WATCH: Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon react hilariously to Josh Hazlewood’s ‘HazleGod’ tag by RCB fans

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As Australia prepares to defend their ICC World Test Championship title at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground against South Africa on June 11, one name that continues to trend beyond the cricket field is Josh Hazlewood.

Known for his precision and composure with the red ball, the Australian pacer has now found himself at the heart of a viral phenomenon, thanks to his stunning performances for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025. RCB fans affectionately dubbed him ‘HazleGod’ a nickname that has taken over social media and stadiums alike.

Hazlewood’s IPL 2025 journey was nothing short of spectacular. Leading RCB’s pace attack with control and menace, he claimed 22 wickets in just 12 matches and played a pivotal role in securing the franchise’s long-awaited maiden IPL title. From the opening overs to the death, Hazlewood delivered under pressure repeatedly, including a memorable three-wicket haul in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings.

His performance in the league quickly earned him cult status among RCB supporters. Posters, chants, and viral memes crowned him ‘HazleGod’ turning the soft-spoken Australian into an unexpected icon in India’s cricketing landscape. Despite a slightly expensive outing in the final, where he conceded over 50 runs for just one wicket, his impact on RCB’s title campaign was undeniable.

Amid the buzz and rising nickname frenzy, Hazlewood has responded with characteristic humility. In a video posted by the ICC, the 34-year-old pacer shared his honest thoughts on being called ‘HazleGod’ With a gentle smile, he said: “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,” His comments reflect a grounded personality that has remained unchanged, even as fans and headlines elevate him to legendary status.

Also READ: Scott Boland vs Josh Hazlewood in England: Who has the edge ahead of the WTC 2025 Final?

While Hazlewood may be keen to let the nickname fade, his teammates are doing the exact opposite. Fellow Australian quick Mitchell Starc couldn’t resist poking fun at Hazlewood’s discomfort with the moniker. Laughing in an interview, Starc remarked, “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,”. The camaraderie between the Australian pacers was on full display, showing the lighter side of the team’s intense preparations.

Adding more fuel to the fire was veteran spinner Nathan Lyon, who offered a humorous anecdote during the WTC training sessions. Lyon recalled with surprise how Hazlewood had recently referred to himself as ‘HazleGod’ during a net session. ‘HazleGod’- he actually referred to himself as it the other day, which totally took me back by surprise,” said Lyon, laughing. He added, “Off the back of him winning the IPL, I think he’s running with it,” Whether said in jest or confidence, the moment marked a rare glimpse of Hazlewood leaning into the nickname, even if playfully, showcasing that he’s not entirely immune to the joy and fun surrounding his recent rise in popularity.

hazelgod warra cutie bhai 😭😭

— . (@madhub4la) June 9, 2025

Despite carrying a minor shoulder niggle during the IPL season, Hazlewood made a swift recovery. He temporarily returned to Australia when the IPL was suspended for a week due to the India-Pakistan political standoff, but was back in full rhythm during the playoffs. His bowling in knockout matches reaffirmed his match fitness, and he enters the WTC final as a key member of Australia’s pace trio. With conditions at Lord’s expected to offer swing and seam movement, Hazlewood’s red-ball discipline and accuracy will be crucial. Although he hasn’t had much Test exposure in recent months due to workload management, the team’s faith in him is unwavering. Alongside Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, Hazlewood will form the frontline of a fearsome Australian pace attack looking to repeat their 2023 WTC triumph.

Also READ: World Test Championship: South Africa’s road to the 2025 WTC Final