Consistent match play in IPL key to Josh Hazlewood’s rise in T20 cricket

Royal Challengers Bengaluru emerged victorious by eight wickets in the IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 match against Punjab Kings at Mullanpur on Thursday. Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar, dominated the powerplay bowling charts this season, dismantling a strong Punjab batting line-up and bundling them out for a modest total of 101 runs.

Following the win, Hazlewood highlighted the importance of experience and consistent opportunities in helping him evolve as a T20 bowler.

“Getting to play the format more often, in different leagues, mainly international, but the IPL (Indian Premier League) as well, has really improved. You learn something every innings you bowl, and you add that to your arsenal and remember it for the next time,” said the pacer.

Hazlewood finished with impressive figures of 3/21 in 3.1 overs. The 34-year-old is currently the leading wicket-taker for RCB and the third-highest overall this season, with 21 wickets in 11 innings at an average of 15.80. His best figures are 4/33, and he maintains an economy rate of 8.33.

Emphasising that match play is the greatest teacher in T20 cricket, Hazlewood added, “You can train all you want, but playing the game, playing T20 cricket, you`re learning all the time. So yeah, probably that`s the main thing. I think that`s you know, made me improve as a T20 bowler. Purely the opportunity and learning from experiences helped me improve as a T20 bowler.”

With this win, Rajat Patidar-led RCB have secured a place in the IPL 2025 final, scheduled to be held at the Narendra Modi Stadium on June 3.

Chasing a modest target of 102 runs, RCB reached 106 in just 10 overs, losing only two wickets. During the run chase, opening batsman Phil Salt remained unbeaten on 56 off 27 balls, smashing six boundaries and three sixes. Supporting him was skipper Rajat Patidar, who scored a quickfire 15 off eight deliveries, including a four and a six.

Despite the loss, Punjab Kings are not out of contention. They will get another opportunity to reach the final, as they are set to face the winner of the Eliminator match between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians.

(With ANI Inputs)