Josh Hazlewood, the Australian fast bowler known for his precision and effectiveness, has been ruled out of the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) series against India. Initially, Hazlewood was sidelined for the second Test due to a low-grade left side injury, which was a significant blow for the Australian team, especially after his stellar performance in the series opener at Perth where he took five wickets.
Josh Hazlewood suffers calf strain
He did bowl 6 overs in the Gabba Test but suffered a right calf strain during the warm-ups before the fourth day. This injury has confirmed his exclusion from not only the remainder of the Brisbane match but also the upcoming Tests in Melbourne and Sydney. Hazlewood’s absence is keenly felt, as he has been a consistent performer, known for his ability to maintain an impeccable line and length, attributes that are particularly valuable in Test cricket.
The towering Australian fast bowler, known for his accuracy and pace, has made a significant mark in international cricket, and his journey in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been no less impressive.
Hazlewood’s IPL career statistics
Despite being a late entrant into the tournament, Hazlewood quickly showcased his value as a potent asset for any team’s bowling attack. His ability to thrive under pressure, especially in the powerplay and death overs, made him an ideal fit for the T20 format despite his traditional image as a Test specialist. He played a key role in CSK’s title-winning campaign in IPL 2021, delivering consistent performances with the new ball and maintaining exceptional control. So far, Hazlewood has played 27 matches in the cash-rich league, taking 35 wickets with 4/25 being his best.
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Hazlewood’s salary in the Indian Premier League
1. Mumbai Indians (2014)
The New South Wales pacer caught the eye of IPL scouts when he was picked by the Mumbai Indians’ ahead of the 2014 edition of the league. Though, Hazlewood didn’t get a chance to feature in any game as he was too young but he did spend quality time with arguably the best cricketers and learned a lot of tactics. He was part of 2015 season for Mumbai as well but had opted out.
Salary
- 2014: INR 50,00,000
- 2015: Opted out
2. Chennai Super Kings (2020-21)
Hazlewood’s IPL story began in 2020 when he was picked up by Chennai Super Kings (CSK). His debut season was promising, although limited, as he played just three matches but managed to showcase his skills with an economy rate of 6.40. His performance included taking one wicket, setting the stage for what was to come in subsequent seasons. In the 2021 edition of the lucrative league, Hazlewood played a crucial role in their championship-winning campaign, taking 11 wickets in 9 matches. His ability to deliver in pressure situations was evident, aiding CSK with his economy and wicket-taking prowess.
Salary
- 2020: INR 20,000,000
- 2021: INR 20,000,000
3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (2022-2025)
In the IPL 2022 auction, Hazlewood made a move to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), signaling his rising value and trust in his capabilities. His first season with RCB was nothing short of spectacular, where he took 20 wickets in 12 matches, making him one of the standout performers of the season with an average of 18.85 and an economy rate of 8.11. This performance cemented his role as a key player in RCB’s bowling attack. In the subsequent season, Hazlewood played 3 games for RCB and took 3 wickets. Notably, the pacer had missed the first half of the tournament due to an Achilles (heel) problem.
Though, Hazlewood opted out of the 2024 season due to birth of his child but will be back to RCB for the upcoming season in 2025 as he was acquired at a heavy price in the recent auctions.
Salary
- 2022: INR 77,500,000
- 2023: INR 77,500,000
- 2024: Opted out
- 2025: INR 125,000,000