Josh Hazlewood Compares Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Starc and Cummins

A New Pace Partnership Defining the IPL

In the high-octane world of the Indian Premier League, finding the right rhythm in a bowling attack is often the difference between victory and defeat. For Josh Hazlewood, the legendary Australian pacer, the current season has brought a sense of familiarity despite the change in scenery. Hazlewood has revealed that he feels no void left by his national teammates, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, thanks to the tactical brilliance and accuracy of his current bowling partner, the veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar.

The Purple Cap Contender

Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been a revelation this season, consistently leading the charts as the highest wicket-taker. With 22 wickets in just 12 games, he currently holds the prestigious Purple Cap. His ability to manipulate the swinging ball with pinpoint accuracy has made him a nightmare for opening batters, turning the powerplay overs into a fortress for his team.

Hazlewood and Kumar have emerged as arguably the most promising bowling pair in the tournament. Their synergy on flat pitches, which are traditionally difficult for pacers, has been nothing short of extraordinary. While they have been dominant in the early stages of the innings, their ability to remain economical during the death overs has provided their franchise with much-needed stability.

Mirroring International Standards

Reflecting on the dynamic, Hazlewood noted the technical similarities between his IPL partner and his Aussie colleagues. He emphasized that the balance of styles is key to their success. While Bhuvneshwar prefers to pitch the ball up and invite the swing, Hazlewood focuses on hitting the seam and extracting bounce from the surface. This variety ensures that opposing batters never settle into a rhythm.

“It’s a little bit like bowling with Patty and Starcy for Australia,” Hazlewood remarked. “Bhuvi probably pitches it up a little more and swings the ball. I can hit the seam and get a bit of bounce. It’s nice to have balance in your attack. Last year and this year we’ve had a nice mix.”

The Art of Resilience

Beyond raw statistics, Hazlewood brings a wealth of international experience to the squad. While he has claimed 11 wickets in nine appearances, he measures his personal success differently than many of his peers. For the seasoned Australian, it is not just about the wicket column; it is about the ability to bounce back when the game is slipping away.

“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,” he explained. He emphasizes that the pride of a fast bowler lies in the recovery. “When the batting side is dominant and your first over goes for 20, and then you fight back with yorkers or changes of pace and finish with decent figures, those are the games I’m probably most proud of.”

Building a Balanced Attack

Hazlewood also expressed his admiration for the overall team composition of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. He believes that the current balance covers every base, much like the Australian national team setup. He highlighted the importance of having diverse skill sets, from the left-arm angle provided by Rasikh Salam to the variety offered by leg-spinners and left-arm spinners.

The veteran pacer noted that, “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.” By creating a multifaceted attack, RCB has ensured that they are well-equipped to handle any batting lineup, proving that strategic diversity is as important as individual talent in the modern game.

As the season progresses, the partnership between Hazlewood and Kumar will undoubtedly remain a focal point for cricket fans and analysts alike, serving as a masterclass in how international-grade communication and complementary styles can elevate a bowling unit to new heights.