Hazlewood's Kumar Link: Starc & Cummins Vibe at RCB?

Josh Hazlewood's IPL stint with RCB is turning heads. But is it because he misses playing for Australia? Apparently not.

The Australian speedster is currently lighting up the IPL 2026 season, forming a potent bowling partnership with Indian veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar for Royal Challengers Bangalore. Their combined efforts have made life difficult for opposition batsmen, proving a major headache.

Speaking after RCB's recent victory over Punjab Kings, stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma highlighted the value of their experience. Sharma emphasized that their presence is a major asset to the team. The numbers don't lie.

Josh Hazlewood (IPL 2026): Economy Rate - 7.50, Strike Rate - 16.0
Bhuvneshwar Kumar (IPL 2026): Economy Rate - 7.00, Strike Rate - 18.0

The control and variations offered by Kumar, combined with Hazlewood's pace and bounce, create a challenging proposition for any batting lineup. But what exactly is making this partnership so effective?

Hazlewood himself has drawn comparisons between bowling with Kumar and his experiences playing alongside Mitchell Starc and Pat Cummins for Australia. He suggests a similar level of understanding and complementary skill sets exists. He feels that bowling with Kumar is like bowling with Starc and Cummins. A strong statement.

This comparison is interesting when you look at the data. The Starc-Cummins partnership for Australia has yielded significant success.

* Starc-Cummins (Test Cricket, Last 3 Years): Combined Wickets - 150, Average Partnership Strike Rate - 45.0

Is the Hazlewood-Kumar duo replicating this success on the IPL stage? The sample size is smaller, but the early signs are encouraging. And statistically speaking, the impact is undeniable. They are bowling them round their legs.

The ability to build pressure from both ends is crucial in T20 cricket. Batsmen can't afford to take a watchful innings. Hazlewood and Kumar are adept at good length delivery, consistently hitting those areas and restricting scoring opportunities. This forces batsmen to take risks, often leading to wickets.

The implication for RCB is clear. With Hazlewood and Kumar firing, their bowling attack is significantly strengthened. This provides a solid platform for their batsmen to express themselves more freely. What does this mean for the rest of the IPL season?

For cricket fans, this blossoming partnership is a fascinating subplot. It highlights the importance of experience and complementary skills in achieving success.

RCB's campaign hinges on maintaining this momentum. Can they continue to extract match-winning performances from Hazlewood and Kumar? Time will tell. And, it's a long tournament.