"They never panic and stick to their plan": KL Rahul applauds Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar's consistency
New Delhi, May 18
Delhi Capitals star batter KL Rahul praised Royal Challengers Bengaluru speedsters Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar for proving that consistency and discipline remain just as effective as innovation in modern T20 cricket.
Rahul highlighted that, despite not relying on extravagant variations or unconventional styles, both bowlers continue to dominate through accurate line and length, relentless pressure, and unwavering commitment to their plans.
He noted that, unlike many bowlers who change tactics after being attacked, Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar remain composed, persistently targeting the stumps and keeping multiple dismissal options in play, qualities Rahul believes are key to their sustained success in the Indian Premier League.
"In today's T20 cricket, everyone talks about having a unique bowling style or an X-factor. But Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar are very simple, traditional bowlers. Yet, year after year, they keep succeeding and troubling batters. That tells us that you don't always need to try something different. Simple things work if you do them consistently and under pressure. That is what I admire about Josh and Bhuvi," Rahul said on JioStar.
"With many bowlers, if you hit them off their good ball, they panic and try something new. But with Josh and Bhuvi, no matter what you do, they stick to their plan. They keep attacking the stumps. Every ball is aimed at a length where you can be bowled, LBW, or caught behind. They always keep all three modes of dismissal in play. Over a long IPL season, that consistency of doing the simple things right is what brings them success and makes them so hard to face," the DC batter said.
Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have spearheaded the bowling attack for defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the 2026 Indian Premier League season. Bhuvneshwar currently tops the Purple Cap standings with 24 wickets from 13 matches, while Hazlewood has claimed 12 wickets in 10 appearances, playing a key supporting role in RCB's campaign.
With their effects, RCB became the first team to qualify for the playoffs when they defeated Punjab Kings by 23 runs in Dharamshala on Sunday. RCB occupied the top spot of the points table and have 18 points in 13 games with nine wins and just four losses.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As an Australian, I have to say Hazlewood is criminally underrated. He's never been flashy but his Test and T20 records are world-class. Rahul's point about them not changing plans even when hit is spot on—that mental toughness separates good from great. RCB's bowling unit is really clicking this season!
Finally someone saying what we've been thinking! Bhuvi is a gem of Indian cricket. 🤙 So many young bowlers try to copy Bumrah's yorkers or Chahal's googlies, but the key is discipline. Look at Bhuvi's economy rate over the years—pure class. RCB should lock him in for next season too. Jai Hind!
Rahul deserves credit for acknowledging this. Most modern batsmen just talk about hitting boundaries. But understanding bowling smarts shows his captaincy potential. The "simple things working under pressure" is a lesson for every sportsperson. Well said, KL! 👍
Respect to KL for such an insightful take. But honestly, I wish he applied this same thinking to his own batting sometimes! 😅 He's got the technique but gets stuck in plans. Anyway, Bhuvi and Hazlewood are true artists of the craft. With 24 wickets already, Bhuvi is showing age is just a number. RCB's playoff qualification is well-deserved!
Great point about keeping all three modes of dismissal in play. That's the difference between a wicket-taking bowler and a
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