Credit: IPL
Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood, who reunited with Virat Kohli for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, has talked about the latter’s influence on him. Hazlewood made a comeback in the RCB set-up after the franchise spent INR 12.50 crore at the mega auction 2025, to reserve the speedster’s services for the season. In his maiden IPL 2025 maiden game against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the iconic Eden Gardens, Hazlewod showcased mettle with the ball and delivered an excellent spell (2/22 in four overs) to his side. In his team’s seven-wicket win, Hazlewood chipped in with the prized scalp of dangerous opener Quinton de Kock early in the game. His brilliant bowling helped Bengaluru to contain the hosts on an average total of 174.
Ahead of Bengaluru’s game against Chennai Supers Kings (CSK) at the MA Chidambaram Stadium, the Aussie revealed how Kohli inspires him to be competitive on the field. “You might show up to training feeling a bit flat, just going through the motions. But when you look down and see him 22 yards away, it really kicks you into gear. Training becomes a battle. Especially in the middle, he definitely has that aura about him," remarked Hazlewood in a clip on RCB Bold Diaries.
Hazlewood will be essential for RCB to take down stern CSK challenge
Hazlewood will be expected to utilise his experience and produce an effective spell for RCB in the game against CSK at the MA Chidambaram Stadium on March 28. Chennai’s slow turf was friendly to both pacers and spinners during the third IPL 2025 game between CSK and MI.
Hazlewood will also expect support from Yash Dayal and Rasikh Salam, whose responsibility will be to assist the 34-year-old Aussie to bolster the fast-bowling unit. RCB won their last game against Chennai at Chepauk in 2008 under Rahul Dravid’s captaincy.
