Shock to RCB: After Yash Dayal, another pacer out of action? Failed in fitness test – Haribhoomi

Just before the start of IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bangalore suffered a big blow. Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara failed the fitness test, due to which he has not received the required No-Objection Certificate (NOC) to play in the tournament. This has raised questions about his availability in the initial matches.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) CEO Ashley de Silva has confirmed this. According to him, Thushara failed to score only 17 marks out of the prescribed 29 marks in the fitness test. This test is based on five different parameters and it is mandatory for the players to pass it.

Nuwan Thushara failed in fitness test.
This will have a direct impact on RCB’s campaign. Thushara will now be unable to play at least in the team’s first match, where Bengaluru will face Sunrisers Hyderabad. Apart from this, it is considered difficult for him to play in the second match against Chennai Super Kings on 5th April.

However, it is a matter of relief for Thushara that she will get a chance to give the fitness test again, but for this she will have to wait for 4-5 days. If he is not able to pass the test next time too, it may be difficult for him to play in any representative cricket in the future.

Yash Dayal is already out
This blow is even bigger for RCB because the team has already lost its bowler Yash Dayal, while the picture is not clear regarding the availability of Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood.

At the same time, other Sri Lankan players are also struggling with fitness and injury problems. Mathisha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga have not been able to give the fitness test yet. Pathirana, who was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 18 crore, may miss the initial matches and is likely to join the team by mid-April. He is currently recovering from the injury.

On the other hand, Hasaranga, who is part of Lucknow Super Giants, is troubled by a hamstring injury and has also not given the fitness test yet.

Overall, the fitness of players is becoming a big concern for teams ahead of IPL 2026. Thushara’s absence may affect the strategy in the initial matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore.