“Hazlewood arrived yesterday. He is looking fit,” said Andy Flower, the head coach of Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), as the team gears up for the IPL 2026 season. This statement marks a significant moment for RCB, as they welcome back Josh Hazlewood, who has been sidelined due to hamstring and Achilles injuries.
Hazlewood, a pivotal player for RCB, was retained by the team despite missing crucial tournaments, including The Ashes 2025-26 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. His last appearance in international cricket was in October 2025, making his return to the IPL highly anticipated.
In the previous season, Hazlewood showcased his talent by taking 22 wickets in just 12 matches, with an impressive average of 17.55 and an economy rate of 8.77. His contributions were instrumental in RCB securing their maiden title in IPL 2025.
As RCB prepares for their opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru, the team is optimistic about their chances. Captain Rajat Patidar expressed confidence, stating, “We are not defending anything, we will win in IPL 2026 as well.” This sentiment reflects the team’s determination to build on their previous success.
In the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Jacob Duffy made an impressive debut, taking three wickets in his first three overs, further solidifying RCB’s bowling lineup. Duffy, who joined RCB for a base price of 2 crore, is expected to play a crucial role alongside Hazlewood.
RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first, a decision that aligns with their strategic approach to the game. Ishan Kishan, a key player, emphasized the importance of trusting their instincts, stating, “We want to back our instincts.” This philosophy will be vital as they face off against a competitive Sunrisers Hyderabad team.
As the IPL 2026 season unfolds, the return of Josh Hazlewood is seen as a significant boost for RCB. His experience and skill will be crucial as the team aims to defend their title and continue their winning momentum.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Hazlewood’s full recovery timeline, but his presence in the dressing room and team meetings is already making a positive impact.
