A former South Africa fast bowler has singled out a devastating powerplay display that Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood produced against Delhi Capitals, calling it a key reason batters struggled during the early overs. While praising Kagiso Rabada and England’s Jofra Archer for adding even more pressure with accurate, hard-to-score lengths, he said the quartet’s relentlessness is giving hitters “genuine fear,” even in a league known for high totals.
Powerplay pressure that flipped the match
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood repeatedly troubled Delhi Capitals by alternating probing lines with traditional Test-style lengths, forcing batters to play at deliveries they could not comfortably free their arms through.
- The pair’s sustained work in the opening phase wrecked Delhi’s rhythm, leaving them reeling at 13/6 by the end of six overs.
- That disastrous start ultimately cascaded into a collapse, with Delhi Capitals being dismissed for only 75.
- The defending champions then chased the target with ease, turning the early damage into a straightforward finish.
Taking to X, Steyn wrote: “Watching Buvi, Hazelwood, throw KG and Archer in there too, there’s a genuine fear from batters not because they scared, but they know exactly where these greats are going to bowl but don’t practice enough in that area to have answers. The fear is technical skill, too deep into the tournament to change now, watch these bowlers continue to dominate. Its called a HARD length for a reason…”
Why the numbers stand out this IPL
The former pacer’s comments were backed by the impact these bowlers have had across the season, particularly in the powerplay overs.
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar currently leads the Purple Cap race with 14 wickets in eight innings, striking at an average of 16.85 and an economy rate of 7.61. His best figures this season are 3/5.
- Josh Hazlewood has taken eight wickets at an average of 19.25, while keeping things tight with an economy rate of 7.89. His best spell is 4/12.
- Kagiso Rabada has been especially sharp in the powerplay, collecting 13 wickets at an average of 22.61 and an economy rate of 9.48, with best figures of 3/25.
- Jofra Archer has also flourished with raw pace and classic length, particularly against top-order batters during the powerplay. He has 13 wickets in eight matches at an average of 17.92 and an economy rate of 8.03, with best figures of 3/20.
With the tournament continuing to reward aggressive batting, the emphasis on hard, accurate lengths from this group has underlined a different truth: even in a high-scoring format, disciplined powerplay bowling can still decide matches early.
