RCB Coach Andy Flower Updates on Josh Hazlewood's Fitness Ahead of IPL Opener
Hazlewood Unavailable for Season Opener
Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 27: Andy Flower, the head coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), has confirmed that Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will not participate in the opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at M Chinnaswamy Stadium this Saturday.
During a press conference held before the season's first game, Flower mentioned, “Hazlewood arrived yesterday and appears to be in good shape. I even remarked that he looks younger than I recall, indicating he has had some quality rest. He has worked diligently to regain his fitness. It’s fantastic to have him in our dressing room and during our meetings. However, he won’t be ready for tomorrow’s match as he just landed, and we will closely monitor his fitness as we anticipate his return to the IPL.”
The 35-year-old Hazlewood played a crucial role in RCB's successful campaign last year, ranking third among the top wicket-takers with 22 wickets at an economy rate of 8.77.
Flower also discussed the Indian pacers available this season, commending the young seamers: Abhinandan Singh, Rasikh Dar Salam, and Mangesh Yadav.
Regarding the Indian bowlers, he stated, “Unfortunately, Yash (Dayal) is not with us this year. We have Mangesh, Abhinandan, and Rasikh all vying for a spot. I won’t disclose who will play tomorrow, but we are pleased to have recruited Mangesh, a left-arm seamer, to fill Yash Dayal’s position.”
Mangesh, who was acquired for Rs 5.20 crore during last year's mini auction, will carry significant expectations.
“We are also pleased with Abhinandan’s development. He has participated in more matches recently, performing well in the DY Patil competition. Rasikh has improved as a bowler since last year, showing dedication and qualities that could benefit him if given the opportunity in this tournament. We are satisfied with our trio of Indian seamers,” Flower added.
RCB's full 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, 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).