Australia's early exit from the T20 World Cup 2026 was shaped as much by absence as performance, and few voids were felt more than that of Josh Hazlewood.
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru quick was ruled out of the tournament with a calf injury, ending hopes of a mid-competition return. Steve Smith was drafted in as his replacement, but Hazlewood's absence left Australia without one of their most reliable new-ball enforcers.
Now, with attention shifting to the IPL, there is growing optimism that Hazlewood could be fit in time for the 2026 season, barring further setbacks.
Josh Hazlewood absence felt in Australia T20 World Cup squad
Hazlewood had been managing multiple injury concerns in the lead-up to the World Cup. After initially suffering a hamstring strain on November 12, the fast bowler's recovery was complicated by persistent Achilles and calf issues.
Selectors had hoped he might regain match fitness by the Super 8 stage, but Cricket Australia's medical assessment concluded that accelerating his rehabilitation would carry too much risk.
"We were hopeful Josh would be back by the Super 8 stage, but the latest indications are that he is still some time away," selector Tony Dodemaide said at the time.
With Hazlewood officially ruled out, Australia sought ICC approval to add Smith as a replacement.
The timing of the global calendar has, however, worked differently in the IPL's favour. Dodemaide acknowledged that had the IPL preceded the World Cup, both Hazlewood and
Pat Cummins would have skipped the league to represent Australia. Instead, the reverse scheduling meant they missed the marquee ICC event but are now targeting full fitness for the franchise season.
For RCB, that is significant. Hazlewood's accuracy and hard-length control have been central to their pace attack in recent seasons. His ability to operate both in the powerplay and at the death adds balance to the bowling unit.
Australia will conduct a review into their group-stage exit, where the absence of Hazlewood and Cummins proved costly. For now, though, the focus shifts to rehabilitation - and if recovery proceeds as planned, the IPL could mark Hazlewood's return to competitive cricket.
