Josh Hazlewood Compares Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Starc and Cummins
A Dynamic Partnership in the IPL
In the high-stakes environment of the Indian Premier League, finding the right chemistry between fast bowlers is often the difference between victory and defeat. Josh Hazlewood, a cornerstone of Australia’s pace attack, has found a kindred spirit in veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar while representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Hazlewood, known for his metronomic accuracy, suggests that his collaboration with the Indian stalwart mirrors the world-class support he receives from Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins back home.
The Art of the Swing and Seam
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been in scintillating form this season, currently wearing the prestigious Purple Cap as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 22 scalps in 12 matches. His ability to move the ball early in the innings has cemented his reputation as one of the most lethal new-ball bowlers in the world. Hazlewood highlighted the complementary nature of their skill sets, noting, “It’s a little bit like bowling with Patty and Starcy for Australia. 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.”
This tactical synergy is crucial on the notoriously flat tracks often found in the IPL. By offering opposing batters different trajectories—swing versus bounce—the duo creates a constant element of doubt, making it significantly harder for top-order batsmen to settle into a rhythm.
The Mindset of a Modern Pacer
Beyond the technical aspects, Hazlewood provided a fascinating glimpse into the mindset required to survive as a quick in T20 cricket. With T20 formats becoming increasingly batter-friendly, Hazlewood argues that measuring success purely by wickets is a flawed metric. “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. His focus remains on the broader impact of a spell rather than personal glory.
Furthermore, he emphasized the importance of resilience. For Hazlewood, the true test of a bowler’s character is how they recover from a difficult start. He shared, “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.” This ability to adapt under pressure is exactly what separates elite international bowlers from the rest of the pack.
Team Balance and Tactical Depth
Hazlewood also touched upon the broader tactical framework of the current RCB squad. A successful T20 team requires more than just a frontline pace attack; it demands a variety of bowling styles to keep the opposition guessing. He pointed out the importance of having left-arm options and varied spin deliveries, such as leg-spin and left-arm orthodox, to round out the bowling unit.
“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,” Hazlewood added. This strategic approach highlights why RCB has been able to maintain such a competitive edge throughout the tournament. By fostering an environment where bowlers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hazlewood can thrive, the franchise has built a unit that is versatile enough to handle diverse conditions and aggressive batting lineups.
As the tournament progresses, the reliance on such experienced heads will be paramount. With the leadership of seasoned professionals and a well-balanced tactical setup, the partnership between Hazlewood and Kumar serves as a blueprint for success for teams aiming to go the distance in the IPL.
