Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) director of cricket Mo Bobat broke his silence regarding fast bowler Josh Hazlewood’s availability ahead of the upcoming IPL season. Bobat also spoke about newly acquired batter Venkatesh Iyer as the defending champions prepare their starting lineup for the tournament.
The Bengaluru-based franchise will commence their title defence against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, March 28. Captain Rajat Patidar will need his strongest squad available to replicate their victory over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final of the previous tournament.
Speaking during a recent media interaction, Mo Bobat provided a crucial update on the rehabilitation progress of Josh Hazlewood. The RCB director of cricket said that medical teams are constantly monitoring Josh Hazlewood alongside Cricket Australia before clearing him for the IPL.
“Josh has missed quite a bit of cricket recently due to injuries, so he is currently working on a return-to-play program in Australia," Bobat said.
"We are in close contact with both Josh and Cricket Australia, with our medical teams coordinating daily on his progress. Once Cricket Australia is satisfied with his recovery, he will join us, and we hope to have him with the squad soon,” he added.
Main Objective at the Auction Was to Strengthen the Squad - Mo Bobat on Venkatesh Iyer
Mo Bobat also spoke about Venkatesh Iyer’s place in the starting lineup. He emphasized that the franchise values building intense internal competition rather than guaranteeing starting positions.
“The first thing to say is that we haven’t selected our team for the first game yet, so no decisions on selection have been made. There are still a few days to go, and our main objective at the auction was to strengthen the squad," Bobat stated.
"We want healthy competition for places, and adding a player of Venky’s quality, experience, and calibre is a no-brainer. You build a stronger squad first and then focus on selection closer to the opening game."
"We haven’t made any final calls yet, but bringing in a player like him and having that option available was the priority. Creating strong competition within the squad remains our key focus.”
RCB Back Josh Hazlewood Despite Injury Woes
Josh Hazlewood missed the T20 World Cup 2026 and the Ashes due to hamstring and Achilles tendon injuries. However, RCB retained the 35-year-old fast bowler after he took 22 wickets in their IPL 2025 title-winning campaign.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru signed Venkatesh Iyer for ₹7 crore. He ended his five-year stint with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after a disappointing IPL 2025 season, where he scored 142 runs.
However, Iyer has played 62 IPL matches. The left-handed batter helped Kolkata Knight Riders win the 2024 title under Shreyas Iyer. He scored 370 runs in 15 matches at an average of 46.25 and a strike rate above 158, including four half-centuries.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru aim to build a dominant squad and win back-to-back IPL titles this season against strong competition.
Also read: SRH officially announce replacement for injured Australian ahead of IPL 2026
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