Before the start of IPL 2020, 6 RCB has encountered a major problem in the form of the absence of Josh Hazlewood. The star player of RCB, Australian pacer Josh Hazelwood, is expected to miss the initial phase of the tournament due to an ongoing concern. This tournament is very important for RCB because they are defending the championship for the first time, and last year, Josh Hazelwood played an important knock in the victory of RCB towards its maiden IPL championship.
For a team looking to defend its first title, losing the main bowler of the team is very difficult, especially after his performance in the last season. This absence of Josh Hazelwood will directly impact both the mental and physical capabilities of the player and allow them to play under pressure in the first match.
Hazelwood injury concerns
Josh Hazelwood has been struggling with recurring hamstring and Achilles issues for quite some time. Because of this injury, he was out of action for several months, making his last competitive appearance in late 2025. Since then, his recovery has taken longer than expected. With this injury also missed the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026.
There are multiple reports that suggest that he is likely to miss the first two matches of IPL 2026, with a possible return timeline that includes mid-April. This delay will allow RCB to play without their key bowler and start their campaign without the leading wicket-taker in their bowling line-up.
The recovery of Josh Hazelwood is carefully monitored by Cricket Australia, which is prioritizing his long term health rather than a rushd come back in competitive cricket.
A match-winner for RCB
The presence of Josh Hazelwood has always impacted the overall result of the game and held the team from gaining momentum by taking early wickets. His absence will be very significant for RCB because of his magnificent performance in IPL 2025. By playing 12 matches, he took 22 wickets with an average of 17.5, which is remarkable. He was a valuable asset in the RCB winning lineup who consistently delivered in both powerplay and that over.
Because of his immense experience, he can maintain proper line and length and execute plans under pressure, allowing the team to build Momentum by taking early wickets. Finding his replacement, even temporary, can be a daunting task for the management to pull off.
Challenging early matches
The opening fixtures for RCB are not easy; they have to face two of the most complete and strongest teams of IPL, including Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings. Both teams are filled with aggressive betting line-ups, and without hazelwood rcb's bowling could be in shambles early in the tournament.
Both matches will be played in M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which is known for being a batting friendly to stadium. RCB will have to put confidence in their bowlers and maintain consistency throughout the match to maintain the impact of Josh Hazelwood. The absence of this remarkable overseas pressure will force the management to reach combinations, especially in the crucial moments like power play and death overs.
The workload on Australian pacers
Josh Hazelwood is not the only Australian Pacer who is out of IPL because of injury concerns. Pat Cummins, who leads Sunrisers Hyderabad, is also expected to miss the start of IPL 2026.
Both players are recovering from injuries and are also unavailable during the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 as well. This highlights a broader issue that is the workload on modern pacers. The concerns regarding the fitness of fast bowlers have always been a major concern for the national team.
Can RCB manage without him?
The batting lineup of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru is comparatively strong. However, intense T20 tournament matches are usually decided by strong bowling and performance. To cope without hazelwood RCB must:
By taking early wickets, RCB can easily get momentum and manage strongly even without the main bowler, Hazelwood.
Conclusion
The absence of Josh Hazelwood in the first few matches of IPL 2026 is a significant setback for RCB. As a prime bowler in their winning campaign in IPL 2025, his presence will be missed both on and off the field. The early matches of the tournaments are very important because it built Momentum and help the team to start with confidence. For RCB, the challenge is clear: to survive in the early phase without their star pressure.
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