Current champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)is preparing to defend their titles IPL 2026however, they will have to start their campaign without their initial momentum. RCB head coach Andy Flower He confirmed that he is an Australian fast bowler Josh HazlewoodDespite joining the squad in Bengaluru, he will not be available for the high-octane season opener against. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on Saturday.
Hazlewood’s road to the 2026 season has been plagued by a series of fitness setbacks. The 35-year-old has been out of international competition since October 2025 as a persistent Achilles injury forced him to miss the prestigious Ashes series and T20 World Cup 2026. Cricket Australia Initially tipped to miss the first half of the tournament, his arrival at the RCB camp on March 26 sparked a wave of cautious optimism among fans.
The RCB coach offers the latest update on Josh Hazlewood after joining the IPL 2026 camp
Speaking at the pre-match press conference at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Cicek said he was happy to have the seasoned campaigner back in the mix.
“Hazlewood arrived yesterday and he looks fit. It’s great to have him back in the dressing room and back in our meetings“,” Flower noted.
However, the coach was quick to calm expectations of an immediate return to the XI. With Hazlewood still undergoing a rigorous rehabilitation program in Sydney, the team management prefers long-term availability over a rushed start. Flower confirmed that the pacer is currently undergoing light training and serving to assess his rhythm.
“He won’t be ready for tomorrow as he just arrived, but we will keep a close eye on his preparation“,” Flower added. In Hazlewood’s absence and Yash DayalRCB, who missed the season due to personal reasons, will rely more on their new recruits. Showed great faith in Indian seamen as a franchise Mangesh Yadav (Purchased for ₹5.2 crore), Abhinandan Singhand significantly improved Rasikh Dar to partner with a veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Also READ: Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2026 Full Schedule: Date, Time and Venues of RCB Matches
Hazlewood’s heroics in IPL 2025 title race
The relevance of Hazlewood’s return stems from his legendary performance in the previous release. In IPL 2025, Hazlewood was the undisputed architect of RCB’s bowling dominance and led them to their historic first IPL title.
He finished the 2025 season as the team’s leading goalkeeper, scoring 22 goals in just 12 matches. His stats were a testament to his elite T20 pedigree, with an astonishing average of 17.55 and an economy rate of 8.77 on Bengaluru’s stroke-friendly tracks. His ability to provide breakthroughs in the Powerplay and execute pin-point yorkers at the death was the missing piece of the puzzle that eventually brought the trophy to Chinnaswamy.
as Rajat Patidar‘s men step into the field to defend their crown, with the Australian pacer remaining their much-needed X-factor. For now, the focus is on gradually integrating it and ensuring it is ready to repeat the magic of 2025 when it finally makes its debut.
Also READ: IPL 2026 Squads: Complete list of Indian and foreign players in all 10 teams
