Josh Hazlewood issues Official Statement on Virat Kohli’s Injury ahead of DC Clash

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru pacer Josh Hazlewood has provided an update on Virat Kohli's current fitness status before the upcoming IPL 2026 match against Delhi Capitals.

RCB led by Rajat Patidar will face off against DC in a crucial match. Kohli's status became uncertain after he sustained an ankle injury during the game against Mumbai Indians. Hazlewood has now made things clear.

Hazlewood said, as quoted by RevSportz:

"He will definitely play. Probably it is about whether Kohli would take the field. He can do that impact thing for as long as possible. But he isn't a great watcher, he likes to play."

RCB fans will experience relief from this news because Kohli remains one of their team's most important players.

Kohli Playing Through Pain After Injury

Virat Kohli suffered an ankle injury during the Mumbai Indians match. His physical condition was not at its best during that time. He played in the next match against Lucknow Super Giants despite his condition. Kohli participated in the game as an Impact Player. The news surprised everyone because he had previously stated that he would not take that role and would avoid playing if he couldn't field. He played for the team because of his injury situation.

Reports now show that Kohli has been practicing hard in the nets while he prepares himself for the upcoming match. The team has not yet confirmed whether he will field or play as an Impact Player but he is expected to join the playing XI.

Kohli remains one of the fittest players at his age of 37 though he can sustain minor injuries during the extended IPL tournament.

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Hazlewood Praises Captain Rajat Patidar

Hazlewood also spoke highly of RCB captain Rajat Patidar. The young skipper has been in great form this season and has impressed everyone with his calm style.

Hazlewood said:

"He has kept getting better. This year he has picked up from there. He is a calm character. His batting has been unbelievable."

Patidar has helped RCB win several matches this season through his batting performance. The team benefits from his calm demeanor which helps them remain composed during high-pressure moments.

Hazlewood Opens Up on Injuries and T20 Challenges

Hazlewood also shared his own injury struggles. Athletes face difficult challenges because they must handle multiple injuries that happen successively.

He added:

"Hamstring first, then tendon, calf strain. You learn when you get injured. It is tough doing rehab, then cricket is going on."

He shared how T20 gameplay has evolved from its earlier version. He believes that batters now face pressure to achieve rapid scoring while fans enjoy watching home runs.

He further said:

"It is a little bit cat-and-mouse game. Some batters perhaps watch it better, trying to anticipate.

It is nice for the crowd to see fours and sixes (smiling). The pressure that batters are under is huge, they are expected to hit fours and sixes. The game is always changing, it is a nice challenge."

RCB needs Kohli to be in complete readiness for their upcoming match against Delhi Capitals.