Josh Hazlewood Compares Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Starc & Cummins: IPL’s New Pace Powerhouse
Josh Hazlewood’s High Praise for Bhuvneshwar Kumar: A Comparison to Australian Pace Giants
Legendary Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, a vital cog in the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) attack, has recently made a remarkable statement that has sent ripples through the cricketing world. Hazlewood openly declared that he does not feel the absence of his formidable Australian national teammates, Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins, when he bowls alongside veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar in the Indian Premier League (IPL). This assertion underscores the immense respect Hazlewood holds for Kumar’s abilities and highlights the potent bowling partnership they have forged.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s Stellar IPL Season: A Masterclass in Pace and Precision
Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s performance in the current IPL season has been nothing short of exceptional, firmly placing him at the pinnacle of the wicket-taking charts. With an impressive tally of 22 wickets from just 12 games, he is the undisputed holder of the coveted Purple Cap. Kumar’s sublime accuracy, particularly with the new ball, has consistently made him one of the most lethal bowlers in the tournament. His ability to swing the ball both ways, combined with pinpoint control, has troubled even the most accomplished batsmen, often providing crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay overs.
Beyond his wicket-taking prowess, Kumar’s economy has also been a hallmark of his season. In a format often dominated by batsmen, his knack for stifling scoring rates, especially during the crucial death overs, has proven invaluable. This blend of wicket-taking ability and economic bowling makes him a complete package and a truly impactful performer in T20 cricket.
A Partnership Forged in Fire: The Synergy of Hazlewood and Kumar
The combination of Josh Hazlewood’s disciplined line and length, often extracting bounce and seam movement, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s lethal swing and accuracy, has created one of the most promising and effective bowling attacks in the IPL. Their complementary styles have allowed them to dismantle opposition batting lineups, both early in the innings and during the crucial slog overs. On pitches that are often flat and unforgiving for bowlers, their collective brilliance has shone through.
Their effectiveness in the powerplay has been extraordinary, consistently putting pressure on opening batsmen and preventing explosive starts. Furthermore, their composure and skill at the death have ensured that RCB can often rein in runaway scoring, making them a formidable duo that teams struggle to counter. This harmonious blend of international experience and diverse skill sets has been a cornerstone of RCB’s bowling success.
The Starc and Cummins Comparison: A Testament to Kumar’s Calibre
Hazlewood’s comparison of bowling with Bhuvneshwar Kumar to partnering with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc is perhaps the highest compliment an Australian pacer can bestow. Cummins and Starc are revered as two of the greatest Australian fast bowlers of their generation, forming a formidable trio with Hazlewood himself in international cricket. Hazlewood elaborated on this sentiment, stating,
