IPL 2026 Final: Why Josh Hazlewood’s perfect T20 record could boost RCB against GT

RCB’s Josh Hazlewood (Image: X) As Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare to face Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final, they will draw confidence from a player who has a habit of playing on the biggest stage, Josh Hazlewood.The defending champions are aiming for back-to-back IPL titles, something only Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings have managed. Standing in their way is a formidable Shubman Gill-led Gujarat Titans side, but RCB will take solace in the presence of Hazlewood, whose record in T20 finals is nothing short of remarkable.

The man who never lost a final

Hazlewood enters the final of IPL 2026 with a perfect record in the T20 title decider. The Australian pacer has played five grand finals of T20 tournaments in international and franchise cricket, winning all five. More impressively, he has never taken a wicket in a T20 final.During those five title contests, Hazlewood took 10 wickets at an average of 13.9 and an economy rate of 7.1, consistently demonstrating his ability to thrive under pressure. Hazlewood’s first T20 grand final success came in the IPL 2021 final when he represented Chennai Super Kings. Facing Kolkata Knight Riders, the Australian quickly returned figures of 2/29 from four overs, removing Sunil Narine and Nitish Rana at crucial moments. His disciplined spell helped CSK curtail KKR’s chase and secure a 27-run victory. It was the first IPL trophy of Hazlewood’s career and the start of a remarkable finals run.Perhaps the best finals performance of Hazlewood’s career came during the 2021 T20 World Cup final against New Zealand. On Dubai’s batting-friendly surface, Hazlewood produced a masterclass in fast bowling, finishing with figures of 3/16 in four overs. He dismissed Glenn Phillips and especially Kane Williamson, who looked set to take the game away from Australia with a blistering 85. Australia eventually chased their first T20 World Cup title, with Hazlewood playing a central role in the victory.

Giving RCB a historic title

Four years later, Hazlewood again demonstrated his ability to play when the stakes were highest. In the final of IPL 2025 against Punjab Kings, the Australian speedster took two wickets and was credited with defending 29 runs in the final of the match. Despite facing the dangerous Shashank Singh at the crease, Hazlewood held his nerve and closed out the game, helping RCB secure their first IPL title after an 18-year wait.Hazlewood’s success in finals goes beyond the IPL and international cricket. Temper was also part of winning campaigns with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League. IPL 2026 Mixed CampaignDespite his excellent results in the finals, Hazlewood’s IPL 2026 season has not been entirely straightforward. The right-arm pacer took 13 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 35.15 and an economy rate of 9.62. While those numbers are below his usual standards, they don’t fully reflect his impact.