Mitchell Starc exposes Josh Hazlewood's hate for 'HazleGod' nickname, RCB star breaks silence

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) pacer Josh Hazlewood gave a stunning reaction to the new nickname "Hazlegod," given to him during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. The 34-year-old hoped that it wouldn’t stick with him for very long, especially in Australia, ahead of the WTC 2025 final clash.

Josh Hazlewood had an outstanding performance throughout IPL 2025, helping Royal Challengers Bengaluru secure their first-ever title win. The Australian fast bowler took 22 wickets in the marquee tournament. He finished as the third-highest wicket-taker behind Prasidh Krishna and Noor Ahmad.

Hopefully, It Runs Out of Steam Pretty Quickly - Josh Hazlewood

Josh Hazlewood is preparing for the World Test Championship final against South Africa, set to commence on June 11 at Lord’s. When asked about his new nickname, ‘HazleGod,’ the pacer said that he didn’t mind being called that in India but believes it won’t stick around in Australia.

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“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.

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Josh Hazlewood injured his shoulder, forcing him to leave the tournament when it was suspended for a week amid the India-Pakistan conflict. After recovering, he returned for the playoffs and made an immediate impact by taking three wickets in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings (PBKS).

I Don't Think He Likes It Too Much - Mitchell Starc

Mitchell Starc joked about the new nickname ‘HazleGod,’ hoping that it would stick around. Starc added that he’s eager to see Hazlewood perform in the upcoming match at Lord’s.

“(Laughs) 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.

Hazlewood is competing with Scott Boland for the final spot in Australia’s pace bowling lineup, with captain Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc already secured. He hasn’t played a Test since suffering a calf injury during the third match of last summer’s Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT).

Totally Took Me Back by Surprise - Nathan Lyon

Nathan Lyon shared that during a training session for the WTC final, Josh Hazlewood surprised him by calling himself ‘HazleGod.’ Lyon said that it seems Hazlewood is now embracing the nickname.

“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,” said Lyon.

Australia are set to face South Africa in a Test match for the first time since January 2023. During the cycle, South Africa topped the points table with eight wins, three losses, and one draw from 12 Tests, while Australia finished second with 13 wins, four losses, and two draws in 19 matches.

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