After the completion of the T20 World Cup, the focus will shift to the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) where Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will look to defend their first title. RCB will be boosted
by the arrival of their marquee bowler Josh Hazlewood who is expected to be fit for the IPL after missing out on Australia’s World Cup campaign.
While the RCB fans will celebrate Hazlewood’s comeback, Australian fans wouldn’t be so happy after the bowler skipped the T20 World Cup and their team was knocked out in the group stages. The fast bowler has faced multiple fitness issues over the last few years, but has managed to lit up the game every time he has taken to the pitch.
Josh Hazlewood is RCB’s lead bowler and his arrival will bolster RCB’s bowling attack as Rajat Patodar and Co look to defend their crown. The Australian fast bowler has been the difference maker for Bengaluru and helped them win their first title with a series of consistent and economical spells.
The bowler had sustained a calf and Achilles injury following an earlier hamstring injury which forced him to skip the World Cup for Australia. However, he is now fit and raring to go for RCB in the IPL. Hazlewood’s absence was really felt in Australia’s camp who couldn’t secure a Super 8 and were knocked out of the competition.
Australia’s chief selector Tony Dodemaide labelled Hazlewood and Pat Cummins’ injury to be a ‘timing issue’. He vouched for the players and said that their commitment is second to none and had the IPL been scheduled first, they would have missed it as well.
“It is what it is. It's a timing issue. If it was in reverse, the IPL was first and the World Cup was second, then they'd be missing the IPL to play in the World Cup. It's not going to be frustrating for us at all. We know their commitment to want to play and succeed for Australia
