The fitness of Josh Hazlewood has become a major talking point as the 2026 cricket calendar intensifies. With the T20 World Cup beginning on February 7, Australian selectors have already confirmed that the star pacer will miss the early stages of the tournament to continue his rehabilitation for a lingering Achilles injury in Sydney.
For the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), this news is particularly concerning. Having retained Hazlewood for a substantial INR 12.5 crore, the franchise faces the possibility of their pace spearhead being unavailable or under-prepared for the IPL season starting in March. If Hazlewood is forced to withdraw, RCB will need a high-quality replacement who can replicate his pinpoint accuracy and Powerplay impact.
Potential Replacements for Josh Hazlewood
If the 42-time domestic champions (referring to Mumbai’s Ranji history, but here focusing on the IPL’s “winners” circle) need to dip into the replacement pool, these three candidates offer the best tactical fit:
- Jhye Richardson: A fellow Australian with significant international experience, Richardson is perhaps the closest “like-for-like” replacement. He possesses the ability to swing the new ball and maintain the disciplined lines that Hazlewood is famous for. His recent Big Bash League (BBL) form, where he took 11 wickets in 7 games, suggests he is ready for high-level T20 competition.
- Spencer Johnson: If RCB wishes to diversify their attack, this left-arm speedster is a compelling choice. Johnson brings raw pace and an awkward angle that can dismantle top orders during the Powerplay. Given his success in global T20 leagues and his ability to bowl at 145+ kmph, he could fill the void left by an injured overseas pacer while offering a different tactical dimension.
- Jacob Duffy: A strategic “sleeper” pick, New Zealand’s Jacob Duffy has recently caught the eye of IPL scouts with his consistent performances against the West Indies. He mirrors Hazlewood’s style by relying on seam movement and hard lengths rather than extreme pace. With a T20I economy rate of 7.36, he offers the control that the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium demands.
T20 Statistical Comparison
| Player | Matches | Wickets | Average | Economy |
| Jhye Richardson | 104 | 135 | 22.78 | 8.09 |
| Spencer Johnson | 71 | 85 | 22.94 | 7.94 |
| Jacob Duffy | 38 (T20I) | 53 | 16.28 | 7.36 |
While the RCB management would prefer to have Hazlewood at full fitness, Jhye Richardson stands out as the most logical acquisition. His familiarity with the Australian bowling blueprint and his proven wicket-taking ability make him a safe but effective gamble. However, the rise of Jacob Duffy presents an intriguing alternative if the team prioritizes economy and tactical discipline on flat Indian decks.
