IPL 2025: Josh Hazlewood Backs RCB to Bounce Back After Narrow Loss to PBKS, Says “We’ll Come Out Again Tomorrow”

April 19, 2025: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Josh Hazlewood reflected on the team’s recent defeat to Punjab Kings (PBKS), but remained optimistic about their upcoming rematch scheduled just a day later, on Sunday, April 20 in Mullanpur. The quick turnaround, he acknowledged, is unusual but presents a valuable opportunity for RCB to regroup and respond.

“It’s quite an unreal schedule these few days. We play them again, well, tomorrow now,” Hazlewood said during the post-match presentation. “The way we went about it in the field was a huge positive. We got five wickets and put them under pressure while defending a small total. That’s the momentum we can carry forward.”

Despite a dramatic collapse with the bat—losing seven wickets for just 42 runs—Tim David’s explosive unbeaten 50 off 25 balls helped RCB post 95/9 in the rain-shortened 14-over clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. Hazlewood followed up with a spirited bowling effort, returning figures of 3/14, but PBKS chased the target with 11 balls to spare, clinching a five-wicket win.

Hazlewood pointed out that RCB have performed better away from home this season and expressed belief in their ability to bounce back.

“We’ve seen in the away games—they’ve batted beautifully, whether chasing or setting a total. No doubt we’ll bounce back tomorrow and come out strong again.”

With three consecutive losses at home, RCB will be desperate for a turnaround as they face PBKS again in less than 48 hours. The focus now shifts to how quickly they can recover and respond, especially in different conditions at Mullanpur.