defending champion Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)Gearing up to defend their title ipl 2026But they will have to start their campaign without their primary fast bowler. RCB head coach andy flowers Australian fast bowler has confirmed this Josh HazlewoodDespite joining the team in Bengaluru, he will not be available for the high-octane season opener Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) On Saturday.
Hazlewood’s path to the 2026 season has been blighted by a number of fitness setbacks. The 35-year-old has not seen competitive international action since October 2025, having been sidelined by a persistent Achilles injury, which has caused him to miss the prestigious Ashes series and the T20 World Cup 2026. cricket australia While it was initially hinted that the fast bowler might miss the first part of the tournament, his arrival in the RCB camp on March 26 has created a wave of cautious optimism among fans.
RCB coach provides latest update after Josh Hazlewood joins IPL 2026 camp
Speaking at the pre-match press conference at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Flower expressed his delight at the return of the experienced campaigner.
“Hazlewood came yesterday and he looks fit. It’s great to have him back in the dressing room and joining our meetings again” commented the flower.
However, the coach immediately tempered expectations of an immediate return to the final eleven. Because Hazlewood is still undergoing a rigorous rehabilitation program in Sydney, the team management is preferring long-term availability rather than a hasty debut. Flower confirmed that the fast bowler is currently undergoing light drills and shuttles to assess his rhythm.
“He won’t be ready for tomorrow as he has just arrived, but we will keep a close eye on his fitness” Flower said. In Hazlewood’s absence and Yash DayalFor those missing the season due to personal reasons, RCB will rely heavily on their new players. The franchise has shown a lot of confidence in the Indian fast bowlers. Mangesh Yadav (bought for ₹5.2 crore), Abhinandan Singhand much improved Rasikh Dar To partner with experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Also read: Royal Challengers Bangalore IPL 2026 Full Schedule: Date, Time and Venue of RCB Matches
Hazlewood’s bravery in the title match of IPL 2025
The curiosity about Hazlewood’s return is due to his excellent performance in the last edition. In IPL 2025, Hazlewood was the undisputed architect of RCB’s bowling dominance, leading them to their historic first IPL title.
He finished the 2025 season as the team’s leading wicket-taker, taking 22 wickets in just 12 matches. His stats were testament to his elite T20 pedigree, as he maintained an astonishing average of 17.55 and economy rate of 8.77 on Bengaluru’s batting-friendly tracks. His ability to deliver breakthroughs in the powerplay and bowl pin-point yorkers in the death overs was the missing piece of the puzzle that ultimately brought Chinnaswamy the trophy.
As Rajat PatidarAs the men take to the field to defend their crown, the Australian fast bowler continues to be the X-factor they desperately need. Right now, the focus remains on his gradual integration, ensuring that when he finally enters, he will be ready to repeat the magic of 2025.
Also read: IPL 2026 squad: Complete list of Indian and foreign players in all 10 teams
