Josh Hazlewood: From T20I Heroics to IPL Glory— A Perfect Season for the Aussie Star

In the world of cricket, some players earn their reputation through consistent brilliance across formats. Josh Hazlewood, Australia’s tall and relentless pace machine, has just wrapped up a season that could be described as nothing short of extraordinary—dominating both international cricket and the IPL 2025 stage.

A Match-Winning Spell in Australia’s T20I Opener

Hazlewood set the tone for Australia’s home T20I series against South Africa in Darwin. In the opening clash, he tore through the Proteas’ batting lineup, claiming 3 wickets for just 27 runs. His early breakthroughs derailed South Africa’s chase, sealing a 17-run victory for the Aussies.

This performance also extended Australia’s incredible streak to nine consecutive T20I wins, with Hazlewood’s accuracy and calm under pressure proving decisive once again. Fans and commentators alike praised his ability to swing the ball under lights and deliver in crunch overs.

From Injury to Impact: The IPL Comeback

Earlier this year, Hazlewood faced a setback—a shoulder injury that kept him out of a large part of the IPL 2025 season. After undergoing rehab in Brisbane, he made a timely return to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad just ahead of the playoffs.

His comeback was a major boost for RCB, who had been struggling to find the right death-bowling combination. Hazlewood’s composure and precision added much-needed balance to the attack, instantly lifting the team’s confidence heading into knockout matches.

RCB’s Historic First IPL Trophy

For years, RCB fans had dreamed of lifting the IPL trophy. In 2025, that dream finally came true—with Josh Hazlewood playing a key role.

In the final, Hazlewood bowled with control and discipline, conceding just 54 runs in his four overs while picking up a vital wicket. More importantly, his presence allowed RCB’s other bowlers to attack aggressively, knowing they had a reliable anchor at the other end.

With this victory, Hazlewood added the IPL title to his glittering list of achievements, which already included the ICC ODI World Cup, T20 World Cup, and Champions League T20. Remarkably, he has never lost a final in his career—a record that earned him the nickname “HazelGod” among fans.

The Secret Behind Hazlewood’s Success

Unlike some tearaway fast bowlers, Hazlewood’s strength lies not in raw pace but in relentless accuracy, subtle seam movement, and mental discipline. His style has drawn comparisons to the great Glenn McGrath, though Hazlewood has forged his own identity through versatility in all formats—Tests, ODIs, and T20s.

This season highlighted his adaptability:

• In T20Is, he used cutters, yorkers, and tight lines to choke run flow.

• In IPL 2025, he combined slower balls with back-of-length deliveries to outsmart batters on varied pitches.

What’s Next for Josh Hazlewood?

With the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 and a busy Test schedule ahead, Hazlewood will be a central figure in Australia’s plans. His fitness management will be crucial, as Australia aims to keep him fresh for both red-ball and white-ball assignments.

For RCB, retaining Hazlewood in future seasons will be a priority. His ability to deliver under pressure makes him an asset not just for bowling but also for the team’s overall strategy.

Why Hazlewood’s Season Stands Out

• International Impact: Match-winning spells for Australia in T20Is.

• Comeback Story: Returned from injury just in time to change RCB’s playoff fortunes.

• Historic Win: Part of RCB’s first-ever IPL championship.

• Unbeaten in Finals: Maintains a 100% win record in tournament finals.

Suggested Authoritative Source for Cricket Fans:

Visit ESPNcricinfo for Josh Hazlewood’s career stats and detailed match records.