Josh Hazlewood recently shared his experience of training alongside Virat Kohli at Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) during the Indian Premier League (IPL). The Australian pacer, who was signed by RCB for ₹12.5 crore in last year’s mega auction in Jeddah, admitted that Kohli’s unmatched intensity in practice sessions serves as an inspiration for everyone around him.
Hazlewood acknowledged that Kohli’s presence in the team is invaluable, not just because of his batting prowess but also for the energy he brings to the game. The 36-year-old is currently the leading run-scorer in IPL history and remains the only batter to have crossed the 8000-run milestone in the tournament.
“You might show up to training feeling a bit flat, just going through the motions. But when you look down and see him 22 yards away, it really kicks you into gear. Training becomes a battle, especially in the middle. He definitely has that aura about him,” Josh Hazlewood said in an episode of RCB Bold Diaries.
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He further praised Kohli’s aggressive yet calculated approach, which not only keeps the scoreboard moving but also challenges bowlers in practice. “I fully respect what he’s done in the game and what he’s still doing now. He’s one of those players who comes at you and plays his shots, which is always nice because it keeps you on your toes,” he added.
Josh Hazlewood (on Kohli) 🗣️ “He has that aura in batting and always a Key wicket for us in any format. He scored a lot of centuries against us. At any stage of the game always gives his 100%. We all respect that what he has done for this game.” pic.twitter.com/zUIC1FbEID
— Fearless🦁 (@ViratTheLegend) March 27, 2025
Kohli has always been a thorn in Australia’s side, having scored 5477 runs against them across formats at an impressive average of 48.90, including 17 centuries. Hazlewood, who has dismissed Kohli 11 times in international cricket, admitted that bowling to him in the nets is no easy task.
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“He’s a huge wicket for us in any format. He’s scored a lot of hundreds against us in all formats, so in the nets, he really pushes you. By the time you finish, you feel ready for the game,” Josh Hazlewood noted.
Kohli has started his IPL 2025 campaign in style, scoring an unbeaten 59 to help RCB secure a seven-wicket victory over Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).
