Josh Hazlewood Compares Bhuvneshwar Kumar to Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc Ahead of RCB vs PBKS
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is once again proving why he remains one of the most effective fast bowlers in the Indian Premier League, and this time, it’s earned him rare praise from teammate Josh Hazlewood, who has likened him to Australian greats Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc.
Contents
Hazlewood’s High-Praise for Bhuvneshwar
Speaking ahead of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s (RCB) crucial match 61 clash against the struggling Punjab Kings, Hazlewood opened up about the synergy within RCB’s pace attack. Drawing a personal comparison from his international experience, the Australian speedster highlighted how bowling alongside Bhuvneshwar mirrors his time with Cummins and Starc for Australia.
“It’s a little bit like bowling with Patty [Pat Cummins] and Starcy [Mitchell Starc] for Australia. Bhuvi probably pitches it up a little more and swings the ball. I can hit the seam and get a bit of bounce. It’s nice to have balance in your attack. Last year and this year we’ve had a nice mix.”
The analogy is high praise indeed. Hazlewood, renowned for his accuracy and consistency, clearly values the complementary skills Kumar brings — swing, seam movement, and the ability to maintain pressure at both ends.
Bhuvneshwar’s Resurgence in IPL 2026
The 36-year-old right-arm pacer has defied age and expectation this season, emerging as RCB’s leading wicket-taker with a staggering 22 wickets in 12 matches. His bowling average of 16.13 is the best among all frontline pacers in the tournament, underlining his lethal impact.
His recent spell of 4 for 23 against Mumbai Indians in Raipur sent shockwaves through the competition, showcasing his ability to dismantle top-order lineups with precise swing bowling.
Purple Cap Holder in Firm Control
Kumar currently leads the race for the Purple Cap, awarded to the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. His consistency with the new ball, ability to pick up crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay, and effectiveness in the death overs have made him indispensable for RCB.
- Wickets: 22
- Average: 16.13
- Economy: 7.89
- Best Bowling: 4/23
What makes his performance even more impressive is that he’s shouldering the load in the absence of other frontline Indian quicks, proving that experience and craft still have a vital place in T20 cricket.
RCB’s Playoff Push Gathers Momentum
RCB currently sits comfortably with 16 points from 12 games, placing them firmly in the top four. Their recent six-wicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders in a nail-biting final-over finish further boosted their net run rate to a formidable 1.053.
A win against Punjab Kings on May 17 at HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala, will officially confirm their playoff qualification. More importantly, it could set the stage for a push toward a top-two finish, which guarantees a double chance in the playoffs.
Hazlewood’s Contribution and Costly Economy
While Bhuvneshwar shines, Josh Hazlewood has also made key contributions with 11 wickets since returning to competitive cricket this season. However, his economy rate — hovering above 9.00 — has been a minor concern, particularly in the middle and death overs.
Yet, his ability to extract bounce and hit consistent lengths continues to provide the perfect foil to Kumar’s swing-heavy approach, just as Hazlewood intended with his Cummins-Starc comparison.
Looking Ahead: RCB vs Punjab Kings
The match kicks off at 3:30 PM IST and could be a turning point for both franchises. While RCB eyes consolidation, Punjab Kings face an uphill battle to keep their fading playoff hopes alive.
With Bhuvneshwar Kumar in prime form and Hazlewood fully integrated into the attack, RCB looks like a balanced, well-drilled unit — one that’s beginning to resemble the champions of IPL 2025.
If they continue to bowl with this kind of precision and control, their journey beyond the group stage might just be the beginning of something special.
