Josh Hazlewood Compares Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Starc and Cummins

A Dynamic Partnership in Bengaluru

In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League, finding the right chemistry between fast bowlers is often the secret ingredient to championship success. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), that chemistry has been found in the unlikely but devastating duo of Australian international Josh Hazlewood and Indian veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar. Hazlewood, a stalwart of the Australian pace attack, recently expressed that he feels right at home bowling alongside Kumar, even suggesting that the partnership mirrors the intensity and tactical balance he shares with world-class teammates Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.

The Purple Cap Mastery

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a revelation this season. Sitting at the top of the Purple Cap charts with 22 wickets in just 12 matches, his ability to move the ball with surgical precision has left opposition batters struggling for answers. While many bowlers rely purely on raw speed, Kumar’s mastery of swing and accuracy has established him as arguably the most lethal new-ball bowler in the tournament. Hazlewood notes that this specific skill set provides the perfect foil for his own bowling style.

As Hazlewood explained, the contrast between their approaches is what makes them so effective on the notoriously flat tracks of the IPL. While Kumar focuses on pitching the ball up and extracting swing, Hazlewood utilizes his height to hit the seam and generate steep bounce. This variation prevents batters from settling into a rhythm, forcing them to constantly adjust to different lengths and trajectories.

The Art of the Comeback

Beyond the technical aspects, Hazlewood’s perspective on modern T20 bowling is both refreshing and profound. In an era where scores of 200-plus are becoming common, the Australian pacer finds the most satisfaction in damage control. For Hazlewood, a successful spell isn’t just about picking up wickets; it is about the mental fortitude required to bounce back after a difficult start.

“If you’re bowling on a flat wicket and go for 2 for 40 while everyone else goes for 50 or 60, I think those are the satisfying games,” Hazlewood remarked. He emphasizes that the true test of a bowler’s character comes when the batting side is in full flight. Recovering from an expensive first over by landing precise yorkers or cleverly disguised change-of-pace deliveries is where the true value of a veteran pacer lies. It is this resilience that has made him a respected figure in cricket circles worldwide.

Covering All Bases

Hazlewood also touched upon the strategic composition of the current RCB squad. He praised the team’s ability to cover all tactical bases, noting that a diverse bowling attack is essential for keeping batters guessing. With the inclusion of various bowling types, including left-arm angles and spin variations from players like Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, and Krunal Pandya, the RCB attack has achieved a level of versatility that reminds him of the Australian national team setup.

“It feels a bit like Australia—every base is covered. If you’ve got three bowlers of the same style, the batter can get a pretty good read on what’s happening. Different skills and different styles make it harder,” Hazlewood added. By diversifying their options, the team ensures that no matter the pitch condition, they have a bowler capable of exploiting the environment.

Consistency and Leadership

The synergy between a disciplined pacer like Hazlewood and a swing specialist like Kumar has undoubtedly fortified the RCB bowling unit. As the tournament progresses toward the business end, the reliance on experienced campaigners who can remain calm under pressure will be paramount. With Hazlewood providing the bounce and Kumar providing the swing, RCB has fashioned an attack that is not only statistically impressive but also tactically sound.

As the competition intensifies, the role of these pacers will only grow in importance. For RCB fans, the sight of Hazlewood and Kumar working in tandem offers hope and confidence. Their partnership is a testament to the fact that in cricket, sometimes the most effective way to win is not just through power, but through a thoughtful, balanced, and persistent approach to the game.