Why did Josh Hazlewood miss RCB vs CSK clash of IPL 2026?
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Josh Hazlewood was also absent from RCB’s opening game against SRH.
In match 11 of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2026), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are clashing at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
Rajat Patidar & Co. made a wonderful start by winning their opening game against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). They chased a 202-run target with ease by half-centuries from Devdutt Padikkal and Virat Kohli.
CSK have witnessed a dismal start in IPL 2026, losing both of their opening games against Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Punjab Kings (PBKS). With two defeats in a row, they languish in the last spot in the points table.
In match 11 of IPL 2026, CSK won the toss and opted to bowl first. Pacer Josh Hazlewood is absent from RCB’s playing XI in the match. He participated in the practice sessions ahead of the match but was still left out of the playing XI.
Why Josh Hazlewood is not part of RCB’s playing XI vs CSK?
Hazlewood is undergoing rehabilitation from hamstring and Achilles injuries. He sustained the injury in November last year. He has been out of the field for several months and last played for Australia in October 2025.
Due to the injuries, the right-arm pacer could not play a single game during The Ashes 2025-26. He was also ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026.
Hazlewood joined RCB’s squad ahead of the tournament; however, their coach, Andy Flower, had clarified that he would miss the first game. He is expected to miss a few more games, and RCB fans are awaiting his return to the field.
Last season, Hazlewood played a key role in RCB’s title-winning campaign, clinching 22 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 17.55 and an economy of 8.77. He finished as the highest wicket-taker for his team and third overall.
Is Josh Hazlewood part of the RCB vs CSK clash?
No, Hazlewood is not part of the match.
What injury is Josh Hazlewood recovering from?
He is recovering from Achilles and hamstring injuries.
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Vikas Singh Derek is a core cricket-lover since childhood and has always followed the sport both in his personal and professional life. He started his school life by watching cricket at home with family. Later, he played cricket on the field at local clubs during college. After his Master's in Journalism from Mumbai, he followed his passion by covering cricket news across various digital media. Since 2015, he has been an aspiring sports journalist and cricket content writer with over 50K+ articles.