Royal Challengers Bangalore of IPL 2026 The preparations have suffered a setback as the star finisher Tim David Once again battling a hamstring injury, which has kept him out of action Big Bash League (BBL) Has been ruled out of the season. The Australian all-rounder, who was retained by RCB after impressive performances in IPL 2025, retired on 26 December 2025. Hobart Hurricanes Of Perth Scorchers He suffered a Grade 2 strain in his right hamstring during the match against Australia, forcing him to retire due to injury after scoring 42 runs from 28 balls.
This is his second such setback in 2025, following a similar problem during IPL 2025 that kept him out of two months and RCB’s crucial playoff matches. While the recovery timeline suggests a 4-6 week rehabilitation period for a standard Grade 2 stretch—which could potentially coincide with the T20 World Cup in early 2026—complications could extend this to 12 weeks, raising questions over his IPL availability which begins in late March. Franchise scouts are looking for versatile all-rounders who reflect their skill set—big-hitting batsmen with bowling utility—to fill the team’s needs such as backup to overseas fast bowlers.
IPL 2026: 3 possible options for injured Tim David
- Michael Bracewell
New Zealand K allrounder Michael Bracewell Emerging as a comfortable option, he has already scored 58 runs in five IPL matches for RCB, including six wickets at a brisk strike rate of 123.40 and an economy of 8.63. In 44 T20 matches, he has 458 runs, with a highest score of 61, along with 20 wickets at an average of 17.85, highlighting his left-arm strength and delicate off-spin. Recent Vitality Blast performance (91 runs, seven wickets) and Major League Cricket (241 runs at 128.19 SR) reflect his death over ability, making him ideal for RCB’s demands on Chinnaswamy.
Bracewell’s prior RCB stint minimizes the adaptation risk, and his international experience (T20Is vs India, Sri Lanka) gives him a tactical edge. At an estimated base price of less than Rs 2 crore, he provides value to RCB’s budget, potentially helping fill overseas slots without spending much.
- vian mulder
South Africa Of vian mulder Kachhi brings raw T20 aggression, having scored 646 runs in 33 SA20 matches at a strike rate of 137.15, including three half-centuries and 10 wickets. His Vitality Blast record (546 runs at 131.25 SR, 12 wickets) shows consistency, while a brief IPL performance with SRH (9 runs) indicates untapped potential in the franchise format. Mulder’s right-handed batting matches David’s finisher mould, and his medium-pace bowling (T20 economy around 9) provides balance, especially on the rotating Indian pitches.
With limited experience in IPL 2026, Mulder could be a cheap overseas buy, allowing RCB to retain slots for backup fast bowlers like Josh Hazlewood. His explosiveness of SA20 (26 sixes) is suitable for high-scoring positions, making him a high-potential option if David misses out.
- Mahipal Lomror
Indian all-rounder Mahipal Lomror Providing an economical, uncapped domestic solution, he has scored 527 runs at a strike rate of 141.28 in 40 IPL matches across RR and RCB teams, including a highest score of 54* and 30 sixes. His left-arm spin (an IPL wicket) adds variety, although batting remains his strength—in the recent domestic T20s where he has excelled as a middle-order pacer. Lomror’s retention history with RR and brief experience at RCB makes him a low-risk, high-reward option for India’s depth needs.
As an economical option (probably less than Rs 1 crore), Lomror frees up the budget for the stars while putting sixes in Chinnaswamy. His abilities playing with both hands echo David’s utility, ensuring RCB remains competitive even if the Australian misses IPL 2026.
Comments are closed.