Josh Hazlewood Fitness Update: RCB Pacer Likely To Miss First Few Matches Of IPL 2026 - Reports

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Australian quick Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss the initial matches of IPL 2026 for Royal Challengers Bangalore after failing to achieve match fitness. Hazelwood is yet to get an official clearance from Cricket Australia medical staff for the upcoming season.

According to a report by the Hindustan Times, the Rehab phase is currently underway for the Australian quick. There is no chance of Hazlewood returning to match fitness in time for IPL 2026 season's opener between RCB and SRH at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on March 28.

"Nothing much has changed from last week. The clearance is still awaited from the physios. The rehab is going on. Both Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins won't be able to make it in time for the opening few matches", according to an RCB official, quoted by the HT. The official further said that the Australian speedster is expected to play a minimal role in the latter part of the tournament.

But it all boils down to the clearance. As soon as Hazelwood gets the clearance, he will be fit to travel to India.

What Next For RCB?

In the absence of Josh Hazlewood, the onus will be on Bhuvaneshwar Kumar to lead the attack along with the likes of Jacob Duffy and Nuwan Thusara. Much of the onus will fall on Kumar, who is expected to lead the bowling attack for the defending champions.

RCB had secured the services of Hazlewood for ₹ 12.5 crore at the IPL 2025 auction, and the investment paid rich dividends. Hazlewood claimed 22 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 17.54 and an economy rate of 8.77, playing a key role in the franchise's maiden title triumph.