RCB rope in THIS ex-MI star as replacement for Nuwan Thushara in IPL 2026; Know here
Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out for the remainder of the season due to an injury.
Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are one of the favourites to finish in the top 2 of the Indian Premier League 2026. RCB are currently the table-toppers with 16 points, and their spot in the playoffs is nearly confirmed. So far, they have won 8 and lost 4 out of 12 matches.
The battle for the playoffs is heating up, and RCB will need to win one of their last two matches to secure a top-two finish.
Bhuvaneshwar Kumar has been doing a brilliant job for RCB. He currently holds the Purple Cap by taking 22 wickets in 12 matches. Australian bowler Josh Hazlewood, who missed the initial few games due to an injury, has also picked up 11 wickets in nine matches.
However, one of the biggest concerns in their squad has been the third overseas bowler, but now they have solved that conundrum as well. RCB has announced the replacement for Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thushara, who has been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury.
Richard Gleeson replaces Nuwan Thushara in the RCB squad
Now, just before the playoffs, English bowler Richard Gleeson has joined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru as the replacement of Nuwan Thushara for the remainder of IPL 2026 for a fee of INR 1.6 crore.
The announcement was made on RCB’s official social media accounts on Friday, May 15, after Sri Lankan bowler Nuwan Thushara was ruled out of the tournament due to an injury. The 31-year-old did not play any games this season for RCB, and even last year, he featured in only one match for the Royal Challengers.
Meanwhile, Richard Gleeson, who made his international debut at 34, has played 6 T20Is for England, taking 9 wickets. He played one game for the Mumbai Indians (MI) last season, taking 1 wicket.
In 2024, he was a part of the five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He played two games for the Super Kings and picked up one wicket. Gleeson also has experience playing in the SA20, the PSL, the Vitality Blast, and the Men’s Hundred.
How many matches has Richard Gleeson played in the IPL?
Richard Gleeson has played three matches in the IPL, picking up two wickets.
How many T20Is has Richard Gleeson played?
Richard Gleeson has played six T20Is for England.
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