As IPL 2026 kicks off on March 28, all eyes are on Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the defending champions eager to repeat their 2025 heroics. Yet, Faf du Plessis has pinpointed a critical factor: Josh Hazlewood’s fitness and participation could make or break their campaign.
The towering Australian quick was RCB’s bowling spearhead last season, scalping 22 wickets across 12 outings at an economy of 8.77. His precision with the new ball and death-over mastery turned games in RCB’s favor. Tragically, a hamstring tear in Sheffield Shield last November derailed his momentum, forcing him out of the T20 World Cup 2026 and RCB’s season opener versus Sunrisers Hyderabad at Chinnaswamy.
In a revealing ESPNcricinfo interview, du Plessis reflected on Hazlewood’s impact. “Our attack felt complete with him. He swings it early and nails yorkers late. His absence creates a gaping hole that’s hard to fill.” The venue’s flat tracks amplify the need for seasoned pacers and a wily spinner, du Plessis noted, urging better synergy in the unit.
RCB’s fairy-tale 2025 run under Rajat Patidar shattered decades of heartbreak, but du Plessis knows the road ahead is treacherous. With Hazlewood’s return uncertain, the team must adapt quickly. Can RCB conjure another magical season without their pace ace, or will his comeback ignite a repeat triumph? The stakes couldn’t be higher as Bengaluru bids for IPL dominance.