Josh Hazlewood unpacks how to bowl on IPL’s flat tracks: ‘Slower ones and yorkers come out’

Josh Hazlewood has just dropped a truth bomb about surviving in the IPL's batting paradises: you better have a slower ball and a pinpoint yorker. Forget blasting away at 145 clicks – on these pitches, that’s just an invitation to get tonked into the stands.

The Aussie quick, a veteran of IPL battles, recently shared his insights on adapting to the unforgiving conditions. He pointed out that relying solely on pace is a recipe for disaster. Instead, he emphasizes the importance of deception and accuracy. Think about it: the ball isn't swinging much, the bounce is true, and the boundaries are short. It’s a batter’s dream! So, what's a bowler to do? Hazlewood's answer? Mix it up.

What's fascinating is how this reflects the evolution of T20 bowling. It's not just about raw speed anymore. Bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Lasith Malinga (in his prime) have shown us the value of control, variations, and, crucially, execution under pressure. Hazlewood himself has had to adapt, especially since joining the Royal Challengers Bangalore, where the Chinnaswamy Stadium offers absolutely no respite for bowlers.

Here's the thing: Hazlewood's advice isn’t just about surviving, it’s about thriving. A well-disguised slower ball can completely bamboozle a set batsman looking to clear the ropes. And a yorker? Well, a yorker, if executed perfectly, is virtually unplayable. It doesn't matter if you're facing Virat Kohli or a tail-ender; a toe-crusher is a toe-crusher. The numbers tell a story: the bowlers who succeed in the IPL consistently have a lower economy rate and a higher percentage of dot balls, and that comes from mastering these very skills.

Let's be honest, executing a yorker under pressure, with millions watching, is easier said than done. It requires ice in the veins, pinpoint accuracy, and the confidence to back yourself. But that's what separates the good from the great. And that's why bowlers who can nail those deliveries are worth their weight in gold in the IPL auction. Hazlewood's success in the IPL, and for Australia in T20 cricket, stems from his ability to do just that. He isn't the quickest, but he's incredibly smart.

This also throws an interesting light on team selection for the upcoming IPL 2025 and beyond. Teams will be even more focused on identifying bowlers who possess these crucial skills – the ability to bowl slower balls that dip and deceive, and the accuracy to land yorkers consistently. Raw pace is great, but it's not enough. We might see a greater emphasis on scouting bowlers from domestic cricket who have already honed these skills in challenging conditions.

Looking ahead, it’ll be interesting to see how batsmen respond to this renewed focus on slower balls and yorkers. Will they develop new scoring shots? Will we see more innovative techniques to counter these deliveries? The battle between bat and ball is never-ending, and Hazlewood's insights have just added another fascinating layer to the ongoing narrative of T20 cricket. Keep an eye out for how the spinners adapt as well; they'll be vital to any team's chances in IPL 2026.