“Hazlewood arrived yesterday. He is looking fit,” said RCB’s coach Andy Flower, highlighting the optimism surrounding Josh Hazlewood’s return to the team. The fast bowler, who was retained by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the IPL 2026 season, is currently undergoing rehabilitation for hamstring and Achilles injuries that have kept him off the field since October 2025.
Hazlewood’s absence was felt deeply as he missed significant tournaments, including The Ashes 2025-26 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. His last performance in the IPL was impressive, where he took 22 wickets in just 12 matches during IPL 2025, boasting an average of 17.55 and an economy rate of 8.77.
The setting for Hazlewood’s anticipated return is the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, where RCB is set to face Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their opening match of the season. RCB’s captain for IPL 2026, Rajat Patidar, expressed confidence in the team’s abilities, stating, “We are not defending anything, we will win in IPL 2026 as well.”
With Hazlewood back in the fold, RCB hopes to build on their maiden title win from IPL 2025. His experience and skill will be crucial as they aim to replicate their success. Flower noted, “It is great to have him here in our dressing room and in the meetings.”
In the match against SRH, Jacob Duffy made an impressive debut, taking three wickets in his first three overs, showcasing the depth of talent in the RCB squad. Duffy, who was acquired for a base price of 2 crore, is expected to play a vital role alongside Hazlewood.
As the team gears up for the season, wicketkeeper Ishan Kishan emphasized the importance of trusting their instincts, saying, “We want to back our instincts.” This sentiment resonates with the team’s approach as they prepare to take on SRH.
While Hazlewood’s fitness is promising, the full extent of his recovery and readiness for the season remains to be seen. Details remain unconfirmed, but the buzz around his return adds to the excitement of IPL 2026.
