Bengaluru:Josh Hazlewood expressed satisfaction with his recovery and performance after playing a key role in Royal Challengers Bengaluru 's five-wicket win over Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2026.
The Australian pacer was named Player of the Match for his impactful spell, helping RCB restrict LSG to a below-par total at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Speaking after the game, Hazlewood said he felt in good shape and was able to execute his plans effectively on a challenging surface.
'Felt much better today, in good shape. Got to look at who you are playing against, conditions play a part. It was a slow wicket today, just had to hit that length,' he said during the post-match presentation.
Hazlewood highlighted the importance of reading conditions early, which played a crucial role in RCB's bowling success.
'Summing up the conditions as early as we can is a huge plus for us,' he noted, pointing out how the team adjusted quickly to the slower nature of the pitch.
His disciplined bowling, along with support from teammates, ensured LSG never gained momentum during their innings.
The pacer also revealed that he has been working on expanding his T20 skillset, particularly by adding variations like slower deliveries.
'I'd like to have a few funky deliveries… always working on those slower balls… keep moving forward,' Hazlewood said, underlining his efforts to stay effective in the shortest format.
Looking ahead, Hazlewood sounded confident about his fitness and availability for the remainder of the tournament.
'The plan is hopefully to keep playing. The schedule is pretty good here on, so I should be okay to keep playing,' he added.
RCB delivered a complete team performance to secure the win. Virat Kohli anchored the chase with a fluent 49, while Rajat Patidar and Jitesh Sharma provided quick contributions.
Earlier, Rasikh Salam Dar starred with a four-wicket haul, supported by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Hazlewood himself, as LSG were bowled out for 146 despite Mitchell Marsh's 40.
LSG also faced setbacks, including a brief injury concern for Rishabh Pant, which further dented their innings.
With this win, RCB climbed to the top of the IPL 2026 points table with eight points from five matches. Meanwhile, LSG slipped to seventh place with four points, continuing their inconsistent run in the tournament.
Josh Hazlewood's return to form is a major boost for RCB as they build momentum in IPL 2026. His ability to adapt to conditions and refine his T20 skills adds depth to an already strong bowling unit, making RCB a formidable side as the tournament progresses.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by News Karnataka staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)