Josh Hazlewood Compares RCB Culture to Australian Cricket Setup

A Winning Mentality: Hazlewood Finds Home in Bengaluru

Since joining the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in 2022, veteran Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has become an integral part of the franchise’s bowling arsenal. Following a successful stint with the Chennai Super Kings, where he secured a title in 2021, the New South Wales native has flourished in the Bengaluru setup, playing a pivotal role in the team’s championship run in 2025. Ahead of the crucial PBKS vs RCB encounter in Dharamsala, Hazlewood offered high praise for his current franchise.

Reflecting on the environment at RCB, the 35-year-old noted that the level of professionalism and strategic planning mirrors his experiences in international cricket. According to Hazlewood, the RCB setup is unique in its ability to cover every tactical base. By assembling a squad with diverse skills and varied bowling styles, the franchise has created a blueprint that makes life difficult for opposition batters, much like the Australian national team’s approach to roster construction.

The Lethal Partnership: Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar

A significant factor in RCB’s success this season has been the blossoming partnership between Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. While Bhuvneshwar leads the wicket-taking charts with an impressive 22 scalps, Hazlewood has provided the perfect support, contributing 11 wickets of his own. Hazlewood drew a direct comparison between his current bowling partner and his illustrious national teammates, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.

“It is like bowling with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc,” Hazlewood remarked. “Bhuvneshwar likes to pitch the ball up and extract swing, whereas I prefer to hit the seam and generate bounce. That contrast creates a lot of pressure, and we have enjoyed a great mix of players over the last two years.”

A Balanced Bowling Attack

The strength of the RCB bowling unit is not limited to the Hazlewood-Bhuvneshwar duo. The team has benefited from a collective effort across all phases of the game. Kiwi seamer Jacob Duffy has proven to be a reliable option when called upon, and young talent Rasikh Salam Dar has emerged as a death-overs specialist, earning praise for his consistent execution of slower-ball variations.

The spin department has also been in capable hands. Krunal Pandya has provided stability and veteran leadership, claiming 10 wickets, while Suyash Sharma has complemented him well with seven wickets of his own. Furthermore, the contributions of Romario Shepherd and Duffy, who have each chipped in with six wickets, highlight the depth of the current squad.

Reflecting on the 2026 Campaign

With the defending champions standing just one win away from clinching a playoff berth, the mood in the camp remains focused and optimistic. When asked to recall the highlight of the current season, Hazlewood pointed to the collective resilience shown during their match against the Delhi Capitals.

For the 76-Test veteran, the standout moment wasn’t just about statistics, but about the mental fortitude displayed under pressure. “When things are going your way, like the game in Delhi where Bhuvi and I were in complete control, it’s special,” Hazlewood said. “However, what makes me truly proud is when we fight back after conceding runs in an over, using yorkers and slower balls to wrestle control back and end with respectable figures. That kind of turnaround defines our season so far.” As RCB enters the final stages of the tournament, the blend of international experience and domestic talent seems perfectly poised to make another deep run.