"Will Josh Hazlewood remain available for you in the same way?" - Aakash Chopra on RCB's requirements in IPL 2026 auction

Former India player Aakash Chopra has opined that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have aced their retentions ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. However, he noted that the defending IPL champions would need to acquire a backup for Josh Hazlewood at the auction.

RCB released only six players ahead of the IPL 2026 auction. They have an available purse of ₹16.40 crore and can acquire at most eight players, including two overseas.

In a video shared on his YouTube channel, 'Aakash Chopra,' the former India opener wondered whether Hazlewood would be available for RCB for the entirety of IPL 2026.

"They have released a few players, but they haven't touched anyone who was consistently playing in the XI, and that's how you want to do it. Prima facie, it's perfect. What do they need to do? Will Josh Hazlewood remain available for you in the same way?" he said. (3:00)

Chopra highlighted that the Australian seamer has struggled with injuries lately and will head into the IPL after playing in the Ashes and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

"Before you start throwing things at me, it's a simple thing. He is not playing the Ashes Test in Perth. After that, the entire T20 World Cup will be there. The IPL will come after that. Josh Hazlewood's recent history suggests that it's not possible for him to remain fit and keep playing continuously for such a long time," he observed.

Aakash Chopra pointed out that RCB looked half the side whenever Josh Hazlewood wasn't part of their playing XI in IPL 2025. He added that the franchise has loosened its purse a little to acquire a good backup for the Aussie pacer, highlighting that the released Lungi Ngidi didn't fit the bill.

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"I am a little worried about Yash Dayal" - Aakash Chopra on RCB's other requirements in IPL 2026 auction

Yash Dayal (right) picked up 13 wickets at an economy rate of 9.59 in 15 innings in IPL 2025. [P/C: Getty]

In the same video, Aakash Chopra opined that the Royal Challengers Bengaluru might also need a backup for Yash Dayal.

"I am a little worried about Yash Dayal. You would say why, as Yash Dayal has done well. I totally agree with you, but Yash Dayal hasn't played any cricket after the IPL. He neither played the UPT20 nor is part of the Ranji Trophy team. If things don't change drastically, what's the guarantee you will see him playing in the IPL? So you should 100 percent acquire an Indian fast bowler if you can," he said. (4:00).

The cricketer-turned-commentator added that RCB also need to bolster their spin-bowling department.

"Last but not the least, and I keep repeating myself like a broken record. Acquire one more spinner because, although you have Suyash Sharma and Krunal Pandya, it's not a guarantee they would perform the same way they did last year. It's a very difficult ground if this remains the ground. If they have to take the team to Pune, bowling spin there will become even more difficult. So there is a slight upgrade required in spin," Chopra reasoned.

Krunal Pandya picked up 17 wickets at an economy rate of 8.23 in 15 innings in IPL 2025. Suyash Sharma accounted for eight dismissals at an economy rate of 8.84 in 14 innings in this year's edition of the prestigious league.