Former Team India batsman Mohammad Kaif spoke openly about the unavailability of Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)’s opening matches in IPL 2026. However, Kaif favored New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy to replace Hazlewood for at least the first two weeks of the tournament.
Royal Challengers Bangalore are preparing to defend their title during the upcoming Indian Premier League season. The defending champions will begin their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Bengaluru on March 28, but have been dealt a blow by the unavailability of the Australian fast bowler.
Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy are like-to-like replacements – Mohammad Kaif
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mohammad Kaif discussed the ideal overseas combination for RCB. Kaif said that Jacob Duffy is a similar replacement for Josh Hazlewood, noting that the franchise has enough squad depth to potentially wait for Jacob Bethel to get his opportunity.
“Duffy will be the fourth overseas player. For Bethel, they have Padikkal and Venkatesh, both left-handers, they have options. For Hazlewood, Duffy is an equal replacement. They will support Duffy first. They have options to keep Bethel waiting. Even Shepherd and David can play together and it will be a solid combination,” said Kaif.
They can also play only three foreign and eight Indian players – Mohammad Kaif
Kaif pointed out that the franchise has several finishing options in the form of Romario Shepherd and Tim David. He also said that if needed, RCB can comfortably field only three foreign players.
“Phil Salt, Hazlewood, Shepherd/Tim David, Bethel. Hazlewood, whenever he comes back, and I think only one of Shepherd or David will play. I am keeping either for the finishing. With Livingstone not being there, I am keeping Bethel, who can bat in the top three. They have so many options that they can play just three overseas players and eight Indian players as well,” said Kaif.
Royal Challengers Bangalore signed Duffy in the auction for his base price of ₹2 crore. Despite struggling during the recent T20 World Cup 2026, Duffy has excellent control over his line and length, making him a valuable asset for the defending champions.
A look at Josh Hazlewood’s record for Royal Challengers Bangalore in the IPL
Josh Hazlewood joins Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2022. He took 20 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 18.85 and an economy rate of 8.10, and was instrumental in taking RCB to the playoffs.
In the 2023 season, he played in limited matches due to injury. Hazlewood emerged as a key figure in RCB’s title-winning campaign in the 2025 season. He took 22 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 17.55 and an economy rate of 8.77, providing consistent successes in both the powerplay and death overs.
Overall, for RCB, Hazlewood has played 27 matches and taken 45 wickets at an average of 18.64 and an economy rate of 8.43, establishing himself as a dependable strike bowler for the franchise.
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