In a significant setback for the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), their premier fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is set to miss the initial part of IPL 2026. The Australian pacer is currently recovering from recurring hamstring and Achilles tendon injuries and is yet to receive a fitness clearance from Cricket Australia.

Hazlewood’s absence comes as a major hurdle for the team as they prepare for their season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28. Having been the backbone of RCB’s bowling attack in their historic title-winning 2025 campaign, his absence will leave a massive void in the pace department. While the team has backups like Jacob Duffy and Nuwan Thushara, replacing Hazlewood’s experience and precision won’t be easy.

Virat Kohli, along with skipper Rajat Patidar, will now have to re-evaluate their bowling strategies for the first few games. The franchise is hopeful that Hazlewood will complete his rehabilitation soon and join the squad for the latter half of the tournament. For now, the RCB fans are keeping their fingers crossed, wishing for a speedy recovery for their star “speedster.”