Josh Hazlewood IPL journey took a sharp turn in 2025 after a major controversy involving his decision to play in the IPL despite fitness concerns. The fast bowler, who represented Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025, came under fire after Australia’s loss in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final.
Why is Josh Hazlewood IPL News Trending?
The main reason why Josh Hazlewood IPL is trending is because of a strong statement made by former Australian pacer Mitchell Johnson. He criticized Hazlewood for prioritizing IPL over international cricket.
According to Johnson, Hazlewood should have rested and recovered fully instead of participating in IPL 2025. His performance in the WTC Final was not up to expectations, and many believe that IPL preparation took a toll on his fitness.
Josh Hazlewood IPL 2025 Performance
- Team: Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)
- Matches Played: Limited due to injury
- Wickets Taken: Less than expected
- Bowling Economy: Higher than previous seasons
- Fitness Status: Not fully fit during the league
While Josh Hazlewood IPL stats don’t look bad on paper, his fitness issues raised concerns. Many fans and experts questioned whether his body was ready for both IPL and Test cricket.
Mitchell Johnson’s Big Statement
Mitchell Johnson openly questioned Cricket Australia and Hazlewood himself. He asked,
“Is that the mindset you want from your top Test bowler?”
This line went viral and put the spotlight on Josh Hazlewood’s IPL participation. Johnson’s opinion sparked a larger debate on IPL vs national duty.
Is Josh Hazlewood Wrong for Playing IPL?
There are two sides to the story:
- In Favor:
Hazlewood wanted to gain match practice and support RCB. Playing in the IPL offers tough competition and also helps in white-ball preparation. - Against:
Hazlewood was not fully fit, and IPL may have worsened his condition. His poor WTC Final performance shows the risks of poor workload management.
Josh Hazlewood IPL Stats Over the Years
| Year | Team | Matches | Wickets | Economy Rate |
| 2021 | CSK | 9 | 11 | 8.37 |
| 2022 | RCB | 12 | 20 | 7.42 |
| 2023 | RCB | 9 | 14 | 7.60 |
| 2025 | RCB | 4 | 5 | 8.90 |
His IPL 2025 performance clearly shows a dip in form and fitness.
Lessons from the Josh Hazlewood IPL Controversy
- Player Fitness First: Even top players need enough rest before crucial tournaments.
- Franchise vs Country Debate: Boards need clear rules to avoid conflicts.
- Media Pressure: Statements like Johnson’s can affect a player’s image and mindset.
- IPL Isn’t Everything: For Test specialists like Hazlewood, IPL should never come at the cost of national duty.
Fans React to Josh Hazlewood IPL Decision
Social media was divided. Some fans backed Hazlewood saying he has the right to play in the IPL. Others felt disappointed and blamed IPL 2025 for his poor WTC Final performance.
The Josh Hazlewood IPL 2025 chapter will be remembered for more than just his stats. It brought up serious questions about player fitness, priorities, and national responsibility. While Hazlewood remains a top-class bowler, the criticism from Mitchell Johnson may push him and Cricket Australia to rethink future plans.
Whether you’re a Hazlewood fan or not, this story proves that IPL is more than just a game—it affects careers, team results, and public opinion.
