Josh Hazlewood, the Australian fast bowler, has formally joined the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) team ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season.
The Bengaluru-based franchise verified the news on their social media accounts. Given his background and accomplishments in both local and international cricket, Hazlewood`s acquisition is thought to significantly improve RCB`s bowling attack.
The Myth. The Legend. The 𝗛𝗮𝘇𝗹𝗲𝗚𝗢𝗗. 🙇♂️
Back in Red, Blue, and Gold. Back to BLR. Just where he truly belongs. 🏠🔥
Bengaluru, our ⭐️ has returned. ❤️🔥#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB #IPL2026 pic.twitter.com/hgoBrGboJq
— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) March 26, 2026
However, due to the Australian`s ongoing recuperation from hamstring and Achilles problems, the reigning champions RCB will be without their standout bowler at the beginning of the competition.
Hazlewood missed last year`s Ashes series at home and was also injured for the T20 World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka. The Aussie pacer`s fitness is a concern.
Josh Hazlewood had a standout season in IPL 2025, playing a big role in RCB winning their maiden title. Despite missing several games due to a shoulder injury, he finished as the team`s leading wicket-taker. In the first qualifier, Hazlewood showed his brilliance with the figure of 3/21. Again in the final, the Aussie was at his best, getting crucial wickets and executing yorkers at the death.
BCCI release the full schedule for IPL 2026
In the meantime, the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 second phase schedule was released on Thursday by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI).
The BCCI affirmed that the playoff locations will be revealed at a later time.
The remaining 50 games of the league round will take place in 12 locations throughout India between April 13 and May 24.
An official announcement from the IPL website states that games in the second round will take place in Bengaluru, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Delhi, Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Lucknow, Jaipur, Dharamsala, Raipur, and New Chandigarh.
The schedule for IPL 2026`s first phase was previously released by the BCCI.
At Bengaluru`s M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will meet Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in the tournament`s opening match on March 28.
The IPL`s initial phase will feature 20 games spread over 10 sites. The venues for the first phase will be Bengaluru, Mumbai, Guwahati, New Chandigarh, Lucknow, Kolkata, Chennai, Delhi, Ahmedabad, and Hyderabad.
(With ANI Input)
