Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to compete against Rajasthan Royals in the 15th match of IPL 2026 today at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium in Guwahati. However, Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is unlikely to be part of the playing XI for this match. Hazlewood has yet to make an appearance for the defending champions this season, marking the third consecutive match he has missed.
After joining the team shortly before the start of IPL 2026, Hazlewood is still on the mend from injuries sustained earlier this year. He initially suffered a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the opening Ashes Test against England. While recuperating, he sustained an Achilles injury, which caused him to miss the remainder of the series and the subsequent T20 World Cup, which India won last month.
Although there were hopes for his timely recovery in order to participate in the IPL, Hazlewood has not regained full fitness and remains absent from the playing XI for RCB. Nonetheless, he is traveling with the team and is anticipated to return to action sooner rather than later.
Further updates will follow.
