Last Updated: May 30, 2025 02:32 PM
Josh Hazlewood said something really surprising that shocked many cricket fans worldwide recently. The Australian fast bowler made bold comments about players who left the IPL early. He thinks they made a big mistake by going home before finishing.
Many overseas players went back to their countries to prepare for the WTC final. But Hazlewood stayed with RCB and continued playing in all IPL matches. He believes IPL gives the best practice for big cricket tournaments ahead.
Hazlewood Thinks There Is No Better Place Than IPL
The Australian bowler explained his reasons for staying in India during interviews. He said playing tough matches in the IPL helps bowlers become stronger and better. Real match practice is much more valuable than just training at home.
“I’ve got to be bowling, you know wherever I am in the world, I’ve got to be bowling getting ready for that game (WTC final) anyway. There’s no better place than I think out in the middle, obviously, you’ve got to bowl more, more hours of training from time to time to build up for a Test, but to get that intensity right up, there’s no better place than the IPL. I was happy with tonight, the wicket helped obviously didn’t it? Not having to bowl fast yorkers or anything like that. So yeah it is feeling good to be back,” Hazlewood said.
Hazlewood’s bold comments on WTC players surprised many people who heard them. He suggested that players who left early missed out on valuable experience. The Australian bowler believes they made the wrong choice by going home.
Hazlewood Shows His Class After Returning From Injury
The fast bowler came back from a serious shoulder injury that kept him out. He worked very hard during his recovery period to get fit again. His return to the RCB team was perfect timing for the playoffs.
Against Punjab Kings, Hazlewood bowled amazingly and took three important wickets for 21 runs. His brilliant bowling helped RCB reach their first IPL final since the 2016 season. The team and fans were so happy to see him back.
Despite missing several games because of his shoulder problem, he still performed excellently. The Australian bowler has taken 21 wickets in just 11 matches this season. He is currently number 3 in the race for most wickets.
What Makes Hazlewood’s Comments So Controversial
His statement that no better place than IPL exists for practice upset some players. Many Australian cricketers left early to prepare properly for the WTC final. They wanted extra time to get ready for the big Test match.
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But Hazlewood stayed and helped RCB reach the final while others went home. He proved that staying in IPL was the right decision for him. His performance in the playoffs showed his excellent form and fitness levels.
The WTC final between Australia and South Africa is coming up very soon.
