Josh Hazlewood: 'Hoff' never misses in a T20 final, will his undefeated run continue?
Ahmedabad, May 31
As Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Gujarat Titans in the Indian Premier League final, the defending champions would be hoping to see the best from their pacer Josh Hazlewood, who, despite having blown hot and cold this season, can always be a threat in the title clash.
It will be Shubman Gill-led GT versus Rajat Patidar-led RCB and both teams will be taking a shot to win the title for a second time. If RCB wins, it will be back-to-back victories for the team, something only CSK and MI have achieved.
Rajat will have some extra confidence as Hazlewood has never lost in a tournament final.
Hazlewood has been a part of five T20 tournament finals, including one each in the IPL for CSK and RCB.
In these five finals, Hazlewood has picked 10 wickets at an average of 13.9 and an economy rate of 7.1, with best figures of 3/16 in the T20 World Cup final in 2021 against New Zealand. He has never gone wicketless in a T20 final.
This year in 12 matches, Hazlewood has taken 13 wickets at an average of 35.15 and an economy rate of 9.62, with best figures of 4/12.
Squads:
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad: Venkatesh Iyer, Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar(c), Jitesh Sharma(w), Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Kanishk Chouhan, Abhinandan Singh, Jordan Cox, Philip Salt, Richard Gleeson, Swapnil Singh, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra, Mangesh Yadav, Satvik Deswal
Gujarat Titans Squad: Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill(c), Jos Buttler(w), Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Nishant Sindhu, Jason Holder, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj, Glenn Phillips, Anuj Rawat, Kumar Kushagra, Arshad Khan, Luke Wood, Connor Esterhuizen, Ishant Sharma, Jayant Yadav, Shahrukh Khan, Kulwant Khejroliya, Manav Suthar, Gurnoor Brar, Ashok Sharma.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Stats don't lie - 10 wickets in 5 finals at an economy of 7.1 is top class. But let's be real, RCB's bowling outside Hazlewood and Bhuvi looks weak. GT has Rabada, Rashid, Siraj... that's a scary attack on paper! 🏏
I'm a die-hard RCB fan but this squad selection is confusing. No proper spinner apart from Suyash Sharma? And why is Virat Kohli still opening? We need him in the middle order to anchor the innings. Hope I'm wrong but GT looks better balanced! 😅
As an Aussie living in India, I've watched Hazlewood dominate finals for years. His ability to hit length in pressure situations is unmatched. But I'm worried about RCB's death bowling - they leaked too many runs in the last few overs this season. Gill vs Hazlewood will be key!
GT's squad is absolutely stacked - Rashid Khan, Rabada, Siraj, Prasidh!! But RCB has that X-factor with Hazlewood and Kohli's experience in big games. T20 finals are all about who handles pressure better. My heart says RCB, head says GT. Tough call! 🏆
Watching the IPL from the US, and Hazlewood's record is incredible! But his form this season is average - 13 wickets at 35+ economy. Finals are different though. Just hope the match doesn't get affected by dew like last year's final. That changed the game completely!
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