Josh Hazlewood to miss first 2 matches for RCB:SRH captain Pat Cummins also set to miss few games

Defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have suffered a major blow right before IPL 2026. The team’s key fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood, will not be able to play in the first two matches. He is recovering from an injury and is not yet fully fit. Hazlewood is struggling with hamstring and Achilles problems. He had missed the Ashes series as well. Hazlewood played a crucial role in helping RCB win the title last season by taking 22 wickets. Not just RCB, but Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) also have an injury concern with captain and premier pacer Pat Cummins, who is recovering from a back injury. The opening match of the IPL between RCB and SRH will be played on 28 March at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bangalore. On 11 March, the BCCI released the schedule for the league’s first 20 matches. Ishan Kishan frontrunner to become SRH captain In Cummins’ absence, Sunrisers might have to choose a temporary captain. It has been reported that Ishan Kishan is a favourite to take up the leadership role. Kishan led Jharkhand to their first Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title last year Hazlewood, Cummins missed T20 World Cup due to injury
Both Hazlewood and Cummins also missed the T20 World Cup 2026. Their absences hurt Australia big time as they were knocked out of the group stage of the competition. The Australian team management has been cautious about their fitness and they are being given time to become fully fit. Australian players’ focus on international cricket
Australian selectors have also made it clear that international cricket is a priority for the players. In the coming time, the team has to play important series against South Africa, India, and England, along with the 2027 ODI World Cup.