Josh Hazlewood was the highlight of Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) first-ever title victory, making his Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) campaign unforgettable. In the 18th edition of the T20 event, the bowler from Australia returned with 22 wickets, finishing third in terms of wicket-taking.
For instance, Hazlewood's influence led to RCB supporters calling him "HazleGod," a moniker that has gained a lot of traction in India.
The World Test Championship (WTC) final between Hazlewood and South Africa is scheduled to start at the Lord's Cricket Ground on Wednesday, June 11. Hazlewood was questioned about his new moniker in India before the main event.
The 34-year-old said it feels great to be referred to as ‘HazleGod’, but he doesn't think this new nickname will stick around in Australia.
“Yeah, hopefully, it runs out of steam pretty quickly. It's flattering, obviously, to hear it around the grounds in India, but I don't think it'll take off in Australia,” said Hazlewood in a video posted on the official Instagram handle of the ICC.
However, his teammates Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon differed in opinion and made fun of the lanky pacer.
"I hope it stays around," Mitchell Starc said, laughing off the new moniker. The pacer from Australia has had a fantastic few months, he continued.
“Hopefully, it sticks because I don't think he likes it too much. He's had a fantastic few months, the big fella over in India, and he's come home with bags of cash. So, I look forward to seeing him in action here at Lord's,” said Starc.
However, Nathan Lyon disclosed that Josh was taken aback when he was called "HazleGod" during the WTC's last training session.
“HazleGod, he actually referred to himself as it the other day, which totally took me back by surprise. Off the back of him winning the IPL, I think he's running with it,” Lyon said.
Here is the video:
