RCB in Trouble? Best Overseas Options If Josh Hazlewood Misses IPL 2026

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is just around the corner, and the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), are already facing a serious concern as their star Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood is likely to miss the initial phase of the tournament due to injury.

Hazlewood played a crucial role in RCB's trophy-winning campaign in IPL 2025. He picked up 22 wickets in just 12 matches. Josh Hazlewood's presence not only helps the bowling department but also adds depth in the batting department, and now, the Royal Challengers Bangalore team management will be looking for a like-for-like replacement.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be playing the first match of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28, 2026, at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. It’s going to be an action-packed game between two quality sides who have a robust batting department.

Overseas Options who can replace Josh Hazlewood

Jacob Duffy

Jacob Duffy will be a good replacement for Josh Hazlewood in the RCB’s playing XI; however, if both the bowlers could have been part of the playing XI, it would have been one of the best bowling duos. Duffy is known for his records and stats in T20 cricket, and his death over bowling ability will help RCB to restrict opponents from scoring crucial runs.

Nuwan Thushara

With Hazlewood likely to miss matches in the IPL 2026, Nuwan Thusara could be another perfect replacement in the playing XI. Thushara is known for his unique action and effectiveness in the death overs. He has an economy rate of around 8.16, which is quite good, given the current scenario of this format.

Romario Shepherd

Romario Shepherd can add great value to the RCB squad as an all-rounder. He is known for his ability to finish games and also contribute with the ball. His addition not only improves the bowling department but also adds depth in the batting department.  

RCB Full Schedule 2026 

RCB Squad for IPL 2026

Rajat Patidar (Captain), Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Devdutt Padikkal, Tim David, Krunal Pandya, Romario Shepherd, Jitesh Sharma, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma, Venkatesh Iyer, Jacob Duffy, Abhinandan Singh, Jacob Bethell, Nuwan Thushara, Rasikh Dar, Swapnil Singh, Satvik Deswal, Mangesh Yadav, Jordan Cox, Vicky Otswal, Vihaan Malhotra, Kanishk Chouhan.

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