Bengaluru, April 17 (NationPress) Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) stated that his success in the T20 format is reliant on remaining true to his strengths, as the reigning champions gear up to take on Delhi Capitals in their IPL 2026 match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Currently holding eight points, RCB aims to strengthen their position on the points table, with a victory over DC allowing them to reclaim the top spot. “My strength lies in consistently hitting that hard length, making it challenging for batters to score. In T20 cricket, executing that under pressure and adapting when necessary is crucial,” Hazlewood expressed during the pre-match press conference.

“As T20 cricket evolves, the expectations placed on batters are extremely high. If you can string together a few quiet deliveries, the pressure can quickly shift and create opportunities,” he noted, ahead of the match where RCB will also wear their iconic green jerseys in support of the franchise’s ‘Green Initiative’.

Hazlewood, who made a comeback from injury with a Player of the Match performance against Lucknow Super Giants, shared insights about his recovery. “It’s been incredibly rewarding to return and contribute. The time away due to injury has taught me a lot, particularly about respecting the recovery process. My focus has been on coming back fully prepared and performing at this level,” he remarked.

“The other night, the pitch was a bit tricky. It was hard to time the ball; it had a few inconsistencies. If you’re playing on a smooth pitch where everything comes onto the bat well, you have to adjust and try different techniques,” he explained.

He also commended skipper Rajat Patidar’s calm demeanor. “He’s adapting quickly and gaining confidence as a captain. He maintains his composure and effectively manages his resources, which is fantastic for the team,” Hazlewood added.

Regarding Virat Kohli’s participation in Saturday’s match, Hazlewood confirmed, “He’ll definitely play; it’s just about how much he can contribute on the field. His energy is infectious, and he’s one of our top fielders, so having him fully engaged is essential. Knowing him, he’s not one to hold back; he always wants to be involved and make a significant impact.”

Concluding, Hazlewood highlighted the balance within RCB’s bowling unit, stating, “We have a well-rounded attack, with each player contributing uniquely. Learning from one another has been a significant strength for us as a group.”