Josh Hazlewood Compares RCB to Australia; Praises Bhuvi Partnership

Josh Hazlewood Finds Australia-Like Depth in Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad

Veteran Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood has become an indispensable asset for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) since his return to the Indian Premier League (IPL). After beginning his IPL journey with Chennai Super Kings, where he clinched a title in 2021, Hazlewood moved to Bengaluru in 2022. His impactful performances culminated in a pivotal role during RCB’s triumphant 2025 title-winning campaign, solidifying his status as a key figure in the squad.

Ahead of a crucial encounter against Punjab Kings in Dharamsala, the right-arm pacer offered a significant compliment to his current team. According to the 35-year-old, the environment and dynamics of playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru closely resemble those of representing his national side, Australia.

RCB: A Reflection of Australian Cricket Excellence

ESPN Cricinfo quoted Hazlewood, stating, “It feels like Australia, where each and every base seems covered. Players with different skills and styles make it harder for the opposition.” This observation speaks volumes about the depth and versatility within the RCB squad. Hazlewood’s comparison underscores a carefully assembled team that boasts a range of talents, ensuring that all cricketing disciplines are adequately addressed, much like a well-rounded international unit.

The concept of ‘each base covered’ is critical in T20 cricket, where adaptability and strategic variations are paramount. Having players with distinct skill sets – whether it’s raw pace, swing, seam movement, pinpoint accuracy, or crafty spin – provides a captain with multiple options to counter different batting line-ups and match situations. This tactical flexibility, as Hazlewood points out, inherently makes it more challenging for opposing teams to formulate effective strategies against RCB.

The Potent Partnership with Bhuvneshwar Kumar

A significant factor in RCB’s bowling prowess has been the formidable partnership between Josh Hazlewood and Indian veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Hazlewood, currently with 11 wickets to his name, has proved to be the perfect foil for Kumar, who leads the bowling charts with an impressive 22 wickets. Their combined experience and complementary bowling styles have frequently troubled opposition batters.

Praising his fellow seamer, the Australian star drew another compelling parallel: “It is like bowling with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. 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 comparison to Australia’s world-class pace duo highlights the high regard Hazlewood holds for their partnership. Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s ability to generate early swing and target the stumps with conventional lengths perfectly complements Hazlewood’s expertise in hitting the seam, extracting bounce, and maintaining a tight line and length. This dual threat from both ends has been a cornerstone of RCB’s bowling success, creating relentless pressure on the batters.

Beyond the Core Duo: RCB’s Diverse Bowling Attack

While the Hazlewood-Kumar tandem forms the spearhead, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s bowling unit is far from a two-man show. The collective performances of Rajat Patidar and his men have showcased exceptional skill with both the new ball and in the critical middle and death overs. Kiwi seamer Jacob Duffy has consistently delivered whenever called upon, providing crucial breakthroughs and economical spells. Young Rasikh Salam Dar has also been a revelation, demonstrating consistent excellence, particularly in the death overs, where his variations, including slower balls, have proven highly effective in restricting opposition scoring.

The spin department, too, has been expertly marshalled. The experienced Krunal Pandya, at 35, has brilliantly handled the spin responsibilities, picking up 10 crucial wickets. He has found excellent company in Suyash Sharma, who has managed to grab seven wickets with his deceptive spin. Furthermore, all-rounders like Romario Shepherd have chipped in with significant contributions, alongside Duffy, both securing six wickets apiece. This diverse array of bowling options, encompassing different styles and specializations, truly embodies Hazlewood’s sentiment of having ‘every base covered’.

A Defining Performance: The Delhi Capitals Encounter

As defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru are just one victory away from securing their place in the playoffs this season. Reflecting on the campaign, the Australian pace ace recollected the best bowling performance by his side during the current season. The 76-Test veteran named the game against the Delhi Capitals as his favourite moment so far, a testament to the team’s ability to perform under pressure.

He described the feeling of being in complete control: “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. 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 him proud.” This highlights the mental fortitude and execution skills of the RCB bowlers, showcasing their capacity to rebound from challenging situations and deliver impactful spells when it matters most.

The comprehensive nature of RCB’s bowling attack, from the experienced leadership of Hazlewood and Kumar to the emerging talents and reliable support cast, positions them strongly as they aim to defend their title. Their ability to deliver across all phases of the game, combined with a collective fighting spirit, underscores their credentials as formidable contenders in the ongoing IPL season.