Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) could face a major setback ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season as Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood still uncertain to feature because of injury. According to the reports, the 35-year-old has not yet received clearance from the medical team and continues to undergo physiotherapy. A source familiar with the development said Hazlewood’s participation in the upcoming IPL season will depend on whether he is declared fit in time. “He is still under the physio care, and his participation in the IPL depends on whether he gets the clearance or not. There's still plenty of time, but it's a wait-and-watch situation for now,” the source told Hindustan Times.
The tournament is scheduled to begin on March 28 with defending champion RCB taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the opening match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.
Hazlewood played a key role in Bengaluru’s title-winning campaign last season, finishing as the team’s leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets in 12 matches. However, the pacer has been sidelined since November 2025 due to hamstring and calf injuries. The injuries also forced him to miss the The Ashes 2025-26 and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup earlier this year, raising doubts over his availability for the upcoming IPL season.
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If Hazlewood is ruled out, Bengaluru could explore several overseas fast-bowling options to strengthen its pace attack.
Australian all-rounder Sean Abbott is among the options RCB could consider as a replacement. The pace-bowling all-rounder offers bounce with the ball and batting depth, and has experience in the Big Bash League and international T20 cricket.
South Africa quick Gerald Coetzee is another potential candidate. He impressed during the 2023 ODI World Cup and has IPL experience with Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans.
Australian pacer Jhye Richardson is also in contention. The fast bowler, who has played for Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, recently helped Perth Scorchers win the Big Bash League and is known for his ability to bowl in both the powerplay and death overs.
With the IPL season approaching, Bengaluru will be closely monitoring Hazlewood’s recovery before deciding whether a replacement will be required for the defending champions.
