Will Josh Hazlewood Play: The defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have started off their title defense in IPL 2026 in a spectacular fashion with two emphatic victories at their home ground, M. Chinnaswamy Stadium. What makes these twin victories even more impressive is that they have done it without their spearhead pacer, Josh Hazlewood.
The Rajat Patidar-captained side first hammered Sunrisers Hyderabad by six wickets in the season opener before completely outplaying Chennai Super Kings, thumping Ruturaj Gaikwad’s team by 43 runs.
RCB will now play their first match away from home, and they have the table-toppers in their sight.
When is RCB’s next match?
The next RCB match in IPL 2026 is on Friday against Rajasthan Royals in Guwahati at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium.
While RR are currently at the top of the points table, with three wins in three matches, RCB will displace RR from the top spot if they win on Friday, as they have a better net run rate heading into this clash.
As RCB prepare to play their third IPL 2026 match, the team management and the franchise’s fans are eagerly awaiting the return of Hazlewood to the playing XI. The question lingers, though, whether the lanky Australian will feature in Friday night’s fixture.
RR vs RCB: Will Josh Hazlewood Play In RCB’s Next Match Against Rajasthan Royals?
At this moment, it seems Hazlewood will likely miss RCB’s third match, against RR, as well.
Hazlewood has been bowling at full tilt in the practice sessions over the past week. Videos of the seamer bowling in the nets have flooded social media. However, there has been no clear update from the RCB camp on Hazlewood’s fitness, as he is on the road to recovery. Given that RCB have won both their matches so far, and Hazlewood’s replacement, Jacob Duffy, has been terrific, it is unlikely that RCB will rush Hazlewood back.
Duffy has not let RCB miss Hazlewood, especially with his menacing lines and lengths with the new ball. The New Zealand quick has claimed five wickets in two outings at an average of 16. He bagged the Player of the Match award against SRH for his 3/22.
Get IPL 2026 Live Score, Team Updates, along with the Latest Player News at IceCric.News and Follow for Live Updates – Facebook & Instagram.
