Will Josh Hazlewood play his first match against SRH? Coach Andy Flower gave a direct answer

By Samira Vishwas On Mar 30, 2026

There is less than 24 hours left for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 to start. The first match is to be played between Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and before this match, RCB fans want to know whether fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will be seen playing in this match or not. Before this match, RCB head coach Andy Flower himself has answered this question.

Flower clearly told that he will not play in the match against Hyderabad but he will soon be seen making a comeback in IPL 2026. Hazlewood has not played any international cricket since October 2025 and the injury ruled him out of the Ashes Test and T20 World Cup 2026. Cricket Australia had said that Hazlewood, along with Pat Cummins and Mitchell Starc, will miss the first few matches of the IPL 2026 season.

However, after this the fast bowler joined the RCB team on 26 March and started training with the team. Hazlewood was seen taking part in light drills with the team but speaking at the press conference ahead of the first match of IPL 2026, Flower made it clear that Hazlewood will not be ready for the match against SRH, but his fitness is being closely monitored.

Flower said, “Hazelwood just arrived yesterday and he looks fit. It’s great to see him back in the dressing room and joining our meetings again. He won’t be ready for tomorrow’s match because he has just arrived, but we will keep a close eye on his fitness and we are hopeful that he will return to the IPL soon.”

Let us tell you that Hazlewood has taken 22 wickets in 12 matches for RCB at an average of 17.55 and last season Hazlewood had made an important contribution in making RCB the champion, so this time also his role is going to be very important.