RCB Kicks Off IPL 2026 Campaign Against SRH Without Hazlewood

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are set to start their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28. However, they will be without star bowler Josh Hazlewood, who is recovering from injury. RCB's team director provided updates on Hazlewood's condition and the ongoing communication with Cricket Australia. The full squad for the tournament has also been announced, featuring key players like Virat Kohli and Tim David. Read on for more details about RCB's preparations and Hazlewood's expected return.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 24, 2026, 17:19 IST

RCB's Opening Match Details

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the reigning champions, are set to launch their IPL 2026 journey on March 28 (Saturday) against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. However, they will be without a key player for this match. Star Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood, who played a crucial role in RCB's title victory in IPL 2025, will miss the initial matches due to an ongoing recovery from injury.

During a pre-tournament press briefing, RCB's team director Mo Bobat provided insights into Hazlewood's situation. He mentioned that Hazlewood is currently engaged in a return-to-play program with Cricket Australia and will only rejoin RCB once he is deemed fit by CA. Bobat stated, “As many are aware, Josh has been sidelined for a considerable time due to injuries. He is working through a return-to-play program in Australia, and we are in constant communication with Cricket Australia and our medical teams.”

Bobat added, “We will keep in touch with them, and as soon as he reaches a stage where Cricket Australia is satisfied, he will join us. We are hopeful to have him back soon.” Hazlewood sustained a hamstring injury during a Sheffield Shield match in November, which has kept him out of action, including missing the T20 World Cup 2026.

RCB's Complete Squad for IPL 2026

Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Tim David, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, Nuwan Thushara, Devdutt Padikkal, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Rasikh Dar, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jordan Cox, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Swapnil Singh, Jacob Duffy, Kanishk Chouhan, Abhinandan Singh, Mangesh Yadav, Phil Salt, Satvik Deswal, Vicky Ostwal, Vihaan Malhotra