Josh Hazlewood Compares Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Starc and Cummins
A New Pace Alliance
In the high-octane environment of the Indian Premier League, finding the right chemistry between fast bowlers is often the difference between a title run and an early exit. For Josh Hazlewood, the experience of leading the pace attack for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has been bolstered by an unexpected but highly effective partner: Bhuvneshwar Kumar. The Australian speedster, known for his relentless accuracy, has recently drawn parallels between the Indian veteran and his long-time international teammates, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins.
The Impact of Bhuvneshwar Kumar
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been in scintillating form this season. Currently sitting at the top of the Purple Cap leaderboard with 22 wickets from just 12 matches, his ability to manipulate the ball with the new cherry has been nothing short of masterclass. While modern T20 cricket is often defined by raw pace, Bhuvneshwar has reminded the world that swing and pinpoint accuracy remain the ultimate weapons.
Hazlewood notes that having a bowler of Bhuvneshwar’s caliber allows him to operate with a sense of comfort that is usually reserved for the Australian national setup. When bowling in tandem, the pair creates a balanced threat: Bhuvneshwar invites the swing while pitching the ball up, while Hazlewood focuses on hitting the seam and extracting crucial bounce from the surface. This variety is what makes them arguably the most promising bowling unit in the tournament.
Reflecting on the Australian Connection
For Hazlewood, the comparison to Starc and Cummins is the highest form of praise. Reflecting on the dynamic, he noted, “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 allows RCB to maintain pressure throughout the powerplay and keep run rates in check during the death overs, even on notoriously flat batting wickets.
The Philosophy of a Fast Bowler
Beyond the statistics, Hazlewood offers a fascinating insight into the mindset required to survive in the modern era of explosive batting. With 11 wickets in nine appearances this season, Hazlewood is more concerned with impact than mere volume. He finds the most satisfaction in games where the odds are stacked against the bowler.
“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,” Hazlewood explained. He believes that the true test of a bowler’s character comes when they are taken for runs early in their spell. “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 Complete Attack
Hazlewood also touched upon the strategic balance of the current RCB squad. In his view, a successful T20 team requires more than just high-quality individuals; it requires a diverse set of skills that prevents batters from settling into a rhythm. By mixing left-arm angles, wrist spin, and traditional pace, the team covers every base.
“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,” he noted. This depth, featuring the likes of Rasikh Salam, Suyash Sharma, and Krunal Pandya, provides the tactical flexibility necessary to navigate the grueling schedule of the IPL. With such a robust structure and the seasoned leadership of players like Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar, RCB continues to look like a formidable side capable of challenging for the top honors.
