Search

    Language Settings
    Select Website Language

    GDPR Compliance

    We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies, Privacy Policy, and Terms of Service.

    Massive Blow For RCB! Josh Hazlewood Set To Miss Start Of IPL 2026

    4 days ago

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru's (RCB) premier fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss the opening few matches of the IPL 2026 season. The Australian pacer, who was instrumental in RCB’s maiden title win in 2025, is still struggling with persistent injury concerns that have kept him out of action for months.

    According to recent reports, the 35-year-old seamer has yet to receive medical clearance from Cricket Australia.

    Dual Injury Woes: Hazlewood is currently undergoing rehabilitation for both hamstring and Achilles tendon injuries. These same issues forced him to miss the entire Ashes 2025-26 campaign and the 2026 T20 World Cup.

    Physio Care: He remains under the strict supervision of physios in Sydney. While he is expected to join the squad later in the tournament, he is officially ruled out of the season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28.

    Why This Hurts RCB

    Josh Hazlewood was the backbone of RCB’s bowling attack during their championship run last year:

    2025 Impact: He claimed 22 wickets in just 12 matches, consistently delivering crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay and death overs. With Pat Cummins also set to miss the start of the season for SRH, the IPL 2026 opening match between RCB and SRH will see both teams missing their primary Australian pace spearheads.

    RCB’s Potential Alternatives

    No one can perfectly replace Hazlewood’s metronomic accuracy, but the Rajat Patidar-led side will have to lean on their depth:

    Bhuvneshwar Kumar: The veteran Indian seamer will likely shoulder the bulk of the powerplay responsibility.

    Overseas Options: Nuwan Thushara (the Sri Lankan slinger) and Jacob Duffy (New Zealand) are the primary contenders to take the overseas pacer slot in the XI.

    Potential Replacements: If Josh Hazlewood is ruled out for the long term, names like Sean Abbott, Gerald Coetzee, or Jhye Richardson (who went unsold in the Indian Premier League 2026 auction) could be considered as injury replacements.

    Click here to Read More
    Previous Article
    'Sarke Chunar' from 'KD-The Devil' removed after NHRC notice
    Next Article
    मिडिल ईस्ट का तेल दुनिया में सबसे महंगा:153 डॉलर प्रति बैरल हुआ; तेल बचाने के लिए श्रीलंका में सरकारी दफ्तर सिर्फ 4 दिन खुलेंगे

    Related Sports Updates:

    Are you sure? You want to delete this comment..! Remove Cancel

    Comments (0)

      Leave a comment