Royal Challengers Bengaluru have started preparations for IPL 2026, and the team management has shared important updates about the squad. RCB’s cricket chief Mo Bobat recently spoke about Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood’s fitness and also discussed the role of new signing Venkatesh Iyer.
RCB will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Captain Rajat Patidar will be aiming to start the season strongly as the team looks to defend its IPL 2025 title.
Josh Hazlewood Working on Return-to-Play Program
Mo Bobat confirmed that Josh Hazlewood is currently in Australia working on his recovery program. The fast bowler has missed several matches recently due to injuries, so the medical teams are carefully monitoring his progress.
According to Bobat, RCB is in regular contact with Hazlewood and Cricket Australia to track his recovery. The franchise expects the pacer to join the squad once he receives full clearance from Cricket Australia.
Bobat explained that Hazlewood has been following a return-to-play plan in Australia and the medical teams from both sides are communicating daily. Once the Australian board is satisfied with his recovery, he will travel to India and join the RCB squad.
Hazlewood’s Injury History and Importance for RCB
Hazlewood has faced multiple injury setbacks in recent months. He missed major tournaments such as the T20 World Cup 2026 and the Ashes because of hamstring and Achilles tendon problems.
Despite these injuries, RCB decided to retain him after his impressive performance in IPL 2025.
Josh Hazlewood – IPL 2025 Performance
| Season | Matches | Wickets |
|---|---|---|
| IPL 2025 | 15 | 22 |
His 22 wickets played an important role in helping RCB win the IPL 2025 title.
Also See : India Women’s Squad Announced for South Africa T20I Series 2026; Vaishnavi Sharma Not Included
Venkatesh Iyer’s Role Still Not Finalised
Mo Bobat also spoke about Venkatesh Iyer, who joined RCB in the recent auction. He said the team management has not finalised the playing XI for the opening match yet.
The main goal of the franchise during the auction was to build a strong squad with healthy competition for every position. Bobat explained that no player is guaranteed a spot in the starting lineup, and selections will depend on team balance and conditions.
Adding a player with the experience and ability of Venkatesh Iyer was seen as an important step in strengthening the squad.
Venkatesh Iyer’s Signing and IPL Career
RCB bought Venkatesh Iyer for ₹7 crore ahead of the 2026 season. The all-rounder spent five seasons with Kolkata Knight Riders before joining the Bengaluru franchise.
Although his IPL 2025 season was not very successful, he remains a proven performer in the tournament.
Venkatesh Iyer – IPL Career Stats
| Matches | Runs | Best Season |
|---|---|---|
| 62 | 1427+ runs | IPL 2024 |
Venkatesh Iyer – IPL 2024 Title Season with KKR
| Matches | Runs | Average | Strike Rate | 50s |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15 | 370 | 46.25 | 158+ | 4 |
His performance during the 2024 season helped Kolkata Knight Riders win the IPL title.
RCB Focused on Squad Strength for IPL 2026
RCB management believes that building strong depth in the squad is important for a long tournament like the IPL. The addition of experienced players like Venkatesh Iyer gives the team more batting options and flexibility.
At the same time, the franchise is waiting for Josh Hazlewood to regain full fitness so that he can strengthen the bowling attack.
With a strong squad and confidence from their 2025 championship win, RCB will aim to perform consistently and defend their title in IPL 2026.
Key Points
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Hazlewood status | Recovering in Australia under a return-to-play program |
| Medical monitoring | RCB and Cricket Australia teams in daily contact |
| Squad competition | No fixed starting spots in the team |
| Venkatesh Iyer signing | Bought by RCB for ₹7 crore |
| Iyer IPL experience | 62 matches and strong performances with KKR |
