Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood in RCB vs DC match (Photo: AP)
The former South Africa player praised the impressive intensity displayed by Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood against Delhi Capitals, while also heaping praise on compatriot Kagiso Rabada and the England national team.
Jofra Archer
To create ‘real fear’ among the batsmen this IPL season with their powerful and relentless lengths, despite the high-scoring nature of the tournament.Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood took turns to trouble DC’s batsmen, cleverly mixing up traditional Test match lengths with a checking line outside off stump. Their relentless spell wreaked havoc in the powerplay, reducing Delhi Capitals to 13/6 at the end of six overs, the worst powerplay score in IPL history. DC were eventually bowled out for just 75, a target the defending champions chased down with ease.“Watching Buvi and Hazelwood and throwing KG and Archer out there as well, there is a real fear from the hitters not because they are afraid, but they know exactly where these greats are going to play but they don’t practice enough on the field to have answers,” Stein wrote on X.
Fear is the technical skill, too deep in the tournament to change now, watch these players continue to dominate. It’s called a difficult length for a reason…”
Bhuvneshwar Kumar currently holds the Purple Cap this season, with 14 wickets in eight innings at an average of 16.85 and an economy rate of 7.61, including best figures of 3/5. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood took eight wickets at an average of 19.25, maintaining an economy rate of 7.89, with best figures of 4/12.
Kagiso Rabada has been exceptional in the powerplay, taking 13 wickets at an average of 22.61 and an economy rate of 9.48, with best figures of 3/25. Jofra Archer also thrived with his raw pace and conventional length, particularly against top-order powerplay batsmen, taking 13 wickets in eight matches at an average of 17.92 and an economy rate of 8.03, with best figures of 3/20.
