IPL 2025: Bangar Highlights Hazlewood's Dreamlike Consistency for Captains
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Josh Hazlewood's remarkable performance in IPL 2025 has garnered praise from former coach Sanjay Bangar. His consistency exemplifies what every captain seeks in a bowler, particularly under pressure. Hazlewood's impressive statistics and pivotal role in RCB's victory underscore his value in the tournament.
Key Takeaways
- Josh Hazlewood took 4 wickets for 33 runs.
- His consistent bowling is vital for RCB’s success.
- Bangar highlighted Hazlewood's ability to maintain composure under pressure.
- Hazlewood earned the Player of the Match award.
- RCB's bowling has significantly improved thanks to Hazlewood.
New Delhi, April 25 (NationPress) After Josh Hazlewood achieved figures of 4-33, contributing significantly to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) securing their inaugural home victory in IPL 2025, former head coach Sanjay Bangar remarked that the seasoned fast bowler's consistency is precisely what every captain aspires to have in this league.
At the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, the Rajasthan Royals (RR) were in a position to claim victory, requiring only 18 runs from the last two overs to end their four-match losing streak. However, Hazlewood delivered a memorable penultimate over, yielding merely one run while claiming two wickets, effectively sealing RCB’s triumph.
His impressive performance, taking three wickets for just seven runs in the final two overs, earned him the Player of the Match accolade. “Josh Hazlewood embodies the consistency that every captain dreams of. In high-pressure situations, he maintains his composure, delivers the right lengths, and knows precisely how to bowl to each batsman,” Bangar stated.
“RCB’s bowling has significantly improved over the years, largely thanks to him—he has been their most dependable bowler, aside from the season he missed due to injury. Consistently hitting test-match lengths is second nature to him. On a pitch known for its steep bounce, it's no wonder he took four wickets,” Bangar remarked on JioStar.
Anil Kumble, the legendary Indian leg-spinner who previously captained RCB, commended Hazlewood's clutch bowling in the death overs. “His performance was exceptional. Given the pitch conditions, Hazlewood was anticipated to be RR’s most perilous bowler. RCB faced pressure after Bhuvneshwar’s over cost 22 runs, with Rajasthan Royals needing 40 off 3.”
“Hazlewood responded magnificently—those two wickets and the sharp review by Jitesh Sharma turned the match in RCB’s favor. It was an extraordinary effort from the entire team, particularly Hazlewood,” he added.
Kumble further praised RCB’s bowling resurgence towards the end of the chase, which led to yet another collapse for RR. “It was a challenging scenario for RCB, especially after losing the toss. They had to work hard for the win—and they succeeded,” he noted.
“At the midway point, the Rajasthan Royals appeared to be in control, but the bowlers executed a remarkable recovery. Their batting was outstanding; they adapted well to the conditions to reach 205. The last ten overs with the ball were meticulously planned, and Josh Hazlewood spearheaded the attack exceptionally well.”
