Royal Challengers Bengaluru won their first IPL trophy in 2025 finally! Josh Hazlewood played a massive role taking 22 wickets. Now, Josh Hazlewood is Doubtful for the upcoming season worryingly.
Regular calf and hamstring injuries have pushed back Hazlewood since late 2025. RCB retained him for INR 12.50 crore before the auction. But his fitness is still bad heading into IPL 2026.
Josh Hazlewood’s Injury Timeline
Hazlewood last played competitively in November 2025. His last international match happened in October 2025 against India. That was at the MCG months ago already!
He missed the entire Ashes 2025-26 series due to injuries. Josh Hazlewood is Doubtful because he also skipped the T20 World Cup 2026. Those are major contests he couldn’t play at all.
Reports suggest Hazlewood needs more recovery time still. That’s a significant blow for defending champions RCB desperately. He finished as RCB’s leading wicket-taker last season impressively.
His 3 for 21 against Punjab Kings in Qualifier 1 sealed RCB’s final spot! That performance showed his importance to RCB’s bowling attack completely. His economy rate of 8.77 across 12 matches proved invaluable.
RCB’s Backup Overseas Pacers Options
RCB needs RCB’s Backup Overseas Pacers ready if Hazlewood can’t play! Nuwan Thushara from Sri Lanka offers an X-factor option. The right-arm pacer brings massive T20 cricket experience globally.
Thushara grabbed 26 wickets in just 18 T20I games! That’s an exceptional strike rate for any fast bowler. RCB’s Backup Overseas Pacers include this talented Sri Lankan definitely.
Jacob Duffy from New Zealand provides another quality option for RCB! He’s currently ranked inside the top 5 T20I bowling rankings. Duffy’s hot form makes him incredibly reliable right now.
RCB’s Backup Overseas Pacers both offer different strengths and skills. Thushara provides raw pace while Duffy delivers accuracy consistently. Either could replace Hazlewood’s impact somewhat if needed.
RCB’s Pace Bowling Concerns for IPL 2026
Yash Dayal faces legal issues complicating RCB’s pace department further! Bhuvneshwar Kumar remains but he alone can’t carry the burden. RCB’s Backup Overseas Pacers become crucial for title defense now.
IPL 2026 starts March 28 with RCB vs SRH at Chinnaswamy! Can RCB’s Backup Overseas Pacers fill Hazlewood’s massive shoes successfully this season?
