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RCB Bowlers Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Rout DC for 75

Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar starred for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, bowling out Delhi Capitals for just 75 runs, the lowest total of IPL 2026. Hazlewood took 4-12 and Bhuvneshwar claimed 3-5, exploiting swing and movement early on. RCB chased down the target with ease, winning by nine wickets with 81 balls to spare. Hazlewood credited Bhuvneshwar's lead and praised the team's form as they aim to defend the title.

Key Points: RCB Bowlers Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Rout DC for 75

  • Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar share 7 wickets
  • DC bowled out for 75, lowest IPL 2026 total
  • RCB chase down target with 81 balls to spare
  • Hazlewood credits swing and Bhuvneshwar's lead
  • Bhuvneshwar leads Purple Cap race
3 min read

IPL 2026: I just followed Bhuvi, there was a little bit swing in the first six overs, says Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood's 4-12 and Bhuvneshwar Kumar's 3-5 help RCB bowl out Delhi Capitals for 75, the lowest total of IPL 2026, in a nine-wicket win.

"I just followed Bhuvi. There was a little bit there in the first six overs. - Josh Hazlewood"

New Delhi, April 27

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's pace bowling spearhead Josh Hazlewood said he was just following the example of Bhuvneshwar Kumar and felt that there was some movement on offer to exploit, which became very deadly in them beating Delhi Capitals by nine wickets at the Arun Jaitley Stadium on Monday.

Hazlewood's 4-12 and Bhuvneshwar's 3-5 ensured RCB bowled out DC for 75, the lowest total of this season, which they chased down with 81 balls to spare. "Probably turning up after 500+ runs, you don't expect that. I just followed Bhuvi. There was a little bit there in the first six overs. It was a little bit up and down.

"Once the ball got soft, it became consistent. You want the batter to hit down the V, but I thought there was something in the wicket in that area, then I thought to hit the pitch, it was nice to see the ball hit the higher part of the bat," said Hazlewood at the conclusion of the game, where he was named Player of the Match.

Asked if RCB are looking good to defend the title, Hazlewood said, "It would have been nice to bowl four overs and get off the field (laughs). But we are ticking every box. We summed up conditions nicely in the away games last year, we are hitting our straps now at the right time of the tournament."

Bhuvneshwar, who leads the Purple Cap race, said the ball has been swinging more this season. "I think it is swinging this year. I don't know whether it's ball or wickets or whatever, but when the ball swings and you get a few wickets upfront, it makes it easier for us to bowl the back end of the series," he said.

In his conversations with Hazlewood during the spell, Bhuvneshwar said, "Yes, it was a good, good batting wicket, especially the ball, the way the ball was coming onto the bat. Yes, there was a swing, and I think it (was) one of the good days where you bowl it because nicking or getting bowled. So we were fortunate to get those initial wickets."

Reflecting on the conditions, Bhuvneshwar admitted the team was caught off guard. "Definitely, especially the way wicket played in the last match, almost 250 plus in both innings. And yes, the way the ball swung away, it was, we were a bit surprised, and we wanted to make the most of it by taking the wickets and getting them out."

Asked if he wanted an extra over, the veteran pacer said, "No, I wasn't saying that because it was very hot and I was tired. So I was happy with the three overs and no, didn't want to push myself, considering my age."

- IANS

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
I still feel the match was one-sided because of the pitch. 75 all out is embarrassing for any team. DC should have done better. But credit to RCB bowlers for exploiting the conditions perfectly.
J
James A
As an Australian living in India, I love watching Hazlewood bowl. His line and length were perfect. But Bhuvi is the real gem - so experienced and knows exactly when to strike. Purple cap leader for a reason!
V
Vikram M
RCB's bowling attack is finally clicking at the right time. Last year they crumbled under pressure, but this season feels different. Though I must say, batting collapse like DC's is worrying for the tournament's entertainment value.
R
Rohit P
Hazlewood's humility is refreshing - just followed Bhuvi's lead and let the conditions do the work. That's what makes a great bowler: adapting quickly. 🏏
S
Sarah B
The way Bhuvi smiled about being too tired for an extra over - relatable content! 😂 Shows true professionalism knowing your limits. That 3-5 spell was gold.
K
Kavya N
I'm not convinced RCB will defend the title. Their batting still depends too much on Kohli. But this bowling performance shows they have the tools. Let's see if they can be

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