Former Indian all-rounder, Irfan Pathan has opined that Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) should be looking for an excellent fast-bowling backup for Josh Hazelwood in the upcoming mini-auction for the IPL 2023 in Kochi. During a recent conversation on Star Sports, Pathan said RCB could look to back up Hazelwood in the upcoming mini-auction on December 23.

Describing the same, Irfan Pathan said, “Hazlewood, we need to keep in mind, it’s an Ashes year and it’s very important for Australian and England players so they will be fully focused on that. So, if you have a backup for him, and I think that’s what they must be thinking as well – to find a good fast bowler and a few domestic players to fill the middle order as well.”

ALSO READ: Ajay Jadeja opines on Kuldeep Yadav’s place in India’s Test team

The 38-year-old said RCB will be getting huge by buying the services of another fast bowler who can bowl with the new ball in the upcoming IPL season.

Elaborating the same, Irfan Pathan said, “Last year, they were bowling Akash Deep in the powerplay, who’s quite young. He bowled pretty decently whenever he got the chance, but if they can get one quality fast bowler who can bowl with the new ball I think that side will look much better.”

Irfan Pathan said RCB has a set team for the upcoming season, adding that Virat Kohli is also in good form. The former all-rounder said the Bangalore-based franchise is packed with good all-rounders like Glenn Maxwell, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, and Mahipal Lomror.

ALSO READ: Danish Kaneria says Babar Azam nowhere close to Virat Kohli

Explaining the same, Irfan Pathan said, “They have four players who could actually do both jobs, especially Maxwell and Lomror can bowl in matches, and Hasaranga and Shahbaz Ahmed. They both can actually bat as well. So, they have quite a few all-rounders.”