IPL 2026: 3 players who could replace Nuwan Thushara at RCB

Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of IPL 2026.

Just before the Indian Premier League 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have suffered a big blow as pacer Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of the tournament. The right-arm pacer could not get permission from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to participate in IPL 2026.

Thushara could not clear the fitness assessment test conducted by SLC, which was mandatory to get a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to participate in IPL 2026. He is the second pacer to be ruled out of RCB’s squad. Recently, left-arm pacer Yash Dayal pulled out of the tournament due to personal reasons.

Hence, Thushara’s ouster at the last moment has come as a big blow for Rajat Patidar & Co., and they will need a strong pacer as a replacement. Below are three players who could replace Nuwan Thushara in the RCB squad.

Players who could replace Nuwan Thushara-

3. Ottniel Baartman

South African pacer Ottniel Baartman withdrew from PSL 2026. The right-arm pacer was in talks with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to play in IPL 2026 as a replacement for injured Nathan Ellis.

However, the Men-in-Yellow went ahead with Spencer Johnson as a replacement. Baartman has never played in IPL but has a decent record in T20Is, picking 29 wickets in 21 games at an economy of 8.11 for the Proteas.

2. Gerald Coetzee

Gerald Coetzee is another South African pacer who has withdrawn from PSL 2026 and is looking for opportunities in the IPL. He had a base price of INR 2 crore in the mini-auction but was not picked by any franchise.

The right-arm pacer accounts for 15 wickets in 14 IPL games and has played for the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Gujarat Titans (GT). He was part of GT in the last edition but was released from the squad ahead of the upcoming season.

1. Josh Tongue

Josh Tongue is a right-arm pacer from England who is yet to make his debut in the IPL. He has played nine tests for England so far and clinched 49 wickets.

He gave an impressive performance in the Ashes 2025-26 earlier this year. Josh had a base price of INR 1 crore in the IPL 2026 mini-auction but could not find any buyers.

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