IPL 2026: Josh Hazlewood, Venkatesh Iyer’s availability revealed hours before RCB vs CSK clash

The stage is all set for the clash of titans this evening at the M. Chidambaram Stadium as the defending champion Royal Challengers Bengaluru will take on the Chennai Super Kings (RCB vs CSK) today. Ahead of the crucial match, the mist continues to remain around RCB's apex pacer Josh Hazlewood. Will he play against CSK tonight? 

Josh Hazlewood missed the opener of the IPL 2026, when RCB was up against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. The Australian pacer missed multiple high-profile matches including the T20 World Cup 2026 because of Achilles and hamstring injuries, which he received in 2025. Because of the seriousness of the injury, 

Latest update on Josh Hazlewood and Venkatesh Iyer ahead of the big match

Cricket Australia (CA) did not want to take any step in a hurry. The board's main priority was to protect one of their top talents. The same can be said about the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Cricket Australia and RCB are both aware of the importance of the pacer. Behind the franchise's maiden trophy win, Hazlewood was an instrumental figure. The experienced pacer led the bowling line-up from the front effectively. 

In the ongoing season, RCB has to accomplish a very stiff job— protecting the hard-earned title. For that, they will need the service of Josh Hazlewood. But, when will he be able to play in the IPL 2026 season? The question remains among the fans across social media platforms. 

Ahead of the CSK vs RCB match, the fans in Red and Black received some good news about their star seamer. The Aussie quick bowled in the net session ahead of the game. He was spotted bowling in the nets alongside the team's new prospect Abhinandan Singh. After delivering a few balls in a short run-up, Hazlewood went back in his well-known rhythmic bowling action. He looked fit and ready to thrive on the field again.

Read More: IPL 2026, Match 10 - SRH vs LSG: Toss Update and Playing XI

From RCB's side, there is no official statement about the availability of their pacer. He might be fit, but the team could try to preserve their prime bowler for the crucial moments. The 2026 Indian Premier League is still at its initial stage with a lot of matches yet to be played. Jacob Duffy, the New Zealand paceman bowled well in his IPL debut for RCB against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. It is believed that RCB could keep Hazlewood on the bench even for today's match and allow Duffy to lead the bowling attack. 

RCB's victory against the SRH came convincingly, so, expecting a lot of changes in the playing XI may be wrong. Like the previous game, Devdutt Padikkal is likely to play as an impact player against the Chennai Super Kings with Virat Kohli at the top of the batting order. Doubts remain over Venkatesh Iyer who joined RCB from the Kolkata Knight Riders ahead of the IPL 2026 season. If the RCB team management keeps the playing combination mostly untouched, then Iyer's chances of featuring in today's fixture will be slim.