Royal Challengers Bangalorepreparing for ipl 2026 Has caused a disruption as star finisher tim david He has been battling a recurring hamstring injury, which has ruled him out of the current tournament Big Bash League (BBL) Season. The Australian all-rounder, who was retained by RCB after impressive performances in IPL 2025, suffered a Grade 2 right hamstring strain on December 26, 2025. Hobart Hurricanewin over Perth ScorchersHe was forced to retire hurt after scoring 42 runs in 28 balls.
This is his second such setback in 2025, after a similar issue during IPL 2025 ruled him out for two months and key playoff matches with RCB. While the recovery timeline suggests 4-6 weeks of rehabilitation for a standard Grade 2 strain – potentially aligned with the T20 World Cup in early 2026 – complications could stretch this to 12 weeks, casting a shadow over his IPL availability starting in late March. Franchise scouts are eyeing versatile all-rounders who mirror their skills – big-hitting batsmen with bowling utility – to bolster depth amid the team’s needs like overseas pace backup.
IPL 2026: 3 possible replacements for injured Tim David
- Michael Bracewell
new zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell He has emerged as a natural fit for RCB, having already performed brilliantly in five IPL matches, taking 58 runs at a strike rate of 123.40 and six wickets at an economy of 8.63. In 44 T20s, he has scored 458 runs at a strike rate of 138.6, including a highest score of 61, while also taking 20 wickets at an average of 17.85, highlighting his left-arm strength and excellent off-spin. Recent Vitality Blast exploits (91 runs, seven wickets) and Major League Cricket Hales (241 runs at 128.19 SR) highlights his death over ability, which makes him ideal for RCB’s Chinnaswamy demands.
Bracewell’s previous RCB stint minimizes the conditioning risks, and his international pedigree (T20Is vs India, Sri Lanka) adds a tactical edge. At an estimated base price of less than Rs 2 crore, he provides value amid RCB’s purse strings, potentially filling overseas slots without breaking the bank.
Also read: IPL 2026: RCB may sign 3 players to replace Josh Hazlewood if he misses out
- vian mulder
South Africa‘S vian mulder Bringing aggression to T20s, he scored 646 runs at a strike rate of 137.15 in 33 SA20 games, including three fifties and 10 wickets. His Vitality Blast record (546 runs at 131.25 SR, 12 wickets) shows consistency, while a brief IPL outing with SRH (9 runs) indicates untapped potential in the franchise format. Mulder’s right-handed batting suits David’s finisher mould, and his medium-pace bowling (T20 economy around 9) provides balance, particularly useful on Indian pitches.
With IPL 2026 appearances limited, Mulder could be bought at a cheaper price overseas, allowing RCB to retain slots for fast bowlers like Josh Hazlewood as backup. His SA20 explosiveness (26 sixes) is suitable for high-scoring positions, setting him up as a high-upside replacement if David falters.
- Mahipal Lomror
Indian all-rounder Mahipal Lomror Provides a cost-effective, uncapped-like home solution, having scored 527 runs at a strike rate of 141.28 in 40 IPL matches across RR and RCB teams, including a high of 54* and 30 sixes. His left-arm spin (an IPL wicket) adds variety, although batting remains his forte – evident in the recent domestic T20s where he has emerged as a middle-order accelerator. Lomror’s retention history with RR and brief RCB exposure makes him a low-risk, high-reward selection for a slot in need of Indian depth.
As an economical option (probably less than Rs 1 crore), Lomror emptied the purse for the Stars by dismissing Chinnaswamy for sixes. His ambidextrous skills echo David’s utility, ensuring RCB remains competitive even if the Australian misses out on IPL 2026.
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