RCB head coach Andy Flower said that Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood is ready to make an entrance into IPL 2026 soon. Hazlewood hasn’t played international cricket since October 2025 and was ruled out of the Ashes Tests and the T20 World Cup 2026 after an injury.
Cricket Australia said that Hazlewood, along with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, would miss the initial few matches of the IPL 2026 campaign. However, the pacer joined the RCB squad on March 26 and started to train with the team. Hazlewood was seen taking part in light drills with the side.
Speaking at the press conference before the IPL 2026 opener, Flower said that Hazlewood does look fit and it was great to have him back around the dressing room.
The RCB coach said that Hazlewood won’t be ready for the SRH game but his fitness is being monitored closely.
“Hazlewood arrived yesterday and he’s looking fit. It’s great to have him back around the dressing room and involved in our meetings again. He won’t be ready for tomorrow because he’s just arrived, but we’ll monitor his fitness closely and we’re looking forward to him making his entrance into the IPL soon,” said Flower.
Hazlewood picked up 22 wickets in 12 matches for RCB at an average of 17.55.
‘HAPPY WITH INDIAN SEAMERS’
Apart from missing Hazlewood for the first few games, RCB will also not have Yash Dayal for the entire season due to personal reasons. They were able to rope in Mangesh Yadav and Abhinandan Singh during the auction and also have Rasikh Dar in their ranks along with Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Flower expressed his belief in the Indian seam contingent ahead of the new season and expects them to step up when the opportunity presents itself.
“We’re happy with the Indian seamers in the squad. Rasikh is a better bowler than he was last year, and he’s worked very hard on his game. We’re also pleased to have recruited Mangesh and we’ve been encouraged by Abhinandan’s progress recently. All three have qualities that put them in good shape if they get their opportunities in this tournament,” Flower said.
RCB will be facing SRH in their opening match of the campaign on March 28.
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