In a rain-affected IPL 2025 match, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) saw their batting order crumble disastrously. For the first time this season, Josh Hazlewood had to step up and bat as RCB’s top order crumbled under pressure. Despite the weather playing spoilsport, RCB’s batsmen could barely hold on, losing 7 wickets for just 42 runs.
The main culprit? Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who made life difficult for the RCB openers. Tim David, however, stood tall for RCB, blasting an unbeaten half-century to take the home team to 95/9. Hazlewood, who turned the tide with a brilliant bowling performance, taking three wickets to keep the match from slipping away, shared some crucial thoughts on the condition of the M. Chinnaswamy pitch.
“This is not your typical Chinnaswamy wicket,” Hazlewood explained. “Yes, the bounce is there, but it’s not as consistent as we’re used to. The bowlers have figured out that hitting the right length – around the six-to-eight-meter mark – makes batting a challenge. It’s tough to get runs on this track.”
Hazlewood went on to emphasize the need for RCB’s top six batsmen to stay till the end. “In the past, opposition batters who stayed till the 20th over were the ones who made the difference. If one of our top six can bat through the innings, we’ll have a much better shot at winning, especially at home,” Hazlewood added.
#RCB are pumped and HOW 🤩 Sharp catch by Jitesh Sharma and #PBKS are 4️⃣ down 👌 High quality over from Josh Hazlewood 🫡 Updates ▶ https://t.co/7fIn60rqKZ #TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | @RCBTweets
Hazlewood’s batting stint was short-lived, coming in during the 12th over and facing just one delivery. Tim David’s blistering knock in the final overs, which included his first-ever IPL half-century, helped RCB finish with a respectable total. Despite the loss, David was named the ‘Player of the Match’ for his efforts.
Josh Hazlewood🎙️: “It’s all about finding the balance, not rushing, but also knowing when to go hard. It’s a tricky wicket, and we need to adapt fast.” #RCB #IPL2025 #PlayBold
On the bowling front, Hazlewood was in his prime. He struck early, dismissing PBKS opener Priyansh Arya in the fourth over. He also removed PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer with a back-of-the-length delivery that took the outside edge. Hazlewood finished with 3 wickets for just 14 runs in his three overs – an impressive showing in a rain-impacted match.
Hazlewood is now tied with Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) left-arm chinaman bowler for the most wickets in IPL 2025 with 12 scalps. As for RCB, this defeat marks their third straight loss at home this season, and they’ll be looking to bounce back in their upcoming matches. The next opportunity for redemption comes on April 20 against PBKS, with a chance to avenge their defeat.
RCB will also face Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 24, hoping to end their home-ground losing streak.
