RCB handed timely boost with Josh Hazlewood joining squad before IPL opener
RCB's IPL 2026 build-up gets a boost with Josh Hazlewood joining the squad ahead of the opener. However, fitness concerns mean the Australian pacer is likely to miss the early games, testing their bowling depth.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have received a timely boost ahead of IPL 2026 with Josh Hazlewood joining the squad in Bengaluru on Thursday, just days before their opening clash against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The defending champions will kick off their campaign on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium, with anticipation building among fans following the pacer’s arrival.
RCB confirmed Hazlewood’s return with a light-hearted video on social media, capturing his arrival and interaction with teammates. The clip quickly generated buzz, with supporters hopeful of seeing one of their key bowlers in action for the season opener. However, while his presence has lifted the mood in the camp, his immediate availability remains uncertain.
WATCH THE VIDEO HERE:
Hazlewood has been recovering from hamstring and Achilles concerns in recent months, and his return to full fitness is still being closely monitored. As things stand, his inclusion in the playing XI will depend entirely on medical clearance.
WILL JOSH HAZLEWOOD PLAY RCB VS SRH?
Despite joining the squad, Hazlewood is unlikely to feature in the opening match against Hyderabad. Cricket Australia is understood to be taking a cautious approach with his workload, especially with a packed Test calendar on the horizon.
The fast bowler is yet to receive full fitness clearance, which means RCB are expected to ease him back rather than risk an early setback. Reports suggest he could miss the initial phase of the tournament and return only once he is fully match-ready.
For RCB, this creates an early challenge in their title defence, with their lead overseas pacer not immediately available for selection.
WHO CAN RCB TURN TO IN HAZLEWOOD'S ABSENCE?
In Hazlewood’s absence, RCB are likely to explore backup options to fill the void in their pace attack. Jacob Duffy is expected to be in line for opportunities in the opening games, offering a like-for-like seam option.
The situation is further complicated by the absence of Yash Dayal, who is unavailable due to legal issues, weakening the Indian pace contingent. There is also uncertainty around Nuwan Thushara, with Sri Lanka Cricket reportedly not granting him a No Objection Certificate under new fitness regulations.
That said, while RCB do have numbers, experience is limited. Bhuvneshwar Kumar remains the only proven operator in these conditions, especially at the Chinnaswamy. Duffy struggled to make an impact on Indian pitches during the T20 World Cup, Rasikh Dar Salam endured a difficult IPL 2025, and Mangesh Yadav is still an uncapped, relatively untested option at this level.
Even so, Hazlewood’s arrival provides a psychological lift to the squad. While he may not feature immediately, his presence around the group and expected return later in the season could prove crucial as RCB look to build momentum and defend their title.
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