Josh Hazlewood comeback date revealed by Virat Kohli’s RCB - Reports
Published - 18 Mar 2026, 09:42 AM | Updated - 18 Mar 2026, 09:45 AM
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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) fans can now take a breath of relief as Josh Hazlewood's comeback date has been revealed. If things go according to plan, one of the mainstays of RCB will be available to play a significant number of games in the IPL 2026 season.
It is reported that the premier Australian fast bowler is most likely to miss a few early games of the IPL 2026, starting from March 28. Hazlewood is unlikely to play the opening match. But the question is, when will he join the Royal Challengers Bengaluru?
When will Josh Hazlewood join the Royal Challengers Bengaluru for the IPL 2026 season?
According to a Hindustan Times report, the Aussie pacer could miss the first three matches of the tournament. Along with the opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he is uncertain for the April 5th and April 10th matches as well. After playing the opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, RCB will play next against Chennai Super Kings and Rajasthan Royals, respectively.
RCB's fourth match is scheduled for April 12, against the Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. According to the fresh updates, Josh Hazlewood can join the Red and Black camp before the RCB vs MI match. Though, as of now, nothing is official. From Cricket Australia's end, there is no confirmation.
Hazlewood missed The Ashes and the T20 World Cup 2026 as well
Hazlewood has been going through a recovery phase for a long time now. The seamer missed the entire Ashes and then the T20 World Cup 2026 as well for a hamstring injury. Hazlewood was initially in the T20 World Cup squad, but was released before the tournament started. Without Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins, Australia bowed out of the title race quickly.
Like the Australian cricket team, Hazlewood is equally important for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, as he was one of the main reasons they lifted their maiden IPL trophy in 2025.
In IPL 2025, the New South Wales-born picked 22 wickets in 12 matches, against an economy rate of 8.77. In terms of taking wickets, it was his best IPL season.
Josh Hazlewood missed the T20 World Cup 2026 only to play IPL 2026?
When the Australian Cricket Board called back Josh Hazlewood from the T20 World Cup 2026 squad because of an injury issue, there were speculations that the fast bowler might be prioritising IPL over national duties. Though there was no such confirmation about that either.
"It's a timing issue. If it were in reverse, the IPL was first and the World Cup was second, then they'd be missing the IPL to play in the World Cup. It's not going to be frustrating for us at all. We know their commitment to want to play and succeed for Australia," selector Tony Dodemaide had said in the last month.
Like Hazlewood, uncertainty remains over another Aussie star, Pat Cummins, the captain of the Sunrisers Hyderabad. He is likely to miss the initial few matches of the IPL 2026 season.
Read More: EX-CSK opener snubs T20 World Cup hero, picks shocking overseas names for RCB
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