Bad news for RCB! Josh Hazlewood doubtful for IPL 2026
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Defending champions RCB would be in the quest to defend their title in the IPL; however, as an early blow to their campaign, veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood's availability has been pushed under major uncertainty.
Ending their longest wait of 18 seasons, Royal Challengers Bangalore finally won their maiden title in 2025. Not Virat Kohli, not Anil Kumble, but Rajat Patidar led the Red Devils to their first-ever title.
RCB will kickstart their campaign in 2026 with their first game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The tournament starts on the 28th of March, with the defending champions returning to their home ground with the IPL title.
Big blow for RCB as Josh Hazlewood uncertain for IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their maiden title in the IPL 2025, and Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood had a huge role to play in that win. He finished as their leading wicket-taker and changed the course of the final with big blows to the Punjab Kings' batting order.
Hazlewood has been ruled out of the game ever since the India T20I series and missed the Ashes as well as the ICC T20 World Cup for the Australians. His return is still under immense doubt after his recovery was said to be monitored under physio care, as per a Hindustan Times journalist.
An update on Josh Hazlewood. The pacer is still under physio care, his participation in #IPL2026 for @RCBTweets depends on whether he gets the clearance or not. Wait and watch situation for now #RCB
— Vishesh Roy (@vroy38) March 12, 2026
RCB has already been struggling with uncertainty over Yash Dayal's availability
Royal Challengers Bangalore have already been struggling due to the possible uncertainty on the availability of their Indian paceman Yash Dayal. Dayal the left armer played a crucial role in forming the effective pace trio alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood.
Dayal was emerging as a quality death bowler for RCB before he was booked with sexual assault charges. The Jaipur court denied him and anticipatory bail making his availability a bigger concern.
Royal Challengers Bangalore will play two of their home games at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur, and the remaining five at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Who could replace Josh Hazlewood for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2026?
After Liam Livingstone's release, this can ideally be confirmed that Jacob Bethell is most likely to be sorted in the middle order as his replacement. However, Venkatesh Iyer's usuage will be an interesting find.
With Bethell, Phil Salt and Tim David in the side they will have just one spot left for an overseas player. With the likes of Romario Shepherd and Jacob Duffy waiting to replace anyone in the side, finding a replacement for Hazlewood would not be tough.
Hazlewood's lanky texture can be brought into the game by the NZ quick Duffy, while Shepherd is more useful as an additional batting option. Nuwan Thusara would be another option to replace the Australian speedster, as Thusara is a genuine wicket taker with the new ball and is effective at the death.
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