The Indian Premier League 2025 opener saw a stunning performance by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as they triumphed over their opponents Kolkata Knight Riders with a dominant seven-wicket victory on Saturday at Eden Gardens.
Leading the charge was Australian powerhouse Josh Hazlewood, whose brilliant bowling performance played a pivotal role in the RCB’s thumping win. Hazlewood’s suffocating spell made KKR batters unconfident as his four-over spell featured 16 dot balls. He returned with an impressive figure of 2-22 off four superb overs. Hazlewood’s first victim was dangerous Quinton de Kock caught behind off his fifth .
"I've bowled quite a lot to Quinton de Kock over the years in all formats. (He is) a very dangerous player, so better to keep it simple and really tight. I know I went a little wide to him and he hit me for four. The plan was not trying to go too full or too short, really sticking to those hard lengths. If he makes something off that length for four or six, then that's just a good shot. So yeah, sticking to my strengths, definitely," Hazlewood said during the press conference.
Hazlewood had missed the league for two seasons and now has got back after a tumultuous summer, nursing two calf injuries and a side strain.
"I feel pretty good. I feel like I got through the game very well. I know the intensity is through the roof, but it's only four overs. I feel I'll just keep building throughout the tournament and this is probably the freshest I've been in a long time. The body is feeling fresh. I've done a lot of work off the field to get back to this point, which was tough, but I think I am mentally and physically refreshed," he said.