Will Josh Hazlewood play tonight for RCB vs SRH in IPL 2026?
(Courtesy : Getty Images)
Josh Hazlewood has joined RCB for IPL 2026.
The excitement of cricket fans is at its peak as the 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will get underway tonight. The season opener will be played between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium on Saturday, March 28.
Talking about the RCB, they will be without the services of Indian pacer Yash Dayal, who will miss the whole season due to personal reasons. Dayal wasn’t picked by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association for the domestic season either.
On the other side, Cricket Australia claimed that Josh Hazlewood, Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, who are the key players of their respective franchises, will miss a few initial games of the season due to fitness concerns.
Interestingly, Hazlewood, who missed the Ashes and the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup due to injuries, joined the RCB camp ahead of the new season and started training with the team as well.
The Australian pacer was seen doing some light drills with his teammates. Watching the right-arm fast bowler in action, the slim chances of him being available for RCB vs SRH were ignited.
Will Josh Hazlewood play for RCB vs SRH in IPL 2026 tonight?
Andy Flower, however, confirmed that Josh Hazlewood won’t be playing in the season opener against SRH. Flower provided an update on Hazlewood’s situation, saying the 35-year-old looks fit and that his return to the dressing room is good for the team. However, the fans would have to wait a few more days to see the Australian bowler return to action.
The former Zimbabwean cricket player said:
“Hazlewood arrived yesterday and he’s looking fit. It’s great to have him back around the dressing room and involved in our meetings again. He won’t be ready for tomorrow because he’s just arrived, but we’ll monitor his fitness closely and we’re looking forward to him making his entrance into the IPL soon.”
The 35-year-old played a key role in the RCB’s maiden triumph in 2025 by taking 22 wickets in 12 matches. In Hazlewood’s absence, RCB would have to rely on Indian seamers; thus, one among Mangesh Yadav, Abhinandan Singh or Rasikh Dar is expected to get a chance tonight.
How many seasons has Josh Hazlewood played for RCB?
Josh Hazlewood has played for RCB in three different seasons.
When did Josh Hazlewood make his IPL debut?
The Australian bowler made his IPL debut with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) at the 2020 IPL.
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