Defending champions RCB will be looking to defend their title in the IPL; However, in an early setback to their campaign, the availability of veteran fast bowler Josh Hazlewood has been thrown into major uncertainty.
Ending their longest wait of 18 seasons, RCB finally won their first title in 2025.
RCB will start their campaign in 2026 with their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The tournament begins on March 28, with the defending champions returning to their home ground with the IPL title in their hands.
Big blow to RCB as Josh Hazlewood is unsure about IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bangalore won their first title in IPL 2025 and Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood had a huge role in that win. He finished as their leading wicket-taker and changed the course of the final by delivering major blows to the Punjab Kings batting order.
Hazlewood has been out of action since the India T20 series and has missed the Ashes as well as the ICC T20 World Cup for the Australian team. According to a Hindustan Times journalist, there is still a lot of doubt over his return as his recovery is said to be monitored under the supervision of a physio.
An update on Josh Hazlewood. The fast bowler is still under the care of the physio, his participation #IPL2026 For @RCBTweets It depends on whether it gets approval or not. Now wait and see the status #rcb
– Vishesh Roy (@vroy38) 12 March 2026
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