"Hopefully it runs out of steam pretty quickly" - RCB star's stunning reaction to new nickname ahead of SA vs AUS WTC Final 2025 [Watch]
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Josh Hazlewood recently commented on being given the nickname 'Hazlegod' during the recently concluded IPL 2025. The 34-year-old suggested that he wouldn't want the nickname to stick with him for very long.
Hazlewood stated that while he didn't mind being called 'Hazlegod' in India, he wouldn't want to take it any further. The ace fast bowler's remarks came in a video shared by the International Cricket Council (ICC) ahead of the World Test Championship (WTC 2025) final between Australia and South Africa.
He said:
"Hopefully it runs out of steam pretty quickly. It's flattering, obviously, to hear it around the ground in India, but I don't think it'll take off in Australia."
In the same video, left-arm seamer Mitchell Starc jokingly hoped for the nickname to stick as Hazlewood wasn't a big fan of it. On being asked about the bowler's new nickname, Starc said:
"Hopefully it sticks because I don't think he likes it too much."
Hazlewood will be seen in action for Australia in the crucial WTC final clash. The match is set to be played at the Lord's, London, from June 11 to 15.
Josh Hazlewood played a starring role in RCB's IPL 2025 triumph
Josh Hazlewood was roped in by RCB at ₹12.5 crore during the IPL 2025 mega auction. He repaid the team management's faith by delivering impactful performances throughout the season.
With 22 wickets across 12 innings at an economy rate of 8.77, he was RCB's leading wicket-taker of the season. He picked up the crucial wicket of Priyansh Arya in the team's final against Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad.
He also bowled the all-important last over in the encounter, where he successfully defended 29 runs. The Bengaluru-based side clinched a six-run victory in the summit clash to end their 18-year-long men's title drought.
Krunal Pandya was the Player of the Match in the IPL 2025 final. The left-arm spinner conceded just 17 runs from his four overs and dismissed Prabhsimran Singh and Josh Inglis.