As Australia prepares to defend their ICC World Take a look at Championship title on the iconic Lord’s Cricket Floor towards South Africa on June 11, one identify that continues to pattern past the cricket area is Josh Hazlewood.
Josh Hazlewood’s supreme efficiency for RCB of their IPL 2025 title triumph
Identified for his precision and composure with the crimson 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) in the course of 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 function in securing the franchise’s long-awaited maiden IPL title. From the opening overs to the loss of life, Hazlewood delivered underneath strain repeatedly, together with a memorable three-wicket haul in Qualifier 1 towards 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 sudden icon in India’s cricketing panorama. Regardless of a barely costly outing within the ultimate, the place he conceded over 50 runs for only one wicket, his affect on RCB’s title marketing campaign was simple.
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 known as ‘HazleGod’ With a mild 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 suppose it’ll take off in Australia,” His feedback mirror a grounded character that has remained unchanged, whilst followers and headlines elevate him to legendary standing.
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Mitchell Starc’s cheeky gig and crew 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 suppose he likes it an excessive amount of. He’s had a unbelievable few months, the large fella over in India, and he’s come house with baggage of money. So I look ahead to seeing him in motion right here at Lord’s,”. The camaraderie between the Australian pacers was on full show, displaying the lighter aspect of the crew’s intense preparations.
Nathan Lyon provides to the enjoyable
Including extra gas to the fireplace was veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, who supplied a humorous anecdote in the course of the WTC coaching periods. Lyon recalled with shock how Hazlewood had not too long ago referred to himself as ‘HazleGod’ throughout a web session. ‘HazleGod’- he truly referred to himself because it the opposite day, which completely took me again abruptly,” stated Lyon, laughing. He added, “Off the again of him successful 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 totally proof against the enjoyment and enjoyable surrounding his latest rise in recognition.
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 ultimate
Regardless of carrying a minor shoulder niggle in the course of the IPL season, Hazlewood made a swift restoration. He briefly returned to Australia when the IPL was suspended for per week because of the India-Pakistan political standoff, however was again in full rhythm in the course of the playoffs. His bowling in knockout matches reaffirmed his match health, and he enters the WTC ultimate as a key member of Australia’s tempo trio. With situations at Lord’s anticipated to supply swing and seam motion, Hazlewood’s red-ball self-discipline and accuracy will probably be essential. Though he hasn’t had a lot Take a look at publicity in latest months as a consequence of workload administration, the crew’s religion in him is unwavering. Alongside Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood will type the frontline of a fearsome Australian tempo assault seeking to repeat their 2023 WTC triumph.
Additionally READ: World Take a look at Championship: South Africa’s highway to the 2025 WTC Ultimate