IPL Auctions: RCB Batting Coach Dinesh Karthik Delighted With Josh Hazlewood's Return

The IPL 2025 mega-auction day one has ended and RCB batting coach Dinesh Karthik took the time to analyse the team's newest acquisitions and expressed his happiness surrounding Josh Hazlewood's return. In a move that has thrilled fans and analysts alike, RCB secured the return of Hazlewood for Rs 12.5 crore. Hazlewood, who was part of RCB's successful 2021 campaign, will once again spearhead their bowling attack. Known for his ability to extract bounce and swing, Hazlewood's return strengthens RCB's fast-bowling arsenal.

Karthik was quick to acknowledge the importance of Hazlewood to the team, saying, “Everybody from RCB and and all the fans have all said let's go for Josh Hazlewood and here we have him. Josh Hazlewood, it was all about who can we get and we got Josh Hazlewood. I think all Bengaluru should be smiling at that option because we have seen what he can do in the year that he came, we qualified and he was such a major and integral part of that attack.”

The first buy of the day was a big one, as RCB landed Liam Livingstone for Rs 8.75 crore. The hard-hitting English all-rounder is renowned for his power-hitting and aggressive batting style. Livingstone's versatility with both bat and ball makes him an invaluable asset for RCB in the 2025 season.

RCB followed up their first purchase with the acquisition of Jitesh Sharma, the dynamic middle-order batsman from Punjab Kings. Bought for Rs 11 crore, Sharma is known for his ability to clear the ropes and play under pressure. His skills as a wicketkeeper-batsman make him a perfect fit for RCB's middle-order, adding both stability and flair.

Karthik was particularly excited about the signing, highlighting Sharma's explosiveness. ”He is a very explosive middle -order