Right now, the latest Josh Hazlewood injury update suggest things are not clear for him and IPL 2026. He is not fully ruled out, but he is also not ready to play. For Royal Challengers Bengaluru fans, the main update is simple. He will miss the start of the season, including the opening match. What happens after that is still uncertain.
His problems began in November 2025. While playing domestic cricket, he suffered a right hamstring injury. Because of this, he missed the start of the Ashes. While recovering from that, things got worse. He then had issues with his Achilles or calf. This stopped him from building his fitness again.
Because of these back-to-back problems, he missed the full Ashes series and also the 2026 T20 World Cup. His last match was back in October–November 2025. Since then, he has not played any competitive cricket.
As of mid-March 2026, Hazlewood is still recovering. He is working with physios and following a rehab program. He has not yet been cleared by the medical team of Cricket Australia. Until that clearance comes, he cannot play. Latest updates say he will not be fit in time for the first few matches of IPL 2026. So RCB will start the season without him.
Reports say that once he gets fitness clearance, he is expected to travel and join the RCB squad. That means he could still play some matches later in the tournament. But right now, it is a wait-and-watch situation. No fixed date, no clear return timeline. Everything depends on how fast he recovers and when he gets approval to play.
Josh Hazlewood Injury Update: Impact on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
For Royal Challengers Bengaluru, the absence of Josh Hazlewood is a big problem, even if it is only for the first few matches.
Last season, he was one of the main reasons they won the title. He was their top wicket-taker in IPL 2025, picking up 22 wickets in just 12 matches. He was used in important moments, both at the start with the new ball and at the end of the innings. That control made a huge difference in tight games.
Now, without him at the start of IPL 2026, RCB lose that stability in their bowling. RCB will have to adjust quickly. They need to change their bowling plans and find someone to fill his role for now. If Hazlewood takes more time to recover, RCB might need to bring in a replacement.
Hazlewood is 35 years old and has not played since November 2025. He had a hamstring injury first, then issues with his Achilles or calf. Because of this, he missed major tournaments like the Ashes and the T20 World Cup.
At the moment, he is still under care of Cricket Australia medical staff and waiting for fitness clearance. He will miss the first match on March 28 against Sunrisers Hyderabad. There is still a chance he can play later in IPL 2026, but nothing is confirmed yet.
Josh Hazlewood’s IPL 2025 Campaign
When Josh Hazlewood came back for IPL 2025, he came in with a point to prove. He had missed the 2024 season, but in 2025, he became the main man in the bowling attack for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
He played 12 matches and took 22 wickets, the highest for RCB that season. One of his best performances came against Rajasthan Royals. He finished with 4/33 and controlled the last overs. His final two overs went for just 7 runs. That spell helped RCB win the match by 11 runs.
In Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings, Hazlewood took 3 wickets for 21 runs in just over 3 overs. He removed players like Josh Inglis and Shreyas Iyer early. Punjab collapsed for just 101, and RCB moved into the final. Then came the final, again against Punjab Kings.
Captain Virat Kohli gave the ball to Hazlewood. That showed how much trust he had in him. Even though he gave some runs later, the job was done. RCB won by 6 runs. That is why he was one of the main reasons Royal Challengers Bengaluru finally became IPL champions.
FAQs
Q. What is the latest Josh Hazlewood injury update?
A. Josh Hazlewood is still not fully fit. He is recovering and has not been cleared to play yet.
Q. Will Josh Hazlewood play later in IPL 2026?
A. Josh Hazlewood might play later if he gets fit, but right now there is no clear date, so it is still uncertain.
Q. How did Josh Hazlewood perform in IPL 2025?
A. Josh Hazlewood played 12 matches and took 22 wickets, helping them win the title.
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