RCB Faces Setback as Nuwan Thushara Misses IPL 2026 Due to Fitness Issues
Nuwan Thushara's Absence from IPL 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has encountered a significant setback as their Sri Lankan fast bowler, Nuwan Thushara, will not participate in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL 2026). The Sri Lanka Cricket Board has declined to issue him a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Recently, Sri Lanka Cricket introduced mandatory physical performance tests for players wishing to compete in franchise leagues like the IPL and PSL. Thushara's eligibility hinged on the results of these fitness assessments, and the board confirmed that he would only receive clearance if he met the required standards.
According to reports, Thushara did not achieve the necessary fitness points, which could jeopardize his contract with RCB, valued at approximately INR 1.6 crore, should the SLC maintain its stance on the NOC. There has been no official statement from the IPL or the franchise regarding this situation. RCB has also faced another loss with Yash Dayal being ruled out for the season.
Despite being reported as healthy and injury-free, Thushara opted out of IPL 2026 due to concerns over his fitness levels, which did not align with SLC's standards. This is a significant disappointment for the fast bowler, who played a crucial role in the 2025 Asia Cup but was later omitted from the T20 World Cup squad. His exclusion from the IPL raises further questions about his future in the national team, especially with several fast bowlers currently injured.
With SLC enforcing strict policies, only players who meet the new fitness criteria are granted NOCs. Other Sri Lankan players, including Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis, have successfully passed the tests and received permission to participate in the IPL.
RCB's IPL 2026 Squad: Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli, Tim David, Jacob Bethell, Romario Shepherd, Josh Hazlewood, 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