Nuwan Thushara's Fitness Setback Affects RCB's IPL 2026 Plans
Thushara Ruled Out of IPL 2026 Opening Phase
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India] - March 27: 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 defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
As reported by a sports news outlet, Thushara's inability to meet the fitness criteria has led the Sri Lanka board to withhold his no-objection certificate (NOC), rendering him unavailable for the tournament's start.
According to the guidelines set by Sri Lanka Cricket, players must achieve a minimum score of 17 out of 29 across five fitness metrics to qualify for selection in international leagues.
Ashley de Silva, the chief executive of SLC, confirmed that Thushara did not meet the necessary standards. However, he will have another chance to take the fitness test after a period of four to five days.
This situation adds to RCB's worries as they prepare for their opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. The team is already dealing with the absence of Yash Dayal.
On a positive note, Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood joined the RCB 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 evaluation could keep him out of competitive cricket for a longer duration.
Additionally, other Sri Lankan players are encountering fitness challenges ahead of the IPL.
Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga have yet to complete their fitness assessments due to ongoing recovery from injuries.
Pathirana, who was acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is currently rehabilitating a calf injury and is expected to rejoin 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 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).