What does the future hold for Josh Hazlewood as he prepares for IPL 2026? Currently, his participation is shrouded in uncertainty due to ongoing recovery from injuries.
Hazlewood has linked up with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad ahead of the IPL season, but he was notably absent from the practice session on March 26 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. This absence raises questions about his readiness for the upcoming matches.
Last season, Hazlewood was a pivotal player for RCB, claiming an impressive 22 wickets in just 12 games, contributing significantly to the team’s maiden IPL triumph. However, his recent struggles with hamstring and Achilles tendon injuries have kept him off the field, including missing the entire Ashes series and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
RCB’s Director of Cricket, Mo Bobat, acknowledged the situation, stating, “So, as most people would know, Josh has missed quite a bit of cricket recently with injuries.” He further mentioned that Hazlewood is currently working through a return to play programme in Australia.
The uncertainty surrounding Hazlewood’s fitness extends to RCB’s season opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28, where his participation remains unclear. Bobat confirmed, “As soon as he gets to a point where Cricket Australia are happy, he’ll come over.”
Several overseas players, including Hazlewood, are set to miss the start of IPL 2026 due to injuries, which adds to the challenges faced by RCB as they prepare for the season.
As Hazlewood continues his rehabilitation back home, he has not played any competitive cricket, leaving fans and the team eager for updates on his recovery. Details remain unconfirmed regarding his exact timeline for returning to play.
The cricketing world watches closely as Hazlewood navigates this critical phase in his career, hoping for a swift and successful return to the game he excels at.
