RCB star Josh Hazlewood arrives in Bengaluru ahead of IPL 2026 opener

Just before the beginning of the IPL 2026, the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have got some good news, as the Australian right-arm pacer Josh Hazlewood has joined the team. As he played a huge role in the franchise winning their first trophy in the IPL 2025, his presence has lifted the confidence of the franchise ahead of the season. 

The 35-year-old right-arm pacer Josh Hazlewood is currently recovering from a chronic Achilles injury. He missed out on the recently completed ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2026 after sustaining an injury during the tournament warm-up. Earlier in the season, Hazlewood missed the entire home Ashes series due to a hamstring injury. 

Hazlewood hasn't played any competitive match after the first-class game for New South Wales in early November. Now, the right-arm pacer is focusing on returning to the game by regaining his match fitness.

See Also: Big blow for defending champions RCB: Key overseas player doubtful for IPL 2026

Will Josh Hazlewood play IPL 2026 opener?

Just like tradition, the IPL 2026 is ready to start with the home fixture of the defending champions. IPL 2026 will begin with the match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and SunRisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru on Saturday evening (March 28). While Josh Hazlewood has just joined the team, there is a big question whether he will be available for the season opener or not.

Unfortunately, there isn't very good news for the RCB fans. Hazlewood is unlikely to be available for the selection for their tournament opener. Just like the previous reports, the Australian pacer is working to regain his match fitness, as he will miss a few early games of the season. The earlier media reports claimed that the Aussie pacer would miss at least the team's first two matches of the season, and the status hasn't changed yet. 

Why is Josh Hazlewood so important for RCB?

While RCB won their first trophy in the IPL 2025 after winning the Final against Punjab Kings by six runs, Hazlewood played an important role for his team. The right-arm pacer finished that season as the joint third leading wicket-taker with 22 wickets in just 12 games, as he was the leading wicket-taker for his team in that season. 

Hazlewood joined the team through the IPL 2025 auction, where RCB won the bid for INR 12.50 crore. Without any doubt, the franchise has retained him for the new season, as he is the leader in the pace bowling line-up. Apart from him and the Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, the RCB pace bowline hasn't much experience, which makes the Aussie pacer more important for the franchise. 

Fans excited after Josh Hazlewood joined RCB for IPL 2026

As Hazlewood has landed in Bengaluru, the RCB fans are excited with the news. It is massive news for them, especially when the reports made him doubtful for the season. Although Hazlewood isn't completely match-ready, the fans have a strong belief in seeing the Aussie pacer at the right time of the season.