Josh Hazlewood Draws Parallels Between RCB and Australian Cricket Setup
A Seamless Transition to Bengaluru
Josh Hazlewood has firmly established himself as a cornerstone of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) bowling attack. Since joining the franchise in 2022, following a successful stint with the Chennai Super Kings, the New South Wales native has become an integral part of the team’s identity. His contribution culminated in a memorable title-winning campaign in 2025, cementing his status as one of the most reliable overseas pacers in the league.
The Australian Parallel
Ahead of the crucial clash against PBKS in Dharamsala, Hazlewood drew a striking comparison between his current IPL side and the Australian national team. The 35-year-old noted that the professionalism and tactical diversity within the RCB camp mirror the environment he experiences on the international stage. According to Hazlewood, the squad is meticulously balanced, ensuring every base is covered. The inclusion of players with varied skill sets and bowling styles creates a complex puzzle for opposing batters, making the RCB bowling unit particularly difficult to navigate.
The Dynamic Duo: Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar
One of the most compelling narratives of the current season has been the partnership between Hazlewood and Indian veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar. With Bhuvneshwar leading the charts with an impressive 22 wickets and Hazlewood contributing 11, the two have formed a balanced attacking force.
Hazlewood was quick to praise his teammate, noting the strategic synergy between them. “It is like bowling with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc,” Hazlewood remarked. He highlighted how Bhuvneshwar’s ability to pitch the ball up and extract swing complements his own style, which focuses on hitting the seam and generating bounce. This contrast in approach has proven to be a nightmare for opposition lineups over the past two years.
A Well-Oiled Bowling Machine
The success of RCB is not limited to the new-ball specialists. The team’s bowling unit has demonstrated remarkable depth throughout the 2026 season:
- Jacob Duffy: The Kiwi seamer has remained a consistent option, stepping up effectively whenever called upon.
- Rasikh Salam Dar: The youngster has impressed with his composure in the death overs, particularly through his clinical use of slower balls.
- The Spin Department: Krunal Pandya has anchored the spin attack with 10 wickets, supported ably by Suyash Sharma, who has added seven crucial scalps to his name.
- All-round Contributions: Both Duffy and Romario Shepherd have provided valuable support, securing six wickets each to strengthen the team’s overall bowling depth.
Reflecting on a Championship Mindset
As the defending champions edge closer to securing another playoff berth, Hazlewood looked back on the highlights of the current season. He singled out the match against the Delhi Capitals as his favorite performance of the year. For the 76-Test veteran, the pride comes from the ability to regain control after a difficult start.
“When things are going your way, like the game in Delhi where Bhuvi and myself were bowling well, you feel in complete control,” he explained. “It is that ability to fight back after conceding runs—utilizing yorkers and slower balls—that makes the effort truly rewarding.”
With the playoffs on the horizon, the chemistry within the RCB squad appears to be at an all-time high. Under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, the team continues to display the tactical discipline and collective effort that Hazlewood feels is the hallmark of a world-class cricketing setup.
