New Delhi: In what comes as good news for the fans of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), star pacer Josh Hazlewood has touched down in India ahead of the Indian
Premier League (IPL) 2026. Hazlewood, who was down with an injury, has recovered fully for the 19th editions of the cash-rich league which begins on March 28 with a game between RCB and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
However as per multiple reports, the seasoned pacer will miss the first two clashes for RCB and join the team later for the matches. An official confirmation of the same has yet not been received from the Royal Challengers. The senior fast bowler suffered a hamstring and Achilles injuries which cast doubt on his participation in the marquee T20 event.
Whenever needed in such a situation, this bowler of ours will deliver and win the match for RCB
Welcome Back , Josh Hazlewood ❤️pic.twitter.com/ovxs4cHELT
— v. (@183innings2012) March 26, 2026
Not all is bad for them
Josh Hazlewood set to land in India and link with RCB today. pic.twitter.com/omtryUgR6p
— Secular Chad (@SachabhartiyaRW) March 26, 2026
Match fitness depends on CA’s medical clearance
Meanwhile it is being learnt that the match fitness of the star player will depend entirely on Cricket Australia’s medical clearance. Amid all this, Hazlewood landed in India on Thursday to join the RCB camp which is underway from days practicing firmly to defend their title.
Keeping in mind Australia’s hectic Test scheduled ahead, they will not take any chances in the matter and even if the premium pacer takes more than two matches to get fully fit, he will be joining the team on the field after a thorough medical clearance.
With the premium bowler to feature in the later part of the season, RCB are likely to play Jacob Duffy in his place as Yash Dayal will also not take part in the season due to an ongoing legal battle. While the squad of the side seems fully equipped, they might face an issue in the bowling department till the time the Aussies joins them.
With Duffy slightly new to the Indian pitches, Krunal Pandya is expected to chip in for the Royal Challengers. He did a brilliant job in the middle overs last season and he is expected to continue doing the same for the one-time winners.
