The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)’s IPL 2026 campaign hasn’t even begun, and they’re already dealing with a major setback. Star Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, one of the architects of their historic 2025 title win, is set to miss a few matches of the season due to ongoing injury concerns.
For a team that finally broke its title drought last year, this isn’t just a minor absence – it’s a disruption to the very core of their bowling attack. Hazlewood has been a reliable figure for RCB, especially in high-pressure moments, and his absence will be felt right from the opening game.
He has officially been ruled out of RCB’s first two fixtures:
- The season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
- The much-anticipated clash against Chennai Super Kings on April 5, also in Bengaluru.
Both games are high-profile encounters, and missing a bowler of Hazlewood’s calibre in these early stages could test RCB’s squad depth immediately.
The reason behind his absence lies in a frustrating injury phase that has kept him out of action for months. The 35-year-old has been sidelined since November 2025 after suffering a hamstring injury, which was later complicated by an Achilles tendon issue during recovery. These setbacks forced him to miss major international assignments, including the Ashes 2025-26 and the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Currently, Hazlewood is undergoing rehabilitation in Sydney under the supervision of Cricket Australia’s medical team. He is expected to travel to India only after receiving full fitness clearance, meaning RCB fans will have to wait a little longer to see him back in action.
RCB’s bowling puzzle: Who steps up in Hazlewood’s absence?
Hazlewood’s absence isn’t just about missing a player – it’s about losing a proven match-winner. In IPL 2025, he played a crucial role in RCB’s title-winning run, picking up 22 wickets in just 12 matches at an impressive average of 17.55. Whether it was striking early in the powerplay or delivering pinpoint accuracy in the death overs, Hazlewood brought control and consistency to the attack.
Without him, RCB will need to rethink their bowling combinations, especially against strong teams like SRH and CSK in the opening fixtures.
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The immediate responsibility is likely to fall on experienced Indian seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who could take charge with the new ball. Known for his swing and discipline, Bhuvneshwar has the experience to handle pressure situations, but he will need support.
Among overseas options, Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara and New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy are strong contenders to fill Hazlewood’s spot. Both bring unique skill sets- Thushara with his slingy action and yorkers, and Duffy with his ability to hit consistent lines.
If Hazlewood’s recovery takes longer than expected, RCB might even explore temporary replacements.
Interestingly, RCB are not alone in dealing with such concerns. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are also expected to be without their pace spearhead Pat Cummins for the opening game due to a back injury. This means the IPL 2026 opener could see both teams missing their premier Australian quicks – adding an unusual twist to what is already a highly anticipated clash.
