Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood in RCB vs DC (Image: AP) The former South African pacer hailed Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood’s excellent powerplay spell against Delhi Capitals while praising compatriot Kagiso Rabada and England’s Jofra Archer for striking “real fear” among batsmen this IPL season with their relentless hard lengths, despite the high-scoring nature of the tournament.Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood took turns harassing the DC batsmen, shrewdly mixing traditional Test match lengths with a probe line outside the off-stump. Their relentless spell wreaked havoc in the powerplay and reduced Delhi Capitals to 13/6 at the end of six overs, the worst powerplay score in IPL history. DC were eventually bundled out for just 75, a target easily chased down by the defending champions.Joining X, Steyn wrote: “Watching Buvi, Hazelwood, throw KG and Archer in there too, there’s a real fear of the batsmen not because they’re scared but they know exactly where these bigs are going to bowl but don’t practice enough in that area to have the answers. Fear is a technical skill, too deep into the tournament to change now, watch these bowlers continue to dominate HARD LONG reason…”Bhuvneshwar Kumar currently holds the Purple Cap this season with 14 wickets in eight innings at an average of 16.85 and an economy rate of 7.61, including best figures of 3/5. Meanwhile, Josh Hazlewood picked up eight wickets at an average of 19.25, maintaining an economy rate of 7.89 with best figures of 4/12.
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Munaf Patel questions the appointment of Morne Morkel, Sitanshu KotakKagiso Rabada was exceptional in the power play, taking 13 wickets at an average of 22.61 and an economy rate of 9.48, with best figures of 3/25. Jofra Archer also thrived with his raw pace and traditional lengths, especially against the best powerplay batsmen, taking 13 wickets in eight matches at an average of 17.92 and an economy rate of 8.03 with best figures of 3/20.
