RCB’s Mo Bobat Talks Kohli, Hazlewood, IPL Return Ahead of KKR Clash

RCB Director Mo Bobat Reflects on Team Momentum, Player Fitness and Kohli’s Test Legacy Ahead of KKR Clash

May 15, 2025 | Bengaluru: As the TATA IPL 2025 resumes following an unforeseen mid-season pause, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are gearing up for their crucial fixture against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on May 16, and Director of Cricket Mo Bobat addressed the media in an insightful press conference, offering key updates on player availability, mental readiness, and the emotional undercurrent surrounding Virat Kohli’s Test retirement.

Bobat’s calm and analytical tone underscored a franchise that has taken the disruption in its stride, and is now preparing to mount a focused final push in the league stage. While fans have been curious about squad fitness, overseas availability, and changing dynamics, Bobat’s words painted a picture of a unit that remains energized, unified, and firmly aligned with RCB’s signature #PlayBold spirit.

IPL Break a Blessing in Disguise as Players Recharge

Reflecting on the unexpected pause in the IPL season, Bobat shared that the short break was welcomed by many in the squad. Some players used the time to reunite with their families and return refreshed. “The boys came in with a lot of energy,” he noted. “From a physical and mental perspective, it’s clear they’ve returned rejuvenated.”

The team’s readiness was evident in their lively training sessions. While the disruption came with logistical challenges, Bobat stressed that the franchise handled them proactively. Key overseas players committed early to return for the remainder of the tournament, which he believes speaks volumes about the team’s culture and ambition.

Rajat Patidar and Josh Hazlewood: Injury Watch

Providing much-anticipated fitness updates, Bobat confirmed that Rajat Patidar is progressing well from a hand injury. The timing of the break actually aided his recovery, allowing swelling to subside and batting practice to resume gradually. “He’s practiced the last few days and is going well,” Bobat said optimistically.

As for Josh Hazlewood, the Australian fast bowler remains the only RCB player not yet back with the squad. Hazlewood is recovering from a shoulder issue with the guidance of Cricket Australia’s medical staff, in coordination with RCB’s own team. “He’s taking it day by day,” added Bobat, leaving the door open for a return but without placing undue pressure.

Navigating the Challenges of Overseas Player Availability

With the league’s extension overlapping international duties, managing overseas players has been a delicate task for RCB. Bobat revealed that Jacob Bethell and Lungi Ngidi will be unavailable after a couple of matches due to national obligations. However, most foreign players were “adamant” about finishing what they started with the franchise.

RCB is already in conversation about potential replacements, though Bobat emphasized that disruption beyond those two players has been minimal. His clarity on this front reassures fans and signals continuity in the team’s strategic plans.

“Left-Hander at the Top” – Not a Worry for RCB

Addressing the often-debated lack of a left-hander in RCB’s top order, Bobat offered a measured view. “Personally, I don’t worry too much about right and left-hand combinations,” he said. With the impact player rule and multi-bowler strategies in play, he believes matchups have become less of a concern. His priority remains building a consistent batting rhythm and executing the team’s defined playing patterns.

Bobat’s stance adds depth to RCB’s tactical philosophy focusing on overall team identity rather than being overly influenced by individual batting handedness.

Virat Kohli’s Test Retirement: Pride, Perspective, and Poise

Unsurprisingly, much of the media buzz revolved around Virat Kohli’s shock Test retirement, and Bobat handled the topic with both admiration and professionalism.

He began by affirming that within the RCB camp, it’s “business as usual” for Kohli. “He doesn’t want any extra attention,” said Bobat. “He’s focused and ambitious about what we can achieve with RCB.”

Still, he couldn’t help but pay tribute to Kohli’s red-ball legacy: “To play 120-plus Tests and score nearly 10,000 runs no mean feat. His captaincy, his intensity, his ability to inspire he’s left a deep imprint on Test cricket.”

Recalling his time in England’s cricket system, Bobat described Kohli as a player no opposition wanted to face. “That Edgbaston Test in 2018… watching him battle Anderson it was like watching two gladiators. Those are the moments he created,” he said with admiration.

The director concluded by saying Kohli’s clarity about his future extends to franchise cricket as well. “He knows exactly what he wants. He’s here to win for RCB.”

White Jersey Talk and Weather Forecast: No Distractions

Responding to the viral chatter around RCB’s white jersey a fan-driven nostalgia wave Bobat confirmed it hasn’t been discussed internally. “The fans might be talking about it, but for us, it’s not a big thing,” he said. The team remains focused on performances, not aesthetics.

On the potential impact of rain in Bengaluru, Bobat acknowledged it had influenced training schedules but emphasized that once match day arrives, the team keeps its focus on adaptable execution. “If it's a rain-affected game, so be it. We trust our players to make good decisions in real time.”

RCB’s Bold Vision Extends Beyond the Field

As IPL 2025 intensifies, RCB continues to evolve not only as a cricketing franchise but as a dynamic brand ecosystem. Owned by Royal Challengers Sports Private Limited, a subsidiary of Diageo India, RCB has extended its bold identity into ventures like RCB Hustle, Dash of RCB, and its increasingly popular RCB Bar & Café, now also at the Kempegowda International Airport.

Having tasted success in the Women’s Premier League 2024, where RCB Women’s team lifted the title under Smriti Mandhana, the franchise is on a mission to replicate that triumph in the men’s league too.