How Josh Hazlewood is using IPL 2025 as a platform for WTC final preparations
Josh Hazlewood has said that he is using the IPL right now to get ready for the World Test Championship final for Australia against South Africa. Hazlewood is part of the squad to play the game at Lord's, which will begin on June 11 as Australia look to retain their crown. In the IPL, the Aussie pacer was on the money in his first game back after a lengthy layoff.advertisementHazlewood picked up three wickets against PBKS as RCB marched into the IPL 2025 final. Speaking at the post-match press conference, the pacer said that he has to be bowling somewhere to be ready for the WTC final and being out in the middle is the best option.Hazlewood feels that IPL is the best place to get the intensity up for the WTC final as he doesn't bowl a lot differently in Tests as compared to in the tournament.
"Absolutely, yeah. I've got to be bowling, wherever I am in the world. I've got to be bowling, getting ready for that game anyway, so there's no better place than I think out in the middle. Obviously, you got to bowl more over the training from time to time to build up for a Test match, but to get that intensity right up, there's no better place than the IPL."advertisement"I don't bowl too much differently in Test match cricket than tonight, so it's still that hard length, so yeah, feeling in a good place I think," said Hazlewood.'RCB bowling has all bases covered'Hazlewood opened up on the RCB bowling unit's success and said that they have all the bases covered at the moment. The pacer also credited Bhuvneshwar Kumar for bringing in his calmness to the team and everyone is quite relaxed with the ball in hand.Hazlewood feels that the younger bowlers have picked up on Bhuvneshwar's calmness and have brought it into their own game."I think we've just got all bases covered, it feels like. I think any one of the 5 or 6 bowlers can bowl at any moment of the game, whether it be the start, middle, or end. I think it obviously helps having Bhuvi with so much experience, quite a calm customer, so that sort of rubs off on the rest of the attack.""I'm probably pretty similar to Bhuvi as well in that regard. Everything's quite relaxed, quite calm, focus on your skill, and try and execute that. And I think maybe a few of the younger guys in the attack have picked up on that and taken into their own game.advertisement"We're just trying to have fun out there and stay nice and relaxed and, no matter the situation, whether we're on top tonight or I think there's been a few games where we've defended the score, we've bowled some nice last few overs in games, and it's just clear planning first of all, and then clear execution and committing to that delivery, you're trying to bowl, so just nice clear mindsets and, we've been doing that nicely," said Hazlewood.RCB will play the final of the IPL 2025 season in Ahmedabad on June 3.Stay updated on IPL 2025 with India Today! Get match schedules, team squads, live score, and the latest IPL points table for CSK, MI, RCB, KKR, SRH, LSG, DC, GT, PBKS, and RR. Plus, keep track of the top contenders for the IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap. Don't miss a moment!Tune InMust Watch
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RCB win IPL 2025: When was the last time a team won their maiden IPL title?
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden IPL title in 2025, defeating Punjab Kings in a thrilling final in Ahmedabad. Learn which team last won their first-ever IPL title. read more The IPL 2025 final was a thrilling showdown as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Punjab Kings (PBKS) by 6 runs to win their first-ever title. The match kept fans on the edge of their seats at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, with both teams fighting hard for their maiden title. RCB's strong performance, led by key contributions from players like Krunal Pandya and Virat Kohli , helped them defend a competitive total and finally end their 18 long years wait for the championship. With this, the 18th season of the IPL got a new champion in RCB. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Before RCB, which team won their maiden IPL title last? The last time a team won their maiden IPL title was in 2022. That year, the Gujarat Titans, a new franchise, surprised everyone by winning the trophy. Led by their captain Hardik Pandya, they defeated Rajasthan Royals in the final match to claim their first-ever IPL crown. After that, the IPL titles in 2023 and 2024 were won by teams who had already won before. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) won the IPL in 2023, while Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) took the title in 2024. Another interesting fact is that the last time both finalists were chasing their first-ever IPL title was back in 2016. That year, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) faced each other in the final. Sunrisers Hyderabad, led by David Warner, won the match. It was a tough moment for Virat Kohli, the RCB captain, who scored the most runs in the tournament but couldn't get the trophy. Past IPL winners Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the 8th team to win the IPL title out of 15 franchises that have played in the league so far since its inception in 2008. Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the 8th team to win the IPL title out of 15 franchises that have played in the league so far. Team Titles Won Mumbai Indians 5 (2013, 2015, 2017, 2019, 2020) Chennai Super Kings 5 (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023) Kolkata Knight Riders 3 (2012, 2014, 2024) Rajasthan Royals 1 (2008) Deccan Chargers 1 (2009) Sunrisers Hyderabad 1 (2016) Gujarat Titans 1 (2022) Royal Challengers Bengaluru 1 (2025)
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
'9 IPL trophies in the Pandya household!' Krunal calls Hardik after POTM win in RCB's 1st title victory
After being asked to bat first, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) managed to post only 190 runs on the board in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 final against Punjab Kings (PBKS). However, the pitch at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad seemed to behave differently in the second innings — especially when Krunal Pandya came on to bowl and defend what many critics had deemed a below-par total. In his four-over spell, the spinner delivered a match-winning performance, conceding just 17 runs at an economy of 4.20 and taking two key wickets — opener Prabhsimran Singh (26 off 22) and Josh Inglis (39 off 23), both looking dangerous. For his crucial contribution in helping RCB lift their maiden IPL trophy, Krunal was awarded the Player of the Match. Moments he will never forget 🏆Moments they will never forget 🤩🎥 Virat Kohli 🤝 The #RCB faithful ❤#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweets | @imVkohli Krunal Pandya — the clutch player Speaking to Ravi Shastri during the post-match presentation, Krunal explained his bowling approach: "When we batted in the first innings, I was sitting outside and chatting with the batters, and I realised that the slower you bowl, the better. But in this format, you need guts to do that because the margin of error is small. I just backed myself and thought if I varied my pace and kept it on the slower side, I could create chances instead of just firing it in." He added: "My biggest strength has always been reading the situation. I back my gut and instincts. Today, I knew if I wanted to take a couple of wickets, I had to be brave. If you bowled quick on this surface, it would've been a good batting pitch. But varying the pace helped. It got slightly better in the second innings compared to the first." The man for the 𝗕𝗜𝗚 𝗦𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗘 🫡@krunalpandya24 becomes the 1️⃣st player to deliver TWO Player of the Match performances in #TATAIPL finals 👏He guides #RCB to a maiden title 🙌Relive his spell ▶ #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile On RCB's long-awaited triumph, Krunal said: "When I joined RCB, I said I loved winning trophies. After three and a half months, I'm glad I could fulfil what I said on Day 1." What he said next struck an emotional chord with fans: "It's been a great 10 years — four IPL trophies. I told Hardik on the phone, now there are nine IPL trophies in the Pandya household in 10 years." About RCB's victory PBKS openers started strong, but RCB kept striking at key moments. The game turned with Krunal Pandya's brilliant spell. Romario Shepherd's key wicket of Shreyas Iyer, who failed to fire, also swung momentum. Despite PBKS's deep batting lineup, the run rate climbed steadily. Marcus Stoinis hit a six but fell on the very next ball, Nehal Wadhera holed out, and RCB's bowlers — Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal — kept it tight in the end, despite Shashank Singh's efforts to retain strike. Apart from an early drop, RCB's fielding was sharp, with Phil Salt setting the tone with a superb catch. In a pressure final, RCB outplayed PBKS with smart bowling, disciplined fielding, and calm execution — finally lifting their first IPL trophy.
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First Post
an hour ago
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'Ee Sala Cup Namdu': Cricket stars, political leaders celebrate RCB's maiden IPL title win
After an 18-year wait, RCB finally clinched their maiden IPL title in 2025. Cricket stars and political leaders including Sachin Tendulkar, Suresh Raina, Faf du Plessis, and Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla celebrated the historic win on social media. read more After 18 long years of heartbreak, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally clinched their maiden IPL title on Tuesday night. The thrilling 6-run win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the IPL 2025 final at the Narendra Modi Stadium sparked wild celebrations, not just among fans, but also cricket legends and political leaders across the country. Cricketing legends react As soon as RCB sealed the win, social media exploded with congratulatory messages. From former cricketers like Sachin Tendulkar, Suresh Raina and Faf du Plessis to political leaders, including Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah and BCCI vice-president Rajeev Shukla, tributes poured in for Virat Kohli and his team for finally ending the title drought. Congratulations to @RCBTweets on their first-ever IPL title. Fitting that jersey no. 18 lifts the trophy in the 18th edition. Well played and well deserved! 🏆 👏🏽 Well played to @PunjabKingsIPL as well for a well-fought season. — Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 3, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ee sala cup N̶a̶m̶d̶e̶ Ee sala cup Namdu Congratulations RCB for your maiden IPL title. So happy for the GOAT @imVkohli One win that will remain with him for the lifetime @RCBTweets — Suresh Raina🇮🇳 (@ImRaina) June 3, 2025 RCB have finally done it! 🏆 The 18-year wait comes to an end! What a win, what a night, what a story! Ee Sala Cup Namdu! 💥❤️ #RCBChampions #EeSalaCupNamde #IPL2025 — Robbie Uthappa (@robbieuthappa) June 3, 2025 Congratulations to @RCB on their first IPL title. Year 18 and number 18, a great story. The journey has been long but surely worth the wait. — Ian Raphael Bishop (@irbishi) June 3, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Big congratulations to @RCBTweets What a moment for the fans and the team.@imVkohli – the heart and soul of RCB. Hats off to the champions... 🏆#rcb #iplfinal #viratkohli — 𝕸𝖔𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖆𝖉 𝖘𝖍𝖆𝖒𝖎 (@MdShami11) June 3, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD To see @RCBTweets finally win after 18 years fills me with immense pride. So many great players have worn that jersey. Special congrats to @imVkohli. You've been the face of RCB, carrying the hopes of millions with unmatched dedication and belief. No one deserves this more. — Ross Taylor (@RossLTaylor) June 3, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Political leaders join in After 18 years of hope, heartbreak, and unwavering loyalty - @RCBTweets are finally IPL champions! This win is for every fan who stood by through it all. @imVkohli , your legacy is eternal. Congratulations Bengaluru, your wait is over. #RCB #IPL2025 — Rajeev Shukla (@ShuklaRajiv) June 3, 2025 Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, 'Congratulations to Royal Challengers Bengaluru on a historic IPL triumph. The dream has finally come true – Ee Sala Cup Namde!' 'From electrifying performances to unshakable spirit, this triumph has ignited the pride of Karnataka and thrilled fans across the world,' he said in a post on X. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar said, 'This is more than a win - it's an emotional moment for the entire RCB Army.' 'Ee Sala Cup Namde! Huge congratulations to RCB on this unforgettable, historic victory in the IPLFinals. 18 years of passion, loyalty, and never giving up - and tonight, it all came together!' Shivakumar said on X. Congress MP Shashi Throor wrote: 'First thing I did upon landing in Washington was to check the #IPLFinal score. Very happy for @imVkohli that he #18 laid his hands on the trophy after 18 years of service! Congratulations #RCB!" RCB finally got to lift the trophy after finishing runners-up on three occasions previously. Stating that he was proud of the team for making history, Union Minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy said this win also belongs to every RCB fan who never gave up. 'What a moment for Bengaluru, Karnataka and cricket lovers across the nation! RCB emerges victorious a testament to grit, belief, and the spirit of Karnataka,' he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD State BJP president B Y Vijayendra said, 'This win is personal for every fan who stood by RCB through the ups and downs, who believed, cheered, and never gave up. 'What a stellar end to a stellar campaign by RCB. It took us 18 years to reach here, but we made it and that's what truly matters…..Here's to the spirit of Play Bold and the RCB family, this is just the beginning!' he posted on the microblogging platform. BJP's R Ashoka, leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, said, '18 years of hope, heartbreak & hustle — the dream is finally real! Congratulations RCB! Champions at last!' Governor Thaawar Chand Gehlot also congratulated the team and said, 'Heartiest congratulations to the players, coaches, and loyal fans. Wishing RCB continued success in the journey ahead.' (With agency inputs)
