RCB vs CSK IPL 2022: Virender Sehwag, a former Indian batsman, has lauded the performance of Josh Hazlewood during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2022 match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He finished with statistics of 1/19 from four overs. It included the coveted wicket of MS Dhoni.

Hazlewood was as effective on the powerplay as he was in the death overs. He did it frugally. He put up a standout effort against his previous team to help the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) defend 174 runs at the MCA Stadium in Pune on Saturday.

Virender Sehwag said on Cricbuzz that Hazlewood makes life tough for batsmen with his back-of-the-length deliveries. 

“MS Dhoni was the most essential player to be taken out. Hazlewood does not attempt to bowl yorkers or bouncers when he enters the crease to bowl. He bowls at a length that forces the batters to take a chance on him. Because of his height, it is difficult to confront him when he has a bounce in his step,” Sehwag said.

RCB vs CSK IPL 2022: Virender Sehwag Praises Josh Hazlewood

The former Indian opener went on to say:

“Unlike many other players, he does not throw wide full tosses to bowl yorkers. As a result, he is very deadly, as well as extremely knowledgeable.”\

While they had limited RCB to 173 runs in the first innings, CSK were in and out of the game for the remainder of the chase. The Royal Challengers Bangalore spinners were actively engaged in the game, thanks to the pitch helping turn.

Virender Sehwag expressed his amazement at the fact that Uthappa and Rayudu were able to get out to Glenn Maxwell’s part-time off spin. He added:

“I was taken aback by the fact that Rayudu and Uthappa, two Indian batsmen, were both dismissed by Maxwell’s off-spin. With a 2-22 spell from which you were intended to score 20 runs in one over, you failed to meet your expectations.”

The Australian all-rounder stole both of the reigning champions’ wickets in the space of two overs. Thus, leaving them reeling at 74/3 at the midway point of the match.

In the words of Virender Sehwag, “The first mistake CSK committed was appointing Ravindra Jadeja as captain.”

With this defeat, the four-time champs are eliminated from contention for the plaoffs. Their qualifying will only be feasible if they achieve an amazing sequence of outcomes. This seems to be exceedingly doubtful at this point. With three victories under their belt, CSK has moved up to ninth position in the points standings.

Virender Sehwag believes that the Chennai Super Kings should have persisted with a single captain throughout the season. He said:

“In appointing Ravindra Jadeja their captain just before the season began, the Chennai Super Kings committed their first major error. Even though the results were dismal, Jadeja should have retained his position as captain until the conclusion of the season at the very least.”

Sehwag added the following:

“They were unable to put together a cohesive playing XI. Gaikwad failed to score any runs. If Dhoni had been captain from the beginning, things may have turned out differently. They would not have lost these many games.”

The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will play the Delhi Capitals (DC) on May 8 at the DY Patil Stadium (Sunday).