Josh Hazlewood’s IPL Journey and WTC Final Prep
Mitchell Starc took a break from the Indian Premier League (IPL). He wants to prepare for the World Test Championship (WTC) final. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood from Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) sees the IPL as great practice for the big game against South Africa.
Hazlewood’s Role in RCB and WTC Final
Both Starc and Hazlewood are on the Australian team for the WTC final. The match starts on June 11. Hazlewood missed some IPL games due to a shoulder issue. But he came back strong. He helped RCB reach the IPL final with a great performance, taking 3 wickets for just 21 runs against Punjab Kings.
RCB’s Road to the Final
RCB is in the IPL final after nine years. They will play against either Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, or Gujarat Titans on June 3. Hazlewood’s recent performance shows he’s ready for the WTC final.
Hazlewood’s Thoughts on Preparation
Hazlewood believes in staying active and bowling regularly. He said:
- “I’ve got to be bowling, wherever I am in the world.”
- “I’ve got to be ready for that game (WTC final) anyway.”
He also thinks the IPL is the best place to get ready for a big match like the WTC final. Hazlewood stated:
- “There’s no better place than out in the middle.”
- “You’ve got to bowl more, more hours of training to build up for a Test.”
- “To get that intensity right up, there’s no better place than the IPL.”
Josh Hazlewood’s IPL 2025 Performance
Even though Hazlewood missed some games in IPL 2025, he has taken 21 wickets in 11 games. This makes him the third highest wicket-taker in the tournament so far.
What’s Next for Josh Hazlewood?
You can next see Hazlewood in the IPL 2025 final on June 3. RCB will play against either Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, or Punjab Kings. Here’s what’s coming up:
- Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans will play in the Eliminator on May 30.
- The winner will face Punjab Kings for a place in the final.
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