Nuwan Thushara Excluded from IPL 2026 Opening Matches Due to Fitness Issues

Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of the initial matches of IPL 2026 after failing a crucial fitness test, creating challenges for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The Sri Lanka Cricket board has withheld his no-objection certificate, making him unavailable for the tournament's start. This setback comes as RCB prepares for their opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, already dealing with the absence of Yash Dayal. Other Sri Lankan players, including Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga, are also facing fitness hurdles. The full squad for RCB includes notable players like Virat Kohli and Josh Hazlewood. Stay tuned for updates on Thushara's fitness assessment and RCB's performance in the league.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 27, 2026, 17:27 IST

Nuwan Thushara's Fitness Setback

Nuwan Thushara will miss at least the initial matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 after not passing a crucial fitness assessment mandated by Sri Lanka Cricket. This news poses a significant challenge for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the reigning champions.

As reported by ESPNcricinfo, Thushara's inability to meet the necessary fitness standards has led the Sri Lanka board to withhold his no-objection certificate (NOC), preventing him from participating in the tournament. According to the guidelines set by SLC, players must achieve a minimum score of 17 out of 29 across five fitness criteria to qualify for selection in international leagues. SLC's chief executive, Ashley de Silva, confirmed that Thushara did not meet this benchmark. However, he will have another chance to take the fitness test in four to five days.

Concerns for RCB Ahead of Season Opener

This situation adds to the worries for RCB as they prepare for their first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. The team is already dealing with the absence of Yash Dayal, although Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood joined the squad on Thursday.

Thushara's availability for RCB's second match against Chennai Super Kings on April 5 is also uncertain. A second failure in the fitness test could keep him out of competitive cricket for a longer duration.

Other Sri Lankan Players Encounter Fitness Challenges

In addition to Thushara, other Sri Lankan players are facing fitness challenges ahead of the IPL. Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga have yet to complete their fitness evaluations due to ongoing recovery from injuries. Pathirana, who was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is currently rehabilitating from a calf injury and is expected to join his team around mid-April. Hasaranga, who signed with Lucknow Super Giants, is recovering from a hamstring injury that sidelined him during the recent T20 World Cup.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru's Complete Squad for IPL 2026

The full roster for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2026 includes: Abhinandan Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jacob Bethell, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, Nuwan Thushara, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Rasikh Dar, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Vihaan Malhotra (Rs 30 lakh), Jordan Cox (Rs 75 lakh), Venkatesh Iyer (Rs 7 Cr), Satvik Deswal (Rs 30 lakh), Mangesh Yadav (Rs 5.20 Cr), Vicky Ostwal (Rs 30 lakh), Kanishk Chouhan (Rs 30 lakh), Jacob Duffy (Rs 2 Cr).