The upcoming season of the Indian Premier League 2026 has already faced a significant setback even before the first match begins. Defending champions Royal Challengers Bangalore are expected to start the tournament without one of their key fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood. The Australian pacer is currently recovering from hamstring and Achilles injuries and is unlikely to feature in the team’s first two matches. At the same time Sunrisers Hyderabad are also dealing with injury concerns as their captain and star all-rounder Pat Cummins continues to recover from a back problem. His participation in the opening games of the season remains uncertain. The opening fixture between RCB and SRH is scheduled to be played on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru which makes these injury updates particularly significant for both teams.
Hazlewood’s absence a major concern for RCB
For Royal Challengers Bangalore the absence of Josh Hazlewood in the early stages of the tournament could affect the team’s bowling balance. The Australian fast bowler was instrumental in RCB’s title winning campaign last season and was one of the most reliable members of the bowling unit. Hazlewood’s ability to maintain accuracy and generate pace allowed him to deliver crucial breakthroughs throughout the tournament. He picked up 22 wickets in the previous season and frequently provided early breakthroughs during the powerplay while also performing effectively in the death overs. However recurring injury concerns have interrupted his preparation for IPL 2026. The team management is expected to take a cautious approach and allow him adequate recovery time before returning to competitive cricket. As a result RCB may rely on other pace options in their squad during the opening matches. Although the team still possesses a strong lineup Hazlewood’s absence could reduce the bowling attack’s effectiveness during the early phase of the tournament.
Cummins’ fitness raises leadership questions for SRH
Sunrisers Hyderabad are also facing uncertainty because of the injury to their captain Pat Cummins. The Australian all-rounder is recovering from a back injury and may miss the initial matches of the season. Cummins is not only one of the leading fast bowlers in international cricket but also a strategic leader for the team. If he remains unavailable SRH might need to appoint a temporary captain for the opening games. Reports indicate that wicketkeeper batter Ishan Kishan could be considered as a potential candidate for the role. Kishan recently gained leadership experience after guiding Jharkhand to the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy title which strengthened his reputation as a capable leader. The absence of Cummins could influence SRH’s bowling strength as well as tactical decisions on the field because he often leads the team from the front with both bat and ball.
Australian players prioritising international schedule
Another factor affecting the availability of Australian players in IPL 2026 is the national team’s international commitments. Cricket Australia has made it clear that international assignments will remain the top priority for its players. Australia is scheduled to play major series against South Africa India and England in the coming months as preparation for upcoming global tournaments including the ICC Cricket World Cup 2027. Because of this packed calendar the management is being extremely careful about the fitness of key players such as Hazlewood and Cummins. Both players had also missed international matches earlier due to injuries which makes their recovery even more important. For IPL franchises the fitness of overseas players is crucial because many teams rely heavily on international stars to strengthen their squads. When such players are unavailable teams must adjust their strategies and combinations quickly. Despite these early concerns both RCB and SRH remain optimistic about their chances in IPL 2026. The league is known for its unpredictability and teams often overcome early setbacks as the tournament progresses. Fans are eagerly waiting for the season opener and also hoping to see Hazlewood and Cummins return to action soon.
