Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) IPL 2026 campaign It hasn’t even started, and they’re already dealing with a major setback. star australian pacer Josh HazlewoodOne of the architects of 2025’s historic title win is set to miss some matches of the season due to ongoing injury concerns.
For a team that finally broke its title drought last year, this is not just a short absence – it is a disruption to the core of their bowling attack. Hazlewood has been a reliable man for RCB, especially in high-pressure moments, and his absence will be felt right from the early games.
He has been officially ruled out of RCB’s first two fixtures:
- The season begins on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
- Also the much-awaited match against Chennai Super Kings in Bengaluru on 5th April.
Both games are high-profile fixtures, and the lack of a bowler of Hazlewood’s caliber in these early stages could immediately test RCB’s team depth.
The reason behind his absence has been a frustrating injury spree that has kept him out of action for months. The 35-year-old was ruled out of the game until November 2025 after suffering a hamstring injury, which was later complicated by an Achilles tendon problem during his 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 arrive in India only after getting full fitness clearance, which means RCB fans will have to wait a little longer to see him back in action.
RCB’s bowling conundrum: Who will lead in Hazlewood’s absence?
Hazlewood’s absence is not just about missing a player – it is about losing a proven match-winner. In IPL 2025, he played a key role in RCB winning the title by taking 22 wickets at an impressive average of 17.55 in just 12 matches. Be it striking at the start of the powerplay or providing pinpoint accuracy in the death overs, Hazlewood brought control and consistency to the attack.
Without him, RCB will need to rethink their bowling combination, especially against strong teams like SRH and CSK in the opening fixtures.
Also read: Dinesh Karthik names RCB’s top 5 IPL moments, 2024 thriller vs CSK as one of the best
The immediate responsibility is likely to fall on experienced Indian fast bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar, who can take charge of the new ball. Bhuvneshwar, known for his swing and discipline, has the experience to handle pressure situations, but will need support.
The overseas options include Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara and New Zealand’s jacob duffy He is a strong contender to fill Hazlewood’s place. Both bring unique skill sets – Thushara with his brilliant action and yorkers, and Duffy with his ability to hit consistent lines.
If Hazlewood’s recovery takes longer than expected, RCB may also look for a temporary replacement.
Interestingly, RCB is not alone in dealing with such concerns. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are also expected to be without their fast bowler Pat Cummins in the opening game due to a back injury. This means both teams may be missing their key Australian fast bowlers in the IPL 2026 opener – adding an unusual twist to what is already a highly anticipated clash.
