IPL 2025: Hazlewod reveals strategy behind success against RR; calls Jitesh genius for exceptioanl review call

ANI April 25, 2025 367 views

Josh Hazlewood's fiery spell and Jitesh Sharma's sharp wicketkeeping sealed RCB's thrilling 11-run win over Rajasthan Royals. Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal set the tone with a 95-run opening stand. Hazlewood revealed how mixing lengths and trusting Jitesh's DRS instincts proved crucial. The victory marked RCB's first home win this season, keeping their playoff hopes alive.

"Jitesh is a genius. He has done a few for me throughout the tournament." – Josh Hazlewood
Bengaluru, April 25: Royal Challengers Bengaluru pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood decoded the approach that helped him thrive with a searing four-wicket haul during their 11-run triumph over Rajasthan Royals in the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL).

Key Points

1

Hazlewood's 4-wicket haul dismantles RR chase

2

Kohli-Padikkal's 95-run stand sets up RCB's 205

3

Jitesh Sharma's sharp DRS call proves decisive

4

RCB break home jinx with first Chinnaswamy win

After three defeats on the trot, the M Chinnaswamy Stadium finally saw RCB wrapped in the colours of victory. Bengaluru staged its first home win of the season by spoiling the Rajasthan Royals' heist and securing an 11-run triumph.

With 12 points from nine fixtures, RCB has posed a substantial threat to the rest of the competitors for the coveted title in the 18th edition of the cash-rich league. Despite losing the toss, Virat Kohli and Devdutt Padikkal laid the first foundation for victory.

The left-handed and right-handed duo stitched up a sizzling 95-run partnership to clear Bengaluru's way to a daunting 205/5. While defending the target, Hazlewood delivered a blockbuster hit to break the backbone of Rajasthan's heist and extend their losing streak to six.

"The first win here is massive for the crowd, the home fans. To hit 200 on that wicket as a batting unit was phenomenal," he said in a video posted by IPL.

While sticking to his natural hard length, Hazlewood mixed it up with yorker length delivery when the batter expected it the least and said, "I mixed it up with yorkers here and there, but we took wickets throughout, which was important as well."

Hazlewood hammered the final nail in the coffin of Rajasthan's defeat in the penultimate over of the gripping chase. The decisive moment occurred on the second delivery of the over when set-batter Dhruv Jurel gave away a faint edge to wicketkeeper Jitesh Sharma.

The Australian appeared to be confident along with Jitesh, but the on-field umpire initially turned away their appeals. Their confidence was enough to sway skipper Rajat Patidar and influence him enough to exercise the option of DRS.

The review clearly indicated that there was a bottom edge as Jurel backed away to squeeze it out on the yorker-length delivery. Hazlewood recalled the moment and said, "Jitesh is a genius. He has done a few for me throughout the tournament. One with MI with the lbw, and that one tonight."

Reader Comments

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Rahul K.
Hazlewood was absolutely clinical last night! That yorker to Jurel was perfection 👌 RCB finally showing what they're capable of when the bowling clicks. #PlayBold
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Priya M.
Jitesh's wicketkeeping has been underrated this season. That review call showed such sharp awareness. Hope he gets more credit for his contributions behind the stumps!
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Amit S.
While Hazlewood was brilliant, I think the article overlooks how crucial Kohli's innings was. That 95-run partnership set the platform. Both batting and bowling need equal credit here.
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Sanjay R.
As an RR fan, this loss hurts 😭 But credit where it's due - that death bowling from RCB was exceptional. Hazlewood's variations were too good on the day.
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Neha T.
That DRS moment was pure gold! The confidence between Jitesh and Hazlewood shows great team chemistry. More of this please RCB! 💛❤️
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Vikram P.
Respectful criticism: The article could have included more stats about Hazlewood's bowling figures. His economy rate in death overs would have been interesting to highlight given how crucial that was.

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Tags:
IPL 2025 RCB vs RR Josh Hazlewood Jitesh Sharma Virat Kohli DRS