Josh Hazlewood could miss the opening match of the Indian Premier League 2026 season, delivering a potential setback to defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The experienced Australian pacer is still awaiting medical clearance as he continues his recovery from multiple injuries, casting doubt over his availability for RCB’s first game against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28.
Hazlewood has been sidelined for several months and has not played competitive cricket since the Sheffield Shield clash between New South Wales and Victoria in November. Shortly after that appearance, he was ruled out of the 2025–26 edition of The Ashes due to injury concerns.
The fast bowler was later included in Australia’s squad for the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, but his comeback was delayed when he suffered a calf injury just days before the team’s opening match against Ireland. As a result, veteran batter Steve Smith stepped in as a replacement. Australia eventually endured a disappointing campaign and was knocked out in the group stage.
WATCH – Rishabh Pant Sharpens Game With Yuvraj Singh In Special Training Camp
In recent months, Hazlewood has battled a series of physical setbacks, including hamstring, Achilles and calf issues. According to a Hindustan Times report, the pacer remains under the supervision of medical staff as his recovery continues.
“He is still under the physio’s care and his participation in the IPL depends on whether he receives clearance. There is still time, but at the moment it remains a wait-and-watch situation,” a source close to the development revealed.
🚨 RCB INJURY CONCERN 🚨
– Josh Hazlewood is doubtful for Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s first game of IPL 2026.
– He is still in rehab, and the final call on his availability will be taken soon.#IPL #RCB pic.twitter.com/y658fWh1Ak
— Faruk🐦 (@uf2151593) March 12, 2026
RCB’s concerns are understandable, considering Hazlewood played a key role in the franchise’s historic maiden IPL title triumph in 2025. His ability to deliver crucial overs in the powerplay and at the death made him an integral part of the bowling unit.
However, the Bengaluru-based franchise does have overseas pace options available in Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy, both of whom could step in if Hazlewood fails to regain fitness in time.
ALSO READ: Virat Kohli ‘More Hungry’ For Success In IPL 2026, Says Irfan Pathan
Meanwhile, Pat Cummins, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, is also awaiting medical clearance as he recovers from a long-term stress fracture. Cummins has played just one match in the past seven months, although he did feature in Australia’s victory over England at Adelaide Oval during the Ashes series. With both teams closely monitoring the fitness of their key fast bowlers, the build-up to the IPL 2026 opener has already taken an intriguing turn.
