IPL 2023: 'More low days than high...' — Josh Hazlewood opens up on why he chose cricket over Javelin Throw

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is considered among the best pacers of all time.

SportsTak

• Wed • 05 Apr 2023

Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is considered among the best pacers of all time. The 2015 ODI World Cup-winning and 2021 T20 World Cup-winning bowler could have been representing his country in a completely different field of sports, however, but chose cricket because it was a team sport.

Speaking on the RCB podcast, he said, "Cricket was my first passion. I think I was 15-16 years of age when I guess I had to make a choice. I just did athletics in the winters to keep myself fit and get some time off (from) school, really."

Hazlewood spearheads the Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) bowling unit but is still recovering from an Achilles injury that has kept him out of action in 2023. In IPL 2022, he took 20 wickets for RCB as they reached the playoffs after finishing fourth on the league table.

The 32-year-old went on to explain that the high number of low days in individual sports like athletics made him realize that he preferred the team aspect of cricket. "It (cricket) was a team event, obviously. So, that pushed me in that direction. Lot's of fun playing with your teammates than somewhat solo career in athletics which can be a bit lonely sometimes.

"Individual sports are so difficult; I cannot do it for a long period of time... it's probably more low days than high days. If you are in a team event, then it's probably 50-50 (good and bad days)... you win or lose the game and even if you have a bad day or a bad week, then your teammates can have a great week and you can enjoy their success," continued Hazlewood.

The fast bowler also emphasized the importance of team camaraderie and shared success. "I have learnt over the years to enjoy everyone's success in the team rather than just your own self," he added.

The pacer has not played for RCB yet this season, and is expected to fly to India for the cash-rich Indian Premier League (IPL) on April 14. He is expected to be available for the second half of the RCB, as the side from Bengaluru hope to win their first-ever IPL trophy.