of Rajat Patidar remains a talking point among fans, but the on-field performance of the bowling attack provides a much-needed sense of stability.

Whether they are defending a modest total or looking to stifle a chasing side, the combination of Bhuvneshwar’s swing and Hazlewood’s bounce remains the cornerstone of RCB’s strategy. As the tournament reaches its climax, all eyes will be on whether this ‘Australian-style’ balance can propel RCB to another historic trophy lift.