Defending IPL champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru face an uphill battle right from the start of IPL 2026, set to begin March 28, as star bowler Josh Hazelwood remains sidelined by injuries. The Australian pacer missed the Ashes due to persistent issues—a hamstring tear followed by Achilles discomfort—that have delayed his return.
Hazelwood is confirmed to sit out RCB’s opening two games, forcing the team to shuffle their playing XI early. In a similar vein, Sunrisers Hyderabad’s skipper Pat Cummins might also miss initial fixtures. Recovering from a back niggle picked up in July, Cummins managed only one Ashes Test and was rested from the T20 World Cup.
Australia’s medical staff has kept a watchful eye on both players, fueling doubts over their IPL readiness. That said, optimism remains for their participation in the bulk of the tournament.
A wave of Australian cricketers heads to India this weekend, priming for the league. But for Hazelwood and Cummins, the priority is regaining peak form before Australia’s packed calendar: overseas Tests against South Africa, India, England, and the 2027 ODI World Cup Down Under’s neighbor.
These absences spotlight the challenges of international schedules clashing with T20 leagues. RCB and SRH coaches will be brainstorming replacements, while fans await the duo’s much-anticipated comeback later in the season.