Josh Hazlewood’s 1/20 Steers RCB Home And Marks Return After 151-Day Layoff

Overview

• Josh Hazlewood bowled a frugal 1 for 20 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium to help Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Lucknow Super Giants and stay unbeaten at home.
• The performance followed a rusty comeback against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati where he took 2 for 44, skipped the next match, then returned with tighter lines and 13 dot balls.
• Hazlewood said he spent 151 days out with a hamstring issue, an FHL tendon problem near the Achilles, and a torn calf, and he chose not to rush back given the IPL’s intensity.
• He confirmed Virat Kohli will play the next match against Delhi Capitals, with a call still to be made on whether Kohli fields or features as an Impact Player under the IPL’s tactical substitute rule.
• The 35-year-old said he is adding T20 variations such as slower balls, and teammate Jitesh Sharma said the layoff has left him looking sharper, quicker, and more confident in his body.