Former Australian captain Michael Clarke has made a significant comment regarding Josh Hazlewood’s availability for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) ahead of IPL 2026. The tournament is set to begin on March 28.
Unfortunately for RCB, Josh Hazlewood will miss the initial phase of the competition due to rehab. After a lengthy period away from the game due to injury, his return remains uncertain, which could be a major concern for the franchise heading into the season.
However, Clarke believes that even if Hazlewood isn’t fit for the entire IPL campaign, it wouldn’t be a major setback if he could return during the later stages of the league. Having him available at the business end of the competition could still provide a major boost for RCB.
“Josh Hazlewood is a crucial player. It seems like he’s still not fully recovered, which could be a decisive factor. If he’s fit for the IPL, I don’t think he needs to be available for the whole duration. If they can get him ready for the later stages, and if he’s bowling at his best, I believe he could be a game-changer. For RCB, I think they’ll feel very confident in what they’ve achieved, but Josh is a key player for them,” he shared on the Beyond23 Cricket Podcast.
Hazlewood played a key part in RCB’s historic IPL title in 2025, taking 22 wickets in 12 matches at a fantastic average of 17.54 and an economy rate of 8.77.
Meanwhile, Australian cricketer Peter Hatzoglou stressed that consistency in a franchise extends beyond just the players. He highlighted that a strong foundation of consistent coaches and staff is also essential. Hatzoglou believes RCB now has the right level of consistency across all aspects, which could be vital for their future success in the IPL.
“Consistency, along with having a stable core, plays a major role. It’s not just about the players and coaches, but also the support staff around the team that matters in building a successful squad. Josh Hazlewood has been a standout performer for RCB, and with that consistency running through the entire organization, it creates a strong foundation for success,” he said.
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