Ajinkya Rahane vs Josh Hazlewood — IPL 2026

Ajinkya Rahane vs Josh Hazlewood is one of the most searched IPL 2026 fantasy comparisons. Both players bring different strengths to your XI, and the right choice can be the difference between topping the leaderboard or missing out.

Ajinkya Rahane is a specialist batter for Kolkata Knight Riders, priced at 8.5 Cr this season. Over 11 matches he has scored a total of 442 fantasy points, averaging 40 pts per game with a best of 116 pts. With the bat he has accumulated 237 runs at a strike rate of 133.1.

Josh Hazlewood is a specialist bowler for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, priced at 9.5 Cr. Across 9 matches he has earned 426 fantasy points, averaging 47 pts per game with a best of 156 pts., picking up 11 wickets at an economy of 9.21. He has won 2 MOTM awards this season.

Batting edge: Ajinkya Rahane leads with the bat this season, making them the better pick if the pitch is expected to be batting-friendly or if the match is being played on a flat track.

Bowling edge: Josh Hazlewood has been the more impactful bowler IPL 2026, and becomes especially valuable in conditions that offer pace or spin movement.

Fantasy Impact: From a pure fantasy perspective, Josh Hazlewood is the stronger pick right now with an average of 47 pts per game and a best score of 156 pts. The value-for-money metric (points per credit) further reinforces this — always check this number before finalising your captain or vice-captain choice.

Captaincy Recommendation: Based on IPL 2026 season form, Josh Hazlewood is the safer captaincy option. However, if the opposition's bowling or batting lineup suits the other player, consider rotating your captain pick. Always check the playing XI, pitch report, and toss result before locking in your captain.

Stats are updated after every IPL 2026 match. Compare more players using our Player Comparison Tool or check the Fantasy Leaderboard to see how top managers are building their teams.