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

As Royal Challengers Bengaluru prepare to face Gujarat Titans in the IPL 2026 final, they will draw confidence from a player who has made a habit of delivering on the biggest stage, Josh Hazlewood. The defending champions are aiming to win back-to-back IPL titles, a feat achieved only by Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings. Standing in their way is a formidable Gujarat Titans side led by Shubman Gill, but RCB will take comfort from the presence of Hazlewood, whose record in T20 finals is nothing short of remarkable.

Hazlewood enters the IPL 2026 final with a perfect record in T20 title deciders. The Australian pacer has played five major T20 tournament finals across international and franchise cricket and has emerged victorious in all five. Even more impressively, he has never gone wicketless in a T20 final. Across those five title clashes, Hazlewood has claimed 10 wickets at an average of 13.9 and an economy rate of 7.1, consistently proving his ability to thrive under pressure. Hazlewood's first major T20 final success came in the IPL 2021 final while representing Chennai Super Kings. Facing Kolkata Knight Riders, the Australian quick returned figures of 2/29 from four overs, removing Sunil Narine and Nitish Rana at crucial moments. His disciplined spell helped CSK restrict KKR's chase and secure a 27-run victory. It was the first IPL trophy of Hazlewood's career and the beginning of a remarkable finals streak. Perhaps the finest final performance of Hazlewood's career came during the 2021 T20 World Cup final against New Zealand. On a batting-friendly Dubai surface, Hazlewood produced a masterclass in fast bowling, finishing with figures of 3/16 in four overs. He dismissed Glenn Phillips and, most importantly, Kane Williamson, who had looked set to take the game away from Australia with a blistering 85. Australia eventually chased down the target to lift their maiden T20 World Cup title, with Hazlewood playing a central role in the victory.

Four years later, Hazlewood once again showcased his ability to perform when the stakes were highest. In the IPL 2025 final against Punjab Kings, the Australian speedster picked up two wickets and was entrusted with defending 29 runs in the final over of the match. Despite facing a dangerous Shashank Singh at the crease, Hazlewood held his nerve and closed out the game, helping RCB secure their maiden IPL title after an 18-year wait. Hazlewood's finals success extends beyond the IPL and international cricket. The pacer was also part of title-winning campaigns with the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League. A Mixed IPL 2026 Campaign Despite his outstanding finals record, Hazlewood's IPL 2026 season has not been entirely straightforward. The right-arm pacer has claimed 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 do not fully reflect his impact.