IPL News / Josh Hazlewood Arrives In India, Will He Play IPL Opener? RCB Gets One More Big Setback
·3 months ago·2 min read
Key Points
Josh Hazlewood has arrived in India and joined the RCB camp ahead of IPL 2026, though he is expected to miss the first two matches as he recovers from hamstring and Achilles injuries.
Bengaluru, Mar 26: Josh Hazlewood arrived in India ahead of the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League, offering a boost to Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans.
The fast bowler, who had been recovering from injury, has joined the RCB camp ahead of the tournament, which begins on March 28 with a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
In this regard, the official X account of RCB posted two cryptic posts that are being perceived as strong hints for the Aussie superstar's arrival.
Likely to Miss Opening Matches
Despite his arrival, Hazlewood is expected to miss the first two matches of the season, according to reports. There has been no official confirmation from the franchise.
The pacer had been sidelined with hamstring and Achilles injuries, raising doubts about his participation earlier.
Fitness Subject to Medical Clearance
Hazlewood’s match fitness will depend on clearance from Cricket Australia.
With Australia’s upcoming Test schedule, the board is expected to take a cautious approach before allowing him to return to competitive action.
RCB May Adjust Bowling Combination
In Hazlewood’s absence, RCB are likely to field Jacob Duffy as a replacement in the early matches.
Yash Dayal is also unavailable for the season due to an ongoing legal matter.
Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara is facing uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) after, according to a report by Newswire, Sri Lanka Cricket declined to issue him a No Objection Certificate (NOC). The decision follows the board’s newly introduced fitness regulations, which have become mandatory for players aiming to compete in overseas franchise leagues.
All-rounder Krunal Pandya is expected to play a key role in the middle overs, having performed effectively in the previous season.
Also Read: Barabati Stadium in Cuttack to Host India-Sri Lanka Second T20I On December 24
Focus on Full Fitness
Team management is likely to prioritise Hazlewood’s full recovery, even if it delays his on-field return, with the pacer expected to join the playing XI only after receiving complete medical clearance.
The fast bowler, who had been recovering from injury, has joined the RCB camp ahead of the tournament, which begins on March 28 with a match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
In this regard, the official X account of RCB posted two cryptic posts that are being perceived as strong hints for the Aussie superstar's arrival.
Bengaluru, 𝘺𝘰𝘶 𝘢𝘳𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘭𝘭 𝘯𝘰𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘥𝘺 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴. 😮💨⚡️ pic.twitter.com/eVydi6Ja8B
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 26, 2026
L̶o̶s̶t̶ Found! 🤔🤔 pic.twitter.com/dErAKFMmPk
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 26, 2026
Likely to Miss Opening Matches
Despite his arrival, Hazlewood is expected to miss the first two matches of the season, according to reports. There has been no official confirmation from the franchise.
The pacer had been sidelined with hamstring and Achilles injuries, raising doubts about his participation earlier.
Fitness Subject to Medical Clearance
Hazlewood’s match fitness will depend on clearance from Cricket Australia.
With Australia’s upcoming Test schedule, the board is expected to take a cautious approach before allowing him to return to competitive action.
RCB May Adjust Bowling Combination
In Hazlewood’s absence, RCB are likely to field Jacob Duffy as a replacement in the early matches.
Yash Dayal is also unavailable for the season due to an ongoing legal matter.
Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara is facing uncertainty over his participation in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) after, according to a report by Newswire, Sri Lanka Cricket declined to issue him a No Objection Certificate (NOC). The decision follows the board’s newly introduced fitness regulations, which have become mandatory for players aiming to compete in overseas franchise leagues.
All-rounder Krunal Pandya is expected to play a key role in the middle overs, having performed effectively in the previous season.
Also Read: Barabati Stadium in Cuttack to Host India-Sri Lanka Second T20I On December 24
Focus on Full Fitness
Team management is likely to prioritise Hazlewood’s full recovery, even if it delays his on-field return, with the pacer expected to join the playing XI only after receiving complete medical clearance.
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