‘Keep It Simple’: Josh Hazlewood Reveals Bowling Formula Behind RCB’s Win Over LSG

Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Josh Hazlewood credited disciplined execution and accurate lengths as the key factors behind his side's five-wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants, as RCB returned to the top of the IPL 2026 points table.

Speaking after the match, Hazlewood highlighted how keeping plans simple - rather than relying on variations - played a crucial role in controlling the game on a slightly unpredictable Bengaluru surface.

"I don't have the skills of someone like Jasprit Bumrah or others with slower balls, so you've got to make it up on the run," Hazlewood said on JioHotstar's Match Centre Live, in quotes credited to JioStar.

Accuracy over variation the key to success

Hazlewood explained that the conditions at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium demanded discipline rather than experimentation, with the pitch behaving differently from the typically batting-friendly surface.

"It's a slightly different wicket than what we're used to - a little slower, probably a bit up and down - so it's quite tough for batting," he said.

Rather than relying on multiple variations, the Australian fast bowler focused on maintaining accuracy and consistency.

"In this game, it was more about being accurate, hitting the right length, even using a few cross-seam deliveries and just keeping it simple," he added.

Strong communication within bowling unit

Hazlewood also credited the bowling group's communication - particularly early input from senior pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar - as a major strength behind RCB's disciplined performance.

"You don't have to try too much. It's very simple in planning, but it's just about execution and putting the ball in the right areas," he said.

"Bhuvi summed up the conditions in that first over, and then there were a few field changes here and there. The communication within the bowling group is a real strength of ours."

That collective approach helped RCB restrict Lucknow Super Giants and set up a manageable chase.

Confidence growing within RCB camp

Hazlewood also praised the batting unit for handling the chase efficiently despite tricky conditions, noting that confidence across departments is building as the season progresses.

"I thought the way we chased the total down was very good to watch. All our batters are in good form and confident, and to chase the score down pretty quickly on a wicket like that is huge," he said.

With the win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru climbed back to the top of the standings, continuing their strong run in IPL 2026.