As Australia prepares to defend their ICC World Take a look at Championship title on the iconic Lord’s Cricket Floor in opposition to South Africa on June 11, one identify that continues to development past the cricket subject is Josh Hazlewood.
Josh Hazlewood’s supreme efficiency for RCB of their IPL 2025 title triumph
Recognized for his precision and composure with the pink ball, the Australian pacer has now discovered himself on the coronary heart of a viral phenomenon, because of his beautiful performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) throughout the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. RCB followers affectionately dubbed him ‘HazleGod’ a nickname that has taken over social media and stadiums alike.
Hazlewood’s IPL 2025 journey was nothing in need of spectacular. Main RCB’s tempo assault with management and menace, he claimed 22 wickets in simply 12 matches and performed a pivotal position in securing the franchise’s long-awaited maiden IPL title. From the opening overs to the demise, Hazlewood delivered beneath strain repeatedly, together with a memorable three-wicket haul in Qualifier 1 in opposition to Punjab Kings.
His efficiency within the league shortly earned him cult standing amongst RCB supporters. Posters, chants, and viral memes topped him ‘HazleGod’ turning the soft-spoken Australian into an surprising icon in India’s cricketing panorama. Regardless of a barely costly outing within the remaining, the place he conceded over 50 runs for only one wicket, his affect on RCB’s title marketing campaign was plain.
Hazlewood’s response
Amid the excitement and rising nickname frenzy, Hazlewood has responded with attribute humility. In a video posted by the ICC, the 34-year-old pacer shared his sincere ideas on being referred to as ‘HazleGod’ With a delicate smile, he stated: “Yeah, hopefully, it runs out of steam fairly shortly. It’s flattering, clearly, to listen to it across the grounds in India, however I don’t assume it’ll take off in Australia,” His feedback replicate a grounded character that has remained unchanged, whilst followers and headlines elevate him to legendary standing.
Additionally READ: Scott Boland vs Josh Hazlewood in England: Who has the sting forward of the WTC 2025 Remaining?
Mitchell Starc’s cheeky gig and workforce banter
Whereas Hazlewood could also be eager to let the nickname fade, his teammates are doing the precise reverse. Fellow Australian fast Mitchell Starc couldn’t resist poking enjoyable at Hazlewood’s discomfort with the moniker. Laughing in an interview, Starc remarked, “Hopefully, it sticks as a result of I don’t assume he likes it an excessive amount of. He’s had a incredible few months, the large fella over in India, and he’s come house with luggage of money. So I stay up for seeing him in motion right here at Lord’s,”. The camaraderie between the Australian pacers was on full show, displaying the lighter facet of the workforce’s intense preparations.
Nathan Lyon provides to the enjoyable
Including extra gasoline to the hearth was veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, who provided a humorous anecdote throughout the WTC coaching classes. Lyon recalled with shock how Hazlewood had not too long ago referred to himself as ‘HazleGod’ throughout a internet session. ‘HazleGod’- he truly referred to himself because it the opposite day, which completely took me again without warning,” stated Lyon, laughing. He added, “Off the again of him profitable the IPL, I feel he’s operating with it,” Whether or not stated in jest or confidence, the second marked a uncommon glimpse of Hazlewood leaning into the nickname, even when playfully, showcasing that he’s not fully proof against the enjoyment and enjoyable surrounding his current rise in reputation.
Right here’s the video:
hazelgod warra cutie bhai 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/QCDGa78LXv
— . (@madhub4la) June 9, 2025
Hazlewood’s health and Take a look at return at Lord’s for the WTC 2025 remaining
Regardless of carrying a minor shoulder niggle throughout the IPL season, Hazlewood made a swift restoration. He quickly returned to Australia when the IPL was suspended for per week as a result of India-Pakistan political standoff, however was again in full rhythm throughout the playoffs. His bowling in knockout matches reaffirmed his match health, and he enters the WTC remaining as a key member of Australia’s tempo trio. With circumstances at Lord’s anticipated to supply swing and seam motion, Hazlewood’s red-ball self-discipline and accuracy might be essential. Though he hasn’t had a lot Take a look at publicity in current months attributable to workload administration, the workforce’s religion in him is unwavering. Alongside Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood will kind the frontline of a fearsome Australian tempo assault trying to repeat their 2023 WTC triumph.
Additionally READ: World Take a look at Championship: South Africa’s highway to the 2025 WTC Remaining
