How many matches will Josh Hazlewood miss in IPL 2026?

The recent news about Josh Hazlewood's return to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is one of the most talked-about subjects right now. However, despite the uncertainty regarding the status of his availability, we already know that he will not be playing a full season of IPL cricket. The Australian fast bowler is currently recovering from injuries he sustained last year and is in the process of rehabilitation back to peak performance. The management will look to be careful with his inclusion in the starting XI during the early part of the tournament.

IP 2026 officially kicks off on March 28 with the defending champion RCB opening against Sunrisers Hyderabad. However, it is likely that Hazlewood will not play in the first two matches of IPL 2026 according to a report on Cricbuzz. If that is true, this could cause issues with RCB’s current bowling combination as they will have to try to fill that void until Hazlewood gets back into match shape for selection.

Josh Hazlewood to miss opening matches of IPL 2026 as RCB pace spearhead fails fitness test

There is ongoing speculation about how many matches Josh Hazlewood will miss during IPL 2026. Cricbuzz has reported that Hazlewood will be out for the first two games of the year, missing some important games at home against Sunrisers Hyderabad and Chennai Super Kings, but there is no firm timetable and the franchise will be painstakingly monitoring his recovery before adding him back to the playing XI.

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Hindustan Times provided a later update stating that Hazlewood may be back in the squad for the April 12 game against Mumbai Indians at Wankhede Stadium. If that happens, he would miss three games, including an April 10 game against Rajasthan Royals, in Guwahati. However, those are tentative and contingent on Hazlewood’s rehab progress. Cricket Australia will also have a major say and ensure he is back at full fitness before he is available, which means there is a possibility Hazlewood's absence will be extended if he has any setbacks.

What are possible options ahead of RCB in Hazlewood's absense?

The 2025 champions have two international pace bowlers, Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy, to cover the absence of Josh Hazlewood. Of the two players, Duffy will be more likely to fill Hazlewood’s role given that he has similar bowling characteristics and types of deliveries. Duffy regularly makes use of hard length and is also able to produce swing with the new ball, making him a good candidate to bowl at the top of the order (this was the role that Hazlewood filled last year when he made important wickets early in games and put pressure on the batting team).

RCB’ first two games will take place at their home ground where there is not a lot of support for bowlers to bowl. In that type of situation Duffy’s ability to consistently bowl to the body, with hard lengths, could be important. Thushara’s pace and skiddy action could also prove difficult for bowlers to control; both types of bowler could be at risk on flat pitches. If selected, Duffy can also take on the extra responsibility of bowling in the middle overs to provide RCB with added flexibility. In addition, the left-arm angles of Yash Dayal, combined with his variations, will complement the RCB attack nicely.

Check full IPL 2026 schedule and venues for RCB