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Hazlewood Hails RCB's Execution in Clinical Win Over LSG on Slower Bengaluru Wicket

Josh Hazlewood emphasized execution as key to RCB's disciplined bowling performance that restricted LSG to 146. He praised the communication within the bowling unit, particularly highlighting Bhuvneshwar Kumar's role in summing up conditions early. In reply, Virat Kohli's 49 anchored a comfortable chase, completed in just 15.1 overs. The win showcased RCB's adaptability on a slower Bengaluru pitch as they continue their title defense.

Key Points: Josh Hazlewood on RCB's Win vs LSG: "It's About Execution"

  • RCB bowls first on slower home wicket
  • Bowling group praised for communication & clarity
  • Virat Kohli anchors chase with fluent 49
  • Hazlewood wins Player of the Match award
3 min read

"It's about execution": Josh Hazlewood after RCB's clinical win over LSG

Josh Hazlewood credits RCB's bowling execution & communication after a clinical win over LSG. Kohli anchors chase as RCB defends champion status.

"It's very simple in planning, but it's just about execution, and putting the ball in the right areas. - Josh Hazlewood"

Bengaluru Apri, l 16

Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Josh Hazlewood praised his team's disciplined performance after their win over Lucknow Super Giants in an IPL 2026 match in Bengaluru, highlighting the bowlers' execution and adaptability on a slower wicket.

Speaking on JioHotstar after the match, Hazlewood said conditions at home were slightly different and required a more controlled approach, especially after RCB opted to bowl first.

"We probably struggled a little bit in the first half of last year in home games. So, it's nice to win the toss and have a bowl first. It's a slightly different wicket than what we're used to, a little slower, probably a bit up and down. So, it's quite tough for batting. I thought the way we chased the total down was very good to watch. All our batters are in good form and confident, and to chase the score down pretty quickly on a wicket like that is huge," Hazlewood said.

He also credited the team's bowling communication and clarity in execution, particularly praising senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar for guiding the attack in the early overs.

"You don't have to try too much. It's very simple in planning, but it's just about execution, and putting the ball in the right areas. Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar) summed up the conditions in that first over, and then there were a few field changes here and there. The communication within the bowling group, in particular, especially from Bhuvi (Bhuvneshwar Kumar), who bowls first up, is a real strength of ours," he added.

"It's probably why we did so well in our away games last year. I don't have the skills of someone like Bumrah or others with slower balls, so you've got to make it up on the run. I keep working on a few different things in training all the time, and hopefully, bring them in when we need them. In this game, it was more about being accurate, hitting the right length, even using a few cross-seam deliveries, and just keeping it simple," Hazlewood concluded.

Rasikh Salam Dar, along with a majestic bowling masterclass from Bhuvneshwar and Hazlewood, led a clinical bowling performance as LSG were bundled out for a modest 146 against the defending champions, RCB.

In reply, Kohli anchored the chase with a fluent 49, while skipper Rajat Patidar (27) and Jitesh Sharma (23) chipped in with brisk contributions, guiding Royal Challengers Bengaluru to a comfortable chase as they reached 149/5 in just 15.1 overs.

Hazlewood was named Player of the Match for his superb bowling. RCB will be back in action on Saturday, when they take on Delhi Capitals in Bengaluru at 3:30 PM IST

- ANI

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Reader Comments

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Sarah B
As a neutral fan, it's impressive to see RCB's evolution. Hazlewood's humility is refreshing - admitting he doesn't have Bumrah's skills but focuses on execution. That's a champion's mindset. The bowling communication he mentioned is clearly working.
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Priya S
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is such an underrated gem. That first over to read the pitch sets the tone for the whole innings. So much experience! Glad Hazlewood acknowledged his role. RCB looking strong to defend the title. 🤩
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Rohit P
Good win, but let's not get carried away. LSG's batting collapsed. The real test will be against teams like CSK or KKR. Also, while the chase was quick, losing 5 wickets for 149 is a bit concerning on a slow track. Need to finish more clinically.
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Ananya R
Love how the team is gelling! From an Aussie pacer praising an Indian veteran to Kohli anchoring the chase – it's a perfect team effort. This is the RCB we've been waiting for! Ee sala cup namde! 🏆
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Michael C
The adaptability on a slower Bengaluru wicket is the big takeaway. Many teams struggle when conditions aren't perfect for batting. RCB's bowlers executed their plans perfectly. Hazlewood's cross-seam mention shows the level of detail.

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