Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are likely to begin their Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 campaign without star pacer Josh Hazlewood, who is set to miss the opening two matches as he continues recovering from an injury-plagued home summer. The Australian quick was ruled out of the entire The Ashes due to a hamstring issue and later suffered an Achilles problem during his rehabilitation.
Hazlewood’s absence is a major setback for RCB, considering his pivotal role in their title-winning campaign last season. He was their leading wicket-taker, claiming 22 wickets at an impressive average of 17.54, playing a key part in ending the franchise’s long wait for an IPL trophy.
Meanwhile, fellow Australian pacer Pat Cummins is also expected to miss the initial games for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). The SRH captain is still managing a recurring back injury and featured in just one Test during the Ashes, which was held at the Adelaide Oval in mid-December. His limited participation came after undergoing rehabilitation for the issue he picked up during Australia’s tour of the Caribbean last year.
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Both Hazlewood and Cummins were also ruled out of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026, where Australia endured an early exit in the group stage. Their fitness continues to be closely monitored by Cricket Australia, leaving some uncertainty around their exact return timelines for IPL 2026.
Australia’s management will be particularly cautious with the duo, given a packed international schedule ahead. From August onwards, the team is set for an intense 16-month period that includes major Test tours to South Africa, India, and England, along with preparations for the 2027 ODI World Cup.
While other Australian players are expected to arrive in India later this week, Hazlewood and Cummins remain under careful management. Despite their delayed starts, both pacers are still expected to feature in a significant portion of the IPL season if they regain full fitness in time.
