IPL 2025: Josh Hazlewood Critiques RCB’s Batting Performance, Says ‘It’s Not A Typical Chinnaswamy Wicket’ After Loss To PBKS

April 19, 2025: In a rain-impacted clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) faced a heavy defeat against Punjab Kings (PBKS), with their batting lineup collapsing dramatically. RCB managed to post just 95/9 in their allotted 14 overs after being put in to bat by PBKS, marking a dismal performance with only Tim David standing tall, scoring an unbeaten half-century.

The match, reduced to 14 overs per side, witnessed RCB’s batting order crumble as they lost eight wickets for single-digit scores. The team struggled to get going, especially against Punjab Kings’ left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who took crucial wickets early on. Despite the collapse, Tim David’s blazing 25-ball 50 was the only saving grace for RCB, as he took charge in the latter stages of the innings to help them avoid an even bigger collapse.

Hazlewood, who was forced to bat in the 12th over after RCB’s top order fell apart, faced just one delivery, remaining unbeaten. His focus was on the challenging conditions and how the team needed to adapt for future matches. Hazlewood explained that the current wicket at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium was different from usual, with the bounce being more inconsistent than previous seasons. He noted that the bowlers had to hit a hard length between six and eight meters, which made batting particularly tough.

The Australian pacer went on to highlight that for RCB to perform well at home, they needed their top six batters to remain at the crease for longer periods. “If we can have our top five or top six batting through the 20 overs, I think that’ll go a long way in helping us win at home,” he said.

On the bowling front, Hazlewood was RCB’s standout performer with the ball, taking three crucial wickets to keep the PBKS score in check. His brilliant spell included the dismissal of young opener Priyansh Arya, followed by the wicket of PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer with a back-of-a-length delivery that generated extra bounce. Hazlewood also got rid of Josh Inglis in the same over, as RCB tried to slow down Punjab’s charge.

Despite his valiant efforts, RCB succumbed to a five-wicket defeat, with Punjab completing the chase in just 12.1 overs. Nehal Wadhera’s knock of 33 not out off 19 balls guided PBKS across the line, with Marcus Stoinis hitting the winning six.

This was RCB’s third consecutive loss at home this season, a worrying trend for the team. Hazlewood’s remarks pointed to the team’s struggles to adjust to the conditions, which have been noticeably different this year. RCB will have a chance to bounce back and avenge their defeat against PBKS when they meet again on April 20. Later, they will look to end their home losing streak when they face the out-of-form Rajasthan Royals (RR) on April 24.