A Historic Achievement for Josh Hazlewood
Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has made history by becoming the first overseas player to take 50 wickets for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in the Indian Premier League (IPL). His milestone came on April 27 when he dismissed Delhi Capitals opener KL Rahul at the Arun Jaitley Stadium. This achievement highlights his consistent performance and contribution to the franchise over the years.
Most Wickets by an Overseas Bowler for RCB
Here is a breakdown of the top overseas bowlers for RCB in terms of wickets:
- Josh Hazlewood – 52*
- Wanindu Hasaranga – 35
- Mitchell Starc – 34
- Dale Steyn – 29
- Chris Gayle – 21
Hazlewood’s performance in the powerplay was particularly impressive. By the end of the powerplay, he took three wickets, matching Bhuvneshwar Kumar’s tally. The duo played a crucial role in restricting Delhi Capitals to just 13 runs while losing six wickets, marking the lowest powerplay score in IPL history.
Hazlewood’s Journey with RCB
Josh Hazlewood joined RCB in 2022 during the IPL 2022 Mega Auction, where the team purchased him for ₹7.75 crore. He represented the franchise for two seasons before opting out of the 2023 season for personal reasons.
In the 2025 Mega Auction, RCB re-acquired Hazlewood at a significantly higher price of ₹12.50 crore, a testament to his value and performance. His return proved to be a wise decision as he delivered outstanding performances.
Key Performances
In 2022, Hazlewood took 20 wickets in 12 matches, including a career-best 4/25, which helped RCB reach the playoffs. However, his best season came in 2025, where he played a pivotal role in RCB’s first-ever IPL trophy win.
In that season, Hazlewood took 22 wickets in 12 matches and delivered a crucial final over in the final against Punjab Kings. His consistency and ability to perform under pressure have made him a vital asset for the team.
Looking Ahead
With his recent achievements and continued performances, Hazlewood has solidified his place as one of the most reliable bowlers in the IPL. As RCB continues to build their team for future seasons, his contributions will undoubtedly play a significant role in their success.
More updates on Hazlewood’s journey with RCB and other developments in the IPL are expected in the coming weeks.
