Josh Hazlewood remains under close medical supervision as uncertainty continues to surround his availability for the upcoming IPL 2026. The Australian fast bowler is currently recovering from hamstring and Achilles tendon injuries, and his participation in the IPL with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru is yet to be confirmed.
The 35-year-old pacer was initially expected to regain full fitness before the start of the 19th edition of the tournament in India. However, recent reports suggest that Hazlewood is still undergoing physiotherapy and has not yet received medical clearance from his recovery team.
According to sources cited by Hindustan Times, the pacer’s return remains a wait-and-watch situation, with the final decision depending on how his rehabilitation progresses in the coming weeks.
Injury concerns for Josh Hazlewood raise questions ahead of IPL 2026
Josh Hazlewood’s potential absence would be a significant concern for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, especially considering his exceptional performance during the previous season. In IPL 2025, the Australian seamer emerged as one of the standout bowlers of the tournament, claiming 22 wickets in just 12 matches.
The Australian's ability to deliver crucial breakthroughs played a key role in guiding RCB, led by Rajat Patidar, to their maiden IPL title, ending a long wait for the franchise and its talisman, Virat Kohli.
Also Read: Sunrisers Leeds X account suspended hours after Abrar Ahmed signing in the Hundred auction 2026
Josh Hazlewood’s injury troubles began during a domestic match for New South Wales in November, where he sustained a right hamstring injury. The setback forced him to miss the opening Test of The Ashes, and he was eventually ruled out of the remainder of the series. Matters worsened when he later suffered a fresh Achilles injury, which also led to his withdrawal from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup.
Despite the injury concerns, Josh Hazlewood’s overall record in the IPL highlights his value to any franchise. Across 39 matches, he has picked up 57 wickets at an impressive average of 20.98 and an economy rate of 8.27, making him one of the most reliable overseas pacers in the league.
Meanwhile, injury concerns are not limited to Hazlewood alone. Pat Cummins, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, is also recovering from a back injury and remains under medical observation. Cummins featured in only one Ashes Test in Adelaide before being sidelined, and he was later ruled out of the T20 World Cup just days before the tournament began.
As the build-up to IPL 2026 gathers pace, both Australian stars are being closely monitored by their respective medical teams. The Board of Control for Cricket in India has already announced the schedule for the first 20 matches of the season, with the remainder expected to be released after the dates for upcoming state elections are finalised.
Before matches take place in Bengaluru, a government-appointed expert committee will inspect the stadium and conduct a detailed mock drill to assess match-day arrangements and overall readiness.
RCB Squad for IPL 2026: Rajat Patidar (c), Virat Kohli, Devdutt Padikkal, Phil Salt, Jitesh Sharma, Krunal Pandya, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Jacob Bethell, Josh Hazlewood, Yash Dayal, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Salam, Abhinandan Singh, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Mangesh Yadav, Jacob Duffy, Satwik Deswal, Jordan Cox, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan, and Vicky Ostwal.
