Hazlewood defies the exodus: Aussie ace stays in IPL, fires RCB to final ahead of WTC clash

As many international stars exited the IPL 2025 in a bid to prepare for the World Test Championship final, one man stayed behind — and made a statement. Australia's Josh Hazlewood, shrugging off a recent shoulder injury, bowled Royal Challengers Bengaluru into their first IPL final since 2016, sending a clear message: preparation isn’t about location, it’s about intensity.

Fresh from a month-long layoff, Hazlewood produced a searing 3/21 spell against Punjab Kings, demolishing their top order and proving his rhythm is not only back but lethal. His victims included an in-form Shreyas Iyer and Josh Inglis, as RCB cruised to an eight-wicket win and sealed their spot in the final.

With the WTC final against South Africa looming on June 11 at Lord’s, Hazlewood brushed aside concerns about his choice to stay on in India.

“I’ve got to be bowling, wherever I am in the world,” he said post-match. “To get that intensity right up, there’s no better place than the IPL.”

This wasn’t just another warm-up for Hazlewood—it was a statement of defiance. While several of his compatriots chose caution over competition, Hazlewood opted for match pressure, high stakes, and the heat of the IPL spotlight.

His Test-match style lengths found just enough seam movement on Thursday night to wreak havoc, echoing the relentless accuracy that has made him a mainstay in red-ball cricket.

“I don’t bowl too much differently in Test matches than tonight,” he added.

Even after missing multiple games due to injury, Hazlewood leads RCB’s wicket tally with 21 scalps at a remarkable average of 15.80. Remove him from the equation, and RCB’s bowling unit looks threadbare. With him, they look near-invincible.

He credits his return to form to a rigorous rehabilitation regime and support from a balanced RCB attack that includes the likes of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and young leg-spinner Suyash Sharma.

“We’ve got all bases covered. Any of our six bowlers can bowl at any stage—start, middle, or end,” Hazlewood said. “Having calm heads like Bhuvi helps the whole unit. I’m probably similar in that regard—relaxed, focused on execution.”

On a night when the pitch offered seam and unpredictable bounce, Hazlewood’s control and clarity cut through. Punjab never stood a chance, bowled out for 101, and RCB chased it down in just 10 overs.

“The wicket helped, no need for yorkers or slower balls,” Hazlewood said with a smile. “Just good, old-fashioned Test lengths.”

And in that simplicity lay his power. With two weeks left until the WTC final, Hazlewood isn’t just battle-ready—he’s battle-tested.