TOP STORIES
“I’ve done a lot of work off the field to get back to this point”: Josh Hazlewood
The Indian Premier League 2025 opener saw a stunning performance by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as they triumphed over their opponents Kolkata Knight Riders with a dominant seven-wicket victory on Saturday at Eden Gardens.
Leading the charge was Australian powerhouse Josh Hazlewood, whose brilliant bowling performance played a pivotal role in the RCB’s thumping win. Hazlewood’s suffocating spell made KKR batters unconfident as his four-over spell featured 16 dot balls. He returned with an impressive figure of 2-22 off four superb overs. Hazlewood’s first victim was dangerous Quinton de Kock caught behind off his fifth .
"I've bowled quite a lot to Quinton de Kock over the years in all formats. (He is) a very dangerous player, so better to keep it simple and really tight. I know I went a little wide to him and he hit me for four. The plan was not trying to go too full or too short, really sticking to those hard lengths. If he makes something off that length for four or six, then that's just a good shot. So yeah, sticking to my strengths, definitely," Hazlewood said during the press conference.
Hazlewood had missed the league for two seasons and now has got back after a tumultuous summer, nursing two calf injuries and a side strain.
"I feel pretty good. I feel like I got through the game very well. I know the intensity is through the roof, but it's only four overs. I feel I'll just keep building throughout the tournament and this is probably the freshest I've been in a long time. The body is feeling fresh. I've done a lot of work off the field to get back to this point, which was tough, but I think I am mentally and physically refreshed," he said.
Tags
More News
Former Indian star Piyush Chawla optimistic about Mumbai’s comeback
Former Indian spinner Piyush Chawla has expressed optimism for Mumbai Indians’ comeback in the ongoing Indian Premier League. His optimism stems from Mumbai’s revolting performances over the last four games, where they have been unbeaten, claiming four victories on the bounce. On Wednesday, they raced to a comfortable seven-wicket victory over ...
BAN vs ZIM: Anamul Haque makes comeback as Bangladesh name squad for 2nd Test
Bangladesh have announced their squad for the second Test match against Zimbabwe, with opener Anamul Haque making his return to the side after three years. Anamul had last featured for Bangladesh in a Test match against the West Indies in June 2022.
But he has received a call-up on the back of some outstanding performance in domestic ...
“He's not a finisher”: Cheteshwar Pujara on Rishabh Pant
Veteran Indian cricketer Cheteshwar Pujara has criticised Rishabh Pant’s move to bat down the order during LSG’s defeat against Delhi Capitals on Tuesday in Lucknow. Pant came down to bat at no. 7, which utterly backfired, with DC bowlers orchestrating a stunning LSG batting collapse. Barring the openers Aiden Markram (52) and Mitch...
RCB look to snap home hoodoo as RR eye turnaround
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are gearing up to host Rajasthan Royals in a crucial Indian Premier League clash on Thursday at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. It's a massive opportunity for RCB to finally shake off a perplexing home jinx. Despite a perfect record on the road, winning all five of their away games, the team has stumbled at home, suffering three consecut...
RR head coach provides big update on Sanju Samson
Rajasthan Royals’ head coach Rahul Dravid has provided a big update on Sanju Samson, who has been on the sidelines nursing an injury. Samson, who marked his absence in RR’s last match against Lucknow Super Giants, is also poised to miss the team’s upcoming clash against RCB on Thursday. Meanwhile, Samson is recovering from an abdominal injury ...
Android App
iOS App
YouTube
Facebook
Instagram