IPL 2026: Josh Hazlewood shakes off the rust
Josh Hazlewood's return to form at the Chinnaswamy Stadium was pivotal for Royal Challengers Bengaluru's home victory. Overcoming injury layoffs, the Australian pacer showcased discipline and precision, effectively stifling the opposition's scoring. Hazlewood emphasized preparation and adapting to conditions, highlighting his continuous efforts to evolve his bowling arsenal.
BENGALURU: Last season, when Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally snapped their losing streak at home, Josh Hazlewood stood a? t the centre of that turnaround, returning figures of 3/33 in an 11-run win over Rajasthan Royals. Nearly a year later, the Australian once again proved his worth at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, playing a pivotal role with 1/20 in RCB’s victory over Lucknow Super Giants.
The win helped RCB maintain their unbeaten run at home this season. Hamstring and Achilles tendinitis issues ruled Hazlewood out for 151 days, including Australia’s underwhelming T20 World Cup campaign. When he returned to competitive cricket against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati earlier this month, there were understandable signs of rust.
His very first delivery of the season, a full ball outside off, was dispatched high over deep backward point by Yashasvi Jaiswal. Though Hazlewood eventually had the last laugh in that contest by dismissing the left-hander, he was taken on by young Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, who struck him for a flurry of boundaries. Hazlewood finished that outing with 2/44 in a six-wicket defeat, a performance that hinted he was still finding his rhythm.
Having missed the subsequent match against Mumbai Indians, Hazlewood returned on Wednesday night with far greater control and purpose. On a spongy Chinnaswamy surface that offered variable bounce, the 35-year-old delivered a spell built on discipline and precision. Of the 24 balls he bowled, 13 were dot deliveries, effectively stalling LSG’s scoring rate during the crucial early overs.