RCB and SRH’s tension may increase before IPL 2026, the sword hangs over the fitness of Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins.

By Samira Vishwas On Mar 13, 2026

Before the start of IPL 2026, the tension between Royal Challengers Bangalore and Sunrisers Hyderabad may increase. A big question has arisen regarding the fitness of important Australian fast bowlers Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins of both the teams. In such a situation, this can become a big concern for both the teams before the start of the tournament.

Indian Premier League 2026 is going to start from March 28 and fans are eagerly waiting for this mega tournament. This time Royal Challengers Bangalore will enter the field as defending champions. RCB will play its first match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, which will also be the opening match of the season.

However, before the start of the tournament, a big concern has emerged for RCB. There is still suspense over the availability of the team’s experienced Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood. Hazlewood has been out of the field for a long time due to injury and could not play for Australia in the Ashes Test series and ICC T20 World Cup.

According to media reports, Hazlewood is currently recovering under the supervision of physio and there is no clear situation regarding his return yet. If he is not able to be fully fit by the start of IPL, it could prove to be a big blow for RCB.

It is noteworthy that Hazlewood played an important role in RCB winning the title in IPL 2025. He took 22 wickets in 12 matches at an excellent average of 17.55 and in the final too, he changed the course of the match by giving early blows to the Punjab Kings batting.

On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad is also no less worried. The situation regarding the fitness of team captain and main fast bowler Pat Cummins is also not completely clear. Cummins was also out of the Ashes Test Series 2025 and T20 World Cup due to injury, which has raised questions over his availability.

Last season, Cummins took 16 wickets in 14 matches for Hyderabad and played an important role with the ball as well as captaincy. In such a situation, if he is not able to be fit by the beginning of the tournament, then Sunrisers Hyderabad may also suffer a big blow.