Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are gearing up to defend their Indian Premier League (IPL) title in the 2026 season, entering as the reigning champions. The Bengaluru-based franchise, affectionately known as the Red Army, achieved a monumental victory in the previous year’s final against the Punjab Kings, finally breaking an 18-year championship drought.
A Look Back at the 2025 Triumph
The road to glory in 2025 was paved with exceptional batting performances, complemented by crucial support from the bowling unit. Among the standout performers, Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood proved to be a linchpin for RCB. His consistent and impactful contributions were vital to the team’s success.
Hazlewood finished the 2025 IPL season as the third-highest wicket-taker, an impressive feat achieved in just 12 matches where he snared 22 wickets. The stark difference in RCB’s bowling attack when Hazlewood was on the field versus when he was sidelined was evident. His presence instilled sharpness and confidence, while his absence often saw the bowling unit struggle to exert pressure on opposition batsmen.
A Pre-Season Scare for Hazlewood
The RCB camp received a significant blow just prior to the commencement of the IPL 2026 season with news of Josh Hazlewood sustaining an injury. While the veteran Australian fast bowler has joined the team, he will be unavailable for the tournament opener.
During a pre-match training session on Friday, Hazlewood was observed participating in light drills aimed at alleviating body stiffness. In a moment that sent a ripple of concern through the dugout, a powerful shot from batter Devdutt Padikkal narrowly missed Hazlewood, whistling past him by a whisker.
Given the 35-year-old paceman was already managing an existing injury, a direct impact from such a forceful shot could have jeopardized his entire IPL 2026 campaign. While Padikkal’s shot was executed with impeccable timing, the prompt presence of the team physio undoubtedly provided a crucial layer of protection for the bowler.
Hazlewood’s Injury Woes and Past Struggles
The current training data extends up to October 2023, painting a picture of Hazlewood’s challenging recent past. The 2022 season proved to be particularly difficult for the tall Australian fast bowler, as a series of injuries significantly hampered his availability and performance. This injury-plagued period saw him miss out on crucial international engagements, including The Ashes and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2026. The experienced RCB pacer battled through two distinct medical issues: hamstring injuries and damage to his Achilles tendon.
Concerns for the Opener
The RCB team had initially earmarked Hazlewood to lead their bowling attack in the IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, his recovery process has unfortunately taken longer than anticipated, leading to growing concerns within the franchise regarding his readiness to play.
Hazlewood’s importance to RCB cannot be overstated. Last season, he not only spearheaded their bowling attack but also ranked among the top performers across the entire league. His absence from the lineup represents a significant loss of critical capabilities for the team. To maintain their championship aspirations, RCB desperately needs Hazlewood to regain full fitness. He is currently undergoing intensive rehabilitation treatment to aid his recovery.
Batting Department Dynamics
In other team news, Devdutt Padikkal showcased his exceptional batting prowess during his tenure with RCB in the previous year. He silenced his critics by accumulating valuable runs for the team, scoring 247 runs in 10 matches with an outstanding strike rate of 150.61.
However, the arrival of Venkatesh Iyer from Madhya Pradesh, coupled with his established track record with the Kolkata Knight Riders, is set to create significant competition for the number three batting position. RCB had long expressed interest in Venkatesh and finally secured his services in the mini-auction for a substantial sum of 7 crores.
Both Padikkal and Venkatesh typically bat at the number three position. Given the considerable investment made in Venkatesh, the team is likely to prioritise his inclusion in the playing XI. This strategic decision could potentially see Devdutt Padikkal miss out on a starting spot in some matches.
