Some battles in the IPL don’t need hype—they create their own. Josh Hazlewood vs Yashasvi Jaiswal is one of them.

You know how in every superhero movie there's always that one villain who keeps coming back, stronger, smarter, and more dangerous? Well, welcome to the cricketing version of that: Josh Hazlewood vs Yashasvi Jaiswal in the IPL. If you're a cricket nerd (or just someone who enjoys a spicy head-to-head), you're gonna love this. Because this isn’t just another bowler getting a batter out. This is a classic case of tactical chess on a 22-yard strip—with bouncers, boundaries, and a whole lot of drama.

The Backdrop: Bengaluru, Big Targets & Bigger Pressure 

So here we are at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru. RCB had posted a stiff 205 on the board—a total that looked pretty defendable... unless someone like Yashasvi Jaiswal went full beast mode.

And guess what? That’s exactly what he did.

Within the blink of an eye, Jaiswal had already smashed Hazlewood for THREE boundaries in a single over. Twice. That’s six boundaries in two overs against a world-class pacer. I mean, who does that? Honestly, it looked like Jaiswal was scripting another "Player of the Match" performance. But Hazlewood? He had other plans.

The Turning Point: Short Ball, Smart Thinking & Sweet Revenge 

Fast forward to the 6th over of RR’s innings. Hazlewood decides to go around the wicket — a move that may not seem like a big deal to casual fans, but to those who live and breathe the game, it screamed “I’ve got a plan.” He bowled short. The ball climbed sharply. Jaiswal, in a rush of adrenaline, went for the pull. Top edge. Straight to mid-wicket. Gone for 49 off 19. Just one run shy of what could've been another iconic knock.

And right there, Hazlewood had his moment.

It wasn’t just about the wicket. It was about timing, temperament, and turning the tide when your team needed it the most.

Rivalries Aren’t Built Overnight... But This One’s Brewing Fast 🔥

Let’s talk stats for a sec—because numbers never lie (but they do tell juicy stories):

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  Hazlewood has now dismissed Jaiswal three times in just four IPL meetings.
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  He joins Marcus Stoinis as the bowler with the joint-most dismissals of Jaiswal.
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  But—and here’s the kicker—Jaiswal has hammered 81 runs off just 32 balls against Hazlewood. That’s a strike rate of 253.12, folks.

So it’s not a one-sided duel. It’s a rollercoaster.

A seesaw of momentum.

A rivalry where both players have had their moments under the sun.

And that’s what makes it so darn entertaining.

Jaiswal’s Rise: The Young Gun With Fire in His Veins 

Let’s not let that one dismissal take away from what Jaiswal has done this season. The man’s been on absolute fire.

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  356 runs in 9 innings with a strike rate of 148.95
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  Four half-centuries
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  Career IPL runs? A whopping 1,963 at an average of 33.27, including 13 fifties and 2 tons

The 2,000-run milestone is literally around the corner. And when he hits it, trust me, the fireworks are going to be visible from space.

Hazlewood’s Redemption: Calm, Clinical & Completely Underrated 

While all the hype goes to the fiery batters and flashy finishers, Josh Hazlewood keeps doing what he does best—quietly destroying line-ups.

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  4/33 in this match — clutch bowling when it mattered most
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  16 wickets in 9 matches this season, averaging just 17.18
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  Joint-most wickets in IPL 2025, tied with Prasidh Krishna
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  Oh, and he just crossed 50 IPL wickets in 36 games

Talk about efficiency with elegance. Hazlewood isn’t your usual T20 rockstar, but man, he delivers like clockwork.

What This Rivalry Teaches Us About T20 Cricket

Here's the thing: T20 cricket isn’t just about brute power or flashy sixes. It’s about strategy, mental resilience, and knowing when to strike.

Hazlewood vs Jaiswal is the perfect case study:

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  The young blood wants to dominate every delivery.
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  The seasoned campaigner picks his moments and plays the long game.

It’s like watching a sprinter take on a marathon runner in the same race. Different styles. Equal thrill.

Who’ll Win Round 5? 

You know what’s the best part about this rivalry?

It’s far from over.

The next RCB vs RR clash is going to be. Will Jaiswal finally conquer Hazlewood? Or will the Aussie quick trap him yet again?

Time will tell. But till then, let's just appreciate this beautiful cricketing chess match we're lucky to witness.