David Warner Predicts New IPL Champion, Picks Hazlewood Over Kohli for Player of the Match

Former Sunrisers Hyderabad captain and 2016 IPL-winning star David Warner has made a bold prediction for the IPL 2025 final. With just two matches remaining in the season, Warner believes Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will finally break their title jinx. Surprisingly, he also snubbed Virat Kohli for the Player of the Match honour and instead picked Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood.

Warner’s Big Prediction for IPL 2025 Final

Responding to a fan question on X (formerly Twitter) about who would win the Tata IPL 2025, Warner stated, “I think RCB and Josh Hazlewood man of the match.” His pick comes as RCB have already secured a place in the final after a dominating win over Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1. The team has looked strong throughout the season, especially in away games where they created history by winning all their league matches on the road.

Warner, who once denied RCB a title in the 2016 final with a blistering 69 off 38 balls, now feels their time has finally come. He believes Hazlewood will be the game-changer on June 3, not Kohli, who has been the backbone of the team all season.

Kohli’s Stellar Form Not Enough?

Despite Warner’s prediction, Virat Kohli has had a record-breaking season. He has scored over 600 runs, including eight half-centuries—the most by any player this season. He has also crossed the 600-run mark in a single season for a record fifth time. Whenever Kohli scored 50+ while chasing, RCB won. His consistent performances have been crucial to RCB’s success.

However, Warner believes Josh Hazlewood’s comeback is key. After missing a few games due to a shoulder injury, the Australian pacer returned with a match-winning spell of 3/21 in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings.

RCB Aim for Maiden IPL Trophy

RCB have reached the IPL final for the first time since 2016. With momentum on their side and key players in form, the team hopes to finally lift their first-ever IPL trophy. The final on June 3 could be a historic moment for the franchise, and Warner’s endorsement may just add to the excitement.

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