When Royal Challengers Bengaluru lifted their maiden IPL trophy on a historic Tuesday night in Ahmedabad, one man silently extended a personal legacy—Josh Hazlewood, cricket’s ultimate “final boss.” With the 2025 IPL Final win, Hazlewood maintained his perfect record in major finals, winning 9 out of 9 – a feat unmatched in modern cricket.The calm and clinical Aussie pacer is no stranger to the biggest stages. From the U19 World Cup in 2010, where he was Player of the Final, to the 2025 IPL Final, Hazlewood has played a defining role in nearly every championship clash he’s entered:2010 U19 World Cup Final – Player of the Match with 4/30 vs Pakistan2012 CLT20 Final – Part of Sydney Sixers’ 10-wicket demolition of Highveld Lions2015 ODI World Cup Final – Took 2 wickets as Australia beat New Zealand2020 BBL Final – Won the title with Sydney Sixers
2021 IPL Final (CSK) – Played a key role in Chennai’s triumph2021 T20 World Cup Final – 3/16 vs New Zealand in a clinical win2023 ODI World Cup Final – Helped Australia sink India in Ahmedabad2023 WTC Final – Part of the side that defeated India at The Oval2025 IPL Final (RCB) – Bowled a tight final over to seal a 6-run winQuiz: Who’s that IPL player?In the 2025 final, Hazlewood’s experience shone through as he gave RCB their first breakthrough and bowled the nerve-wracking final over, defending 29 runs. His second dot ball of the last over effectively ended Punjab Kings’ hopes, despite a late onslaught by Shashank Singh (61* off 30). RCB’s total of 190/9, anchored by Kohli’s gritty 43, proved just enough on a night driven by relentless bowling, sharp fielding, and raw emotion.Hazlewood, often unassuming in his celebrations, quietly stamped yet another page in cricketing folklore. Nine finals, nine wins – no defeats, no errors. In an era of pressure and unpredictability, he remains the cool-headed constant.
