Hazlewood’s Road to Recovery: A Test of RCB’s Depth

Royal Challengers Bengaluru will need to exercise patience with Josh Hazlewood, who, despite joining the camp, won’t be available for the season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad. The right-arm fast bowler has been sidelined for nearly five months, last featuring in a first-class match in November 2025. A persistent Achilles heel injury, compounded by a subsequent setback, hampered his rehabilitation and ultimately led to his exclusion from the T20 World Cup.

RCB head coach Andy Flower provided an update, stating, “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.”

Hazlewood’s absence is particularly felt given his stellar performance in IPL 2025, where he topped RCB’s wicket-taking charts with 22 wickets in 12 matches, maintaining an impressive average of 17.54. His ability to consistently deliver breakthroughs made him a crucial asset, and RCB will be eager to reintegrate him into the attack as soon as he’s fully fit. Josh Hazlewood’s Player Profile provides further insight into his career statistics.

Cummins’ Lumbar Injury: SRH Adjusts Leadership Structure

Sunrisers Hyderabad are also preparing for a period without their captain and star all-rounder, Pat Cummins. A lumbar stress injury has kept Cummins out of action for several months, forcing him to miss the T20 World Cup. Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the stand-in captain in Cummins’ absence, signaling a potentially extended period on the sidelines for the Australian.

Despite the injury, Cummins has been actively involved with the SRH camp, participating in net sessions. However, a return for the opening match against RCB on March 28th appears unlikely. The team will rely on other key players to step up in Cummins’ absence, both with the ball and in leadership.

Patrick James Cummins. That’s the caption. pic.twitter.com/FiK3TvXCpm

— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 25, 2026

For more information on Pat Cummins’ injury and recovery, visit Cricket.com.au’s coverage of Cummins’ injury.

Starc’s NOC Delay: DC’s Pace Attack Under Scrutiny

Delhi Capitals face the most immediate challenge, awaiting a No Objection Certificate (NOC) for Mitchell Starc from Cricket Australia. Starc was expected to spearhead DC’s pace attack, but his unavailability at the start of the tournament forces the team to reassess their bowling plans. Cricket Australia’s decision stems from a proactive approach to managing the workload of their fast bowlers, particularly Starc, who has had a demanding schedule over the past year.

Starc’s recent commitments include a full Ashes series, where he earned the Player of the Series award, and participation in the latter stages of the Big Bash League (BBL). Despite stepping away from T20 internationals, Australian selectors are prioritizing his long-term fitness and are reluctant to rush him into the entire IPL season. Delhi retained Starc for INR 11.75 crore, demonstrating their faith in his potential impact when he eventually joins the squad.

Do you think DC can overcome Starc’s initial absence and maintain a competitive edge? How will the delayed arrival of these key players impact the overall balance of power in the IPL 2026?

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: What is the primary reason for the delay in Mitchell Starc’s participation in IPL 2026?

  A: Cricket Australia is managing Mitchell Starc’s workload to prevent burnout and ensure his long-term fitness, particularly after a demanding schedule including the Ashes and BBL.

• Q: How long is Josh Hazlewood expected to be sidelined with his injury?

  A: While a precise timeline isn’t available, RCB is monitoring Hazlewood’s fitness closely, and his return will depend on his recovery progress. He won’t be available for the opening match against SRH.

• Q: Will Pat Cummins be able to captain SRH throughout the entire IPL 2026 season?

  A: It’s uncertain. His return depends on the recovery from his lumbar stress injury. Ishan Kishan has been named stand-in captain during his absence.

• Q: What impact will the absence of these Australian pacers have on their respective IPL franchises?

  A: The absence of these key bowlers will require teams to rely on their depth and explore alternative bowling strategies, potentially impacting their early-season performance.

• Q: Where can I find more information about the injury status of these players?

  A: Official team announcements, cricket news websites like ESPNcricinfo and Cricket.com.au, and social media channels are good sources of information.