Josh Hazlewood: The Key Player for RCB in IPL Final Against PBKS
Josh Hazlewood's Impact on RCB's IPL Journey
As the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) prepare to face Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL final at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium, all eyes will be on their leading pace bowler, Josh Hazlewood. His presence has significantly boosted an already strong bowling lineup.
In his 11 appearances for RCB this season, Hazlewood, affectionately called 'Hoff' by teammates, has claimed 21 wickets with an impressive average of 15.80 and an economy rate of 8.30, achieving best figures of 4/33. He stands as RCB's leading wicket-taker and ranks fourth overall in the tournament. His knack for taking crucial wickets has earned him the fan-favorite nickname 'Hazlegod' on social media.
Hazlewood brings a wealth of experience from both franchise and international cricket, embodying the renowned 'Aussie mentality' that prioritizes winning.
This seasoned pacer has an impressive trophy cabinet, having won titles from the U19 World Cup to the 50-over World Cup and the IPL. Notably, he has never lost a final in a major tournament, a statistic that excites fans.
His track record in finals speaks volumes about his ability to deliver under pressure.
Hazlewood's Final Match Performances
Here’s a summary of Hazlewood's remarkable performances in tournament finals:
- 2010 U19 World Cup Final: 4/30 against Pakistan in 8.4 overs, leading to a victory as Pakistan was bowled out for 82 while chasing 208. He was awarded 'Player of the Match.'
- Champions League T20 Final 2012: 3/22 in four overs for Sydney Sixers, helping to dismiss Lions for 121, which was easily chased down. This match included a wicket of future South African star Quinton de Kock.
- 2014 Sheffield Shield Final: 6/50 in 22 overs against Western Australia for New South Wales (NSW). The match ended in a draw, but NSW clinched the title based on their top position in the points table.
- World Cup 2015 Final: A stellar performance with figures of 0/30 in eight overs. This was his only wicketless final, but his bowling helped Australia restrict New Zealand to a low score of 183.
- Big Bash League Final 2019-2020: 3/18 in a 12-over match for the Sixers, limiting Melbourne Stars to 97/6 while chasing 117.
- IPL 2021 Final for CSK: 2/29 in four overs against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), taking key wickets that contributed to KKR's total of 165/9 while chasing 193.
- T20 World Cup 2021 Final: 3/16 in four overs against New Zealand, restricting them to 172/4, which Australia successfully chased down.
- World Cup 2023 Final: 2/60 in 10 overs, claiming wickets of Ravindra Jadeja and Suryakumar Yadav, leading to India's all-out score of 240, which Australia chased down with ease.
In these seven finals, Hazlewood has taken a total of 23 wickets, with his best figures being 6/50.
In T20 finals specifically, he has achieved 11 wickets across four matches, averaging 7.72 with an economy rate of 5.66, and his best figures being 3/16 in the T20 World Cup 2021 final.
Squads for the IPL Final
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Philip Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarawal, Rajat Patidar(c), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma(w), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Rasikh Dar Salam, Manoj Bhandage, Tim Seifert, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Blessing Muzarabani, Nuwan Thushara, Mohit Rathee, Swastik Chikara, Abhinandan Singh.
Punjab Kings Squad: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis(w), Shreyas Iyer(c), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal, Harpreet Brar, Suryansh Shedge, Praveen Dubey, Xavier Bartlett, Vishnu Vinod, Yash Thakur, Aaron Hardie, Kuldeep Sen, Mitchell Owen, Harnoor Singh, Musheer Khan, Pyla Avinash.