Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) Director of Cricket Mo Bobt has broken his silence regarding the availability of fast bowler Josh Hazlewood ahead of the upcoming IPL season. Bobat also talked about newly acquired batsman Venkatesh Iyer as the defending champions prepare their starting lineup for the tournament.
The Bengaluru-based franchise will begin their title defense against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, March 28. Captain Rajat Patidar will need his strongest team to repeat its win over Punjab Kings (PBKS) in the final of the last tournament.
Josh Hazlewood has missed a lot of cricket recently due to injuries – Mo Bobat
Speaking to the media recently, Mo Bobt provided an important update on Josh Hazlewood’s rehabilitation progress. RCB’s director of cricket said Josh Hazlewood is being constantly monitored by the medical teams along with Cricket Australia before he is cleared for the IPL.
“Josh has missed a significant amount of cricket recently due to injuries, so he is currently working on a return-to-play program in Australia,” Bobat said.
He 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 are hopeful that he will join the squad soon.”
The main objective in the auction was to strengthen the team – Mo Bobt on Venkatesh Iyer
Mo Bobt also talked about Venkatesh Iyer’s place in the starting lineup. He emphasized that the franchise places importance on building intense internal competition rather than guaranteeing a starting position.
“The first thing to say is that we have not yet selected our team for the first game, so no decision has been taken on the selection. There are still a few days left and our main objective in the auction was to strengthen the team,” Bobat said.
“We want healthy competition for places, and adding a player of Venky’s quality, experience and ability is no easy task. You first build a strong squad and then focus on selection closer to the opening game.”
“We haven’t made any final decisions yet, but bringing in a player of his caliber and providing that option was a priority. Creating strong competition within the team is our main focus.”
RCB back Josh Hazlewood despite injury problems
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 Bangalore signed Venkatesh Iyer for ₹7 crore. He ended his five-year stint with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) after a disappointing performance in the IPL 2025 season, where he scored 142 runs.
However, Iyer has played 62 IPL matches. The left-handed batsman 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, which included four half-centuries.
Royal Challengers Bangalore aim to build a dominant team and win back-to-back IPL titles despite strong competition this season.
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