RCB Faces Early IPL Challenge Without Key Pacer

Josh Hazlewood ruled out of early IPL 2026 matches for RCB due to injury. Former selector warns of significant bowling threat reduction for the defending champions.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be without their key Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood for the initial phase of the IPL 2026 season. Hazlewood is still recovering from an injury and is expected to join the franchise for their third fixture on April 12 against the Mumbai Indians.

His absence is keenly felt, as he was RCB's leading wicket-taker in IPL 2025, claiming 22 wickets in 12 games, and was instrumental in securing their championship title. He will miss crucial early matches against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Chennai Super Kings, and Rajasthan Royals.

Former India chief selector Kris Srikkanth expressed concerns about RCB's bowling strength without Hazlewood. He highlighted that the bowler's unique skill set, which creates a 'fear factor' similar to Jasprit Bumrah, will be missed. Srikkanth noted that Hazlewood's consistent 'Test match length' bowling makes him difficult for batters to score against.

Srikkanth also pointed to the impactful bowling partnership Hazlewood formed with Bhuvneshwar Kumar last season. He suggested that breaking this formidable duo could present significant challenges for the defending champions throughout the tournament.

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