Josh Hazlewood vs Riyan Parag — IPL 2026 Fantasy Cricket Stats Comparison

Josh Hazlewood vs Riyan Parag is one of the most searched cricket comparisons, combining international career stats with IPL fantasy data. Both players bring different strengths to your XI, and the right choice can be the difference between topping the leaderboard or missing out.

Josh Hazlewood is a specialist bowler for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, priced at 9.5 Cr this season. Over 12 matches in IPL 2026, he has scored a total of 502 fantasy points, averaging 42 pts per game with a best of 156 pts., and has claimed 13 IPL wickets with an economy of 9.62. He has won Man of the Match 2 times this season.

International career: Josh Hazlewood has scored 135 ODI runs in 94 matches at an average of 16.88 internationally. He has also taken 138 ODI wickets at an average of 28.00 with an economy of 4.75. In TESTs, he has 565 runs across 76 matches (avg 11.5).

Riyan Parag is a all-rounder for Rajasthan Royals, priced at 9 Cr. Across 14 matches in IPL 2026, he has earned 653 fantasy points, averaging 47 pts per game with a best of 153 pts. He has scored 309 IPL runs at a strike rate of 157.7, picking up 2 IPL wickets at an economy of 9.50.

International career: Riyan Parag has scored 106 T20I runs in 9 matches at an average of 17.67 internationally. He has also taken 4 T20I wickets at an average of 20.75 with an economy of 6.73.

Batting edge: Riyan Parag 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 in IPL 2026, and becomes especially valuable in conditions that offer pace or spin movement.

Fantasy Impact: From a pure fantasy perspective, Riyan Parag is the stronger pick right now with an average of 47 pts per game and a best score of 153 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, Riyan Parag 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.