Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins [Source: AFP]The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) franchise is scheduled to go up against a struggling Punjab Kings side in match number 61 of the IPL 2026 season. With 16 points in just 12 games, the defending champions have nearly sealed a place in the playoffs, and another win at this stage will strengthen their claim for securing a top two finish. Senior fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar has ably helmed RCB’s pace attack off late, even drawing a significant praise from teammate Josh Hazlewood. The legendary Australian speedster even compared Bhuvneshwar with his national colleagues and fellow seasoned pros Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Hazlewood likens Bhuvneshwar to Cummins and Starc While speaking before RCB’s away fixture against the Punjab Kings, Josh Hazlewood praised teammate Bhuvneshwar Kumar and even likened him with Australian pacemen Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc. Hazlewood said that Bhuvneshwar tends to pitch the ball up and swings the ball. The cricketer further claimed that RCB has a certain level of ‘balance’ in their attack, much like they had during their IPL 2025 winning run last year. Also Read- RCB Captain Rajat Patidar Ruled Out Of IPL 2026, Who'll Captain? Unusual Social Media Activity Gets Fans TalkingJosh Hazlewood said “It’s a little bit like bowling with Patty [Pat Cummins] and Starcy [Mitchell Starc] for Australia. Bhuvi probably pitches it up a little more and swings the ball. I can hit the seam and get a bit of bounce. It’s nice to have balance in your attack. Last year and this year we’ve had a nice mix.” Bhuvneshwar Kumar retains Purple Cap Compatible to Josh Hazlewood’s claims, Bhuvneshwar Kumar remains RCB’s most proficient wicket-taker this IPL 2026 season. Moreover, the forgotten Team India star is the current recipient of the season’s ‘Purple Cap’. The 36-year-old has so far collected 22 wickets in just 12 innings of the season at an impressive bowling average of 16.13. Just a week ago, the fast bowler decimated Mumbai Indians with exceptional figures of 4-23 in Raipur. Josh Hazlewood himself has nabbed 11 wickets since his return to competitive cricket this IPL 2026 season. However, the legendary Australian is holding an expensive economy rate of above nine. RCB on the cusp of playoffs qualification The RCB franchise, under the leadership of Rajat Patidar, recently trumped KKR by six wickets in a final-over finish in Raipur. The outcome marked RCB’s eighth win this IPL 2026 season from 12 games, thus taking them to 16 points with a formidable NRR of 1.053. Already in contention to make it to the IPL 2026 playoffs, RCB can officially qualify for the top four by defeating Punjab Kings in their upcoming game on Sunday, May 17. A win at this stage will also help RCB strengthen their claim in securing a top two finish. The match between RCB and Punjab Kings will be hosted by the HPCA Stadium in Dharamsala and the action will commence from 3:30 PM IST onwards. Also Read- Shubman Gill Gives Proper Drubbing To His Gujarat Titans Teammates After KKR Stop Playoff Qualification
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