Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are expected to begin their IPL 2026 campaign without key fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. The experienced pacer is set to miss the franchise’s first two fixtures as he continues his recovery after an injury-affected home summer that ruled him out of the entire Ashes series. Hazlewood had initially suffered a hamstring injury and later developed an Achilles issue during rehabilitation. He played a crucial role in RCB’s title-winning run last season, finishing with 22 wickets at an average of 17.54, the highest tally for his side.
Another Australian pace spearhead, Pat Cummins, is also likely to arrive late for IPL duties. The Sunrisers Hyderabad captain is not expected to feature in his team’s opening games, including the season opener against Hazlewood’s RCB on March 28. Cummins managed just one Test during the Ashes — at the Adelaide Oval in mid-December — while recovering from a persistent back problem sustained in the Caribbean last July.
Both bowlers were subsequently ruled out of the T20 World Cup, where Australia exited in the first round. Cricket Australia’s medical staff have closely monitored their rehabilitation over recent months and continue to assess their progress, creating some uncertainty over their immediate availability for their respective IPL teams. However, both players remain in contention to participate in a significant portion of the season.
Hazlewood has established himself as one of the leading fast bowlers in T20 cricket in recent years and had also impressed in white-ball matches against India ahead of the Ashes.
Cummins, meanwhile, has been an influential figure for the Hyderabad franchise, guiding them to the final two seasons ago and serving as a central component of their bowling unit. Reports from India have indicated that the Sunrisers are considering an interim captain during his absence.
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Australian selectors have reiterated their backing for the senior duo when it comes to prioritising national commitments over franchise tournaments, particularly after both missed the recent World Cup.
“It’s a timing issue. If it was in reverse, the IPL was first and the World Cup was second, then they’d be missing the IPL to play in the World Cup. It’s not going to be frustrating for us at all. We know their commitment to want to play and succeed for Australia,” selector Tony Dodemaide had said back in February.
Australia are set to rely heavily on Cummins and Hazlewood being fully fit from August as they prepare for a demanding period stretching nearly 16 months. The schedule includes overseas Test tours to South Africa, India and England, along with the 2027 ODI World Cup in Africa.
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Most other Australian players scheduled to feature in the IPL are expected to depart for India later this week, with some set to travel on Saturday.
