Josh Hazlewood once again proved why he’s a vital cog in Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s bowling attack, delivering a critical blow to Delhi Capitals by dismissing their skipper Axar Patel during Match 46 of IPL 2025 at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi. After being asked to bat first on a sluggish Delhi track, the Capitals struggled for momentum right from the start.
The pitch offered inconsistent bounce and just enough movement to keep the batters guessing, and none of the DC players could really find their rhythm. Skipper Axar Patel, too, fought hard but failed to capitalize. He managed 15 runs off 13 balls, striking just one four and a six before Josh Hazlewood ended his stay at the crease.
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Hazlewood, known for his impeccable line and length, delivered a 136.5 kmph back-of-a-length ball on the fourth delivery of the 14th over. Axar attempted to work it across the line but misjudged the line completely, playing inside the ball. The delivery clipped the stumps, sending Axar back and giving RCB a crucial breakthrough. Virat Kohli’s animated reaction to the dismissal said it all — the RCB icon celebrated wildly, fully charged up by the breakthrough.
Six first, timber next 💪
Axar Patel clears the ropes but Josh Hazlewood clears the middle stump 👊
Updates ▶️ https://t.co/9M3N5Ws7Hm#TATAIPL | #DCvRCB | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/jUKZwLjnOt
— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 27, 2025
Interestingly, ahead of the match, former India coach Anil Kumble had cheekily predicted a “Kantara 2” style celebration from Kohli. Speaking to ESPNCricinfo, Kumble had hinted that Kohli might recreate KL Rahul’s viral “This is my home ground” celebration, considering how much Delhi means to him. As it turned out, Kohli didn’t hold back once Hazlewood knocked over Axar.
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Kumble also emphasised Virat’s importance to RCB’s campaign this season, noting that the former skipper remains a crucial figure, especially given the unpredictable nature of Bengaluru’s pitches this year. “When batting first, Kohli’s role becomes even more important,” Kumble said. “His ability to anchor and pace the innings could be the difference in tight games.”
RCB fans will certainly be hoping Kohli continues to bring the passion, both with the bat and in the field, as they push towards the playoffs.
