Top News

Former Indian cricketer Mohammad Kaif criticized RCB over the absence of Josh Hazlewood

Priya Verma | May 24, 2025 3:27 PM CST

In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, Royal Challengers Bengaluru has let up more than 200 runs in both of the games the star Australian bowler missed in the 2025 Indian Premier League, according to former cricketer Mohammad Kaif. Bengaluru has made Lungi Ngidi their main foreign bowler in Hazlewood’s place.

Up until now, Bengaluru has suffered greatly from Hazlewood’s absence, giving up more than 200 runs in each of his two most recent games.

Because Hazlewood was absent from RCB’s final two games, all of their hard work may be undone. In a video that was uploaded to his X account, Kaif said, “RCB has given up more than 200 runs in both of those games, first against CSK and now against SRH in this match.”

“This bowling assault is one-dimensional without him. Prior to Hazlewood’s arrival, RCB had only given up 200 runs this season. When bowling with Hazlewood, Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Yash Dayal looked fantastic, but when he isn’t there, it looks different,” Kaif said.

Can RCB reach top 2 without Hazlewood? pic.twitter.com/hE6GdbgIJd

— Mohammad Kaif (@MohammadKaif) May 23, 2025

Right now, they are missing him. It would be difficult for RCB to win in the tournament’s final stretch if Hazlewood is unable to recover in time,” Kaif said.

This crushing defeat to Sunrisers Hyderabad has dropped Bengaluru (17 points) to third place in the standings, behind the Punjab Kings (17) and Gujarat Titans (18). Additionally, the Net Run Rate (NRR) suffered a severe setback.

Bengaluru needed a well-planned attack on the goal after they were forced to chase an overwhelming 232, which Hyderabad set after Ishan Kishan hit an incredible, undefeated 94 off 48 deliveries.

With Phil Salt (62, 32b, 4xx, 5×6), Virat Kohli (43, 25b, 7×4, 1×6), and Jitesh Sharma (24, 15b), Bengaluru put up a strong fight, but they were only able to reach 189 before being bowled out.

However, the beginning of Bengaluru’s chase told a different story, with Salt and Kohli sprinting to 80 runs in seven overs. On May 27, RCB will visit the home of the Lucknow Super Giants for their next match.