Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are likely to start their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign without the star pacer Josh HazlewoodWho will not be able to play in the first two matches as he is recovering from an injury-plagued domestic summer. The Australian fast bowler was ruled out of the entire Ashes due to a hamstring problem and later suffered an Achilles problem during his rehabilitation.
Hazlewood's absence is a big blow for RCB, given his crucial role in last season's title-winning campaign. He was their leading wicket-taker, taking 22 wickets at an impressive average of 17.54 and was instrumental in ending the franchise's long wait for an IPL trophy.
Meanwhile, fellow Australian fast bowler Pat Cummins is also expected to miss the opening matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The SRH skipper is still battling a recurring back injury and played in only one Test during the Ashes, which was held at the Adelaide Oval in mid-December. He had limited participation after rehabbing an issue raised during Australia's tour of the Caribbean last year.
Both Hazlewood and Cummins were also ruled out of the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026, where Australia suffered an early exit in the group stage. His fitness is being closely monitored by Cricket Australia, leaving some uncertainty over his exact return timeline for IPL 2026.
Australia's management will be particularly cautious of these two given the busy international schedule ahead. From August, the team is set for an intensive 16-month period that includes preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup as well as major Test tours to South Africa, India and England.
While other Australian players are expected to reach India later this week, Hazlewood and Cummins will remain under careful management. Despite the delayed start, if both the fast bowlers regain full fitness in time, there are still hopes of playing a significant part of the IPL season.
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