The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) received a significant loss before the Indian Premier League 2026. The fast bowler from Sri Lanka Nuwan Thushara will miss the entire season because Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) denied him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for his upcoming season.
Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has stated that players who pass their fitness tests will get permission to participate in IPL matches. The board set specific fitness standards which Thushara could not meet. Because of this, he has not been given clearance to join RCB for IPL 2026.
No injury, but fitness standards not met
Thushara stays injury-free according to reports while he remains ready to bowl. The SLC decision relies on fitness benchmarks which the pacer failed to meet. He stayed away from the tournament because he could not fulfill the required fitness standards.
The RCB team expected Thushara to bolster their bowling unit when they acquired him for INR 1.6 crore. The franchise might choose to terminate his contract if he fails to play the entire season.
Limited chances but showed promise
The previous stint of RCB work did not provide Thushara with many playing opportunities. He played only one match and spent most of the time on the bench as a backup option. His work performance reached acceptable standards when he received his limited work opportunities.
He conceded 26 runs and took one wicket in the match while maintaining an economy rate of 6.50. The limited sample showed that he could be useful when required.
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RCB face pace bowling trouble
RCB’s problem does not end with Thushara’s absence. The main fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the tournament's opening games. The Indian pacer Yash Dayal cannot participate because of his personal commitments.
The start of IPL 2026 leaves RCB with only a few experienced pace options. Thushara was expected to play a key role during this phase, but his absence has made things more difficult for the team.
Will RCB look for a replacement?
The RCB team requires a replacement because multiple players have become unavailable. The franchise has not made any official decision regarding their roster changes. The team will decide how quickly to finalize their replacement player.
The team management needs to handle budget restrictions while they build their squad for the upcoming tournament.
Other Sri Lankan players cleared
SLC granted No Objection Certificates to multiple Sri Lankan players who passed their fitness examinations while Thushara remained ineligible. Players like Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis are set to feature in IPL 2026.
Kusal Perera has received approval to compete in PSL 2026 because he is not part of the active national team.
Final thoughts
RCB will need to rethink their bowling plans quickly. The absence of Thushara during this moment becomes a problem for the team because all their essential bowlers are unavailable. The coming days will be important for the franchise as they decide their next move.
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