The unwavering Josh Hazlewood has emerged as the standout Australian player in this IPL season, earning the nickname ‘Hazlegod’ from RCB supporters.
In contrast, Glenn Maxwell’s performance has been disappointing compared to his prior T20 form; Jake Fraser-McGurk has shifted from being explosive to ineffective; and while Travis Head still adds value, he hasn’t excelled against pace as he did last season, clearly falling short of his exceptional 2024 standards.
Performance Overview of Key Australian Players
Josh Hazlewood (18 wickets): In March, Glenn McGrath highlighted Hazlewood as a top pacer for the season, alongside Jasprit Bumrah, praising his “best control.” McGrath noted, “You don’t need to change your delivery every ball, but execution matters.”
Hazlewood has excelled for Royal Challengers Bengaluru this season, characterized by a sharp skill set and impressive physical attributes. His consistent execution, particularly bowling in the channel outside off-stump, and his height (1.96 m) leading to a high release point and steep bounce, have set him apart. His impressive stats show that 45% of his bowling has been in that crucial channel. He contributed significantly to RCB’s successful pace attack, securing critical dismissals despite challenges.
Other Notable Performers
Tim David: Hazlewood’s teammate, David has taken ownership of the finisher role with a striking rate of 179 in his initial ten deliveries this season, showcasing considerable improvement over the past two seasons. His performance at the Death is particularly notable, where he leads in sixes hit.
Mitchell Marsh: With 378 runs at a strike rate of 155.55, Marsh’s powerful batting has propelled Lucknow Super Giants to significant PowerPlay scores. Despite effective power hitting, he tends to favor the longer boundary, showcasing his muscle over tactical placements.
Mitchell Starc: Starc, known for his yorkers, has adapted well since the saliva ban was lifted. He has significantly increased his use of yorkers, demonstrating improved economy at the Death. His capability to seize crucial moments in matches highlights his clutch performance despite his less impressive figures in the PowerPlay phase.
Struggles and Insights
Pat Cummins: While Cummins shone in a recent match against Delhi Capitals, leading the bowling charge with exceptional economy, he has struggled at the Death this season, indicating room for improvement.
Travis Head: Although Head’s performance may seem underwhelming compared to last season, he still maintains a respectable strike rate. His inconsistency against pace, however, reveals areas he can work on to regain his previous form.
Glenn Maxwell: Maxwell’s struggles have been stark, with poor scoring reflected in his recent batting averages. He may need to address his form, reminiscent of the extensive evaluation required by his CSK counterpart, Stephen Fleming.
Marcus Stoinis: Stoinis has been valuable for PBKS despite limited appearances at the Death, showcasing a phenomenal strike rate. This highlights his potential when given opportunities in critical match phases.
Josh Inglis: Inglis has largely gone under the radar this season, except for a notable performance in the PowerPlay against LSG, where he displayed a flash of brilliance.
Published – May 13, 2025
