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Headache For RCB in IPL 2026! Josh Hazlewood's Participation is Doubtful for the Tournament

Cricket Gully | March 13, 2026 1:39 AM CST

The defending champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), will be on a mission to defend their title this season with an even stronger squad this time around. As IPL 2026 is not too far away from its kickoff date, RCB faces a tough situation regarding their star pacer, Josh Hazlewood, for this season.

RCB ended their trophy drought after a long wait of 18-years under the leadership of Rajat Patidar. Every player from the team contributed in some way, but one of the highlights was RCB’s bowling in the last season, led by Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood. He was their leading wicket-taker last season and delivered one of the finest bowling spells in the finals against the Punjab Kings.

Josh Hazlewood, who has been a pillar for this team with his bowling, is yet to recover from his injury. He missed the Ashes last year, three T20I matches against India in the series, and then the T20 World Cup this year; his last international appearance came against India in that five-match T20I series. He had featured in the first two games.

Also Read: IPL 2026 Phase 1 Schedule Announced: Team-wise Fixtures, Dates and Full Match List

Now, there is an update coming from a Hindustan Times journalist, Vishesh Roy, that Hazlewood’s participation might be doubtful because he has yet to get clearance for participation. He has constantly been monitored under his physio for his fitness.

Vishesh Roy tweeted on his X handle:

“An update on Josh Hazlewood. The pacer is still under physio care, his participation in#IPL2026 for@RCBTweets depends on whether he gets the clearance or not. Wait and watch situation for now#RCB”

Vishesh Roy's Tweet:

This is not only their major concern, but also that their left-arm pacer Yash Dayal is likely to miss the IPL 2026 tournament. His availability is still not confirmed yet. Dayal, who is a key pacer in the RCB’s bowling pace attack, gives a lethal left-arm option to the team. However, RCB has Jacob Duffy in their squad, who strengthens the bowling attack.

If both Yash Dayal and Josh Hazlewood miss out, it will be a big concern for the franchise to manage their pace bowling attack. Considering the plethora of experience the duo brings to the team.

The defending champions, RCB, will kick off their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28. They will play five of their home matches in Bengaluru and the remaining of their two matches at Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh Stadium in Raipur.