Josh Hazlewood’s IPL 2026 Participation in Doubt for RCB

Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood’s availability for IPL 2026 remains in doubt as the 35-year-old continues to recover under physio care from hamstring and Achilles tendon injuries. The right-arm quick, who was the standout performer in RCB’s maiden title-winning campaign last season with 22 wickets in 12 matches, will only join the squad once he receives medical clearance.

Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins faces a similar fitness race ahead of the tournament opener on March 28.

Hazlewood’s Injury Timeline Raises Concerns for RCB

Hazlewood’s fitness troubles began during the Australian domestic season when he suffered a right hamstring injury while playing for New South Wales in November.

He was initially ruled out of the opening Ashes Test in Perth but was expected to return later in the series.

However, a fresh Achilles injury ended his Ashes campaign entirely and subsequently forced him out of the T20 World Cup 2026, where Australia endured a disappointing early exit before the Super 8s.

While there was initial optimism about Hazlewood recovering in time for the IPL, sources have confirmed the situation remains uncertain. His participation will depend entirely on receiving fitness clearance from the medical team.

Pat Cummins in Same Boat as Hazlewood Ahead of IPL 2026

SRH skipper Cummins is also being closely monitored after an Australian summer dominated by workload management concerns around a persistent back injury.

The 32-year-old played just one Ashes Test in Adelaide and was ruled out of the T20 World Cup barely 10 days before it started. Steve Smith led Australia in his absence for most of the home summer.

Both players are now racing against time with the IPL opener between their respective franchises, RCB and SRH, scheduled for March 28 at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

RCB will be desperate to have Hazlewood fit after his match-winning contributions powered their historic first title last season. Similarly, SRH need their captain available from the start as both franchises prepare for what promises to be a blockbuster opening night in Bengaluru.