Hazlewood: Bengaluru Welcomes Josh Back to RCB
“Hazlewood arrived yesterday. He is looking fit,” shared RCB’s head coach Andy Flower, reflecting the excitement surrounding Josh Hazlewood’s return to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) for the IPL 2026 season.
After a challenging period of rehabilitation from hamstring and Achilles injuries, Hazlewood’s presence is a welcome boost for the team. He last played international cricket in October 2025, missing significant tournaments like The Ashes 2025-26 and the ICC T20 World Cup 2026.
RCB, fresh off their maiden title win in IPL 2025, is eager to build on their success. Captain Rajat Patidar expressed confidence, stating, “We are not defending anything, we will win in IPL 2026 as well.” This sentiment resonates with the team as they prepare to face the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in their opening match at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
In the match, RCB won the toss and opted to bowl first, showcasing their strategic approach. Jacob Duffy made an impressive debut, taking three wickets in his first three overs, setting a strong tone for the match.
Hazlewood’s statistics from IPL 2025 highlight his potential impact on the team. He took 22 wickets in just 12 matches, boasting an impressive average of 17.55 and an economy rate of 8.77. His return could be pivotal in maintaining RCB’s competitive edge.
“It is great to have him here in our dressing room and in the meetings,” Flower added, emphasizing the positive influence Hazlewood brings to the squad.
As the team gears up for the season, Ishan Kishan remarked, “We want to back our instincts,” indicating a focus on aggressive gameplay and teamwork.
With Hazlewood back in action, RCB fans are hopeful for another thrilling season. The atmosphere at the stadium is expected to be electric as they kick off their campaign against SRH.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding Hazlewood’s full recovery timeline, but his initial fitness is encouraging. The community looks forward to seeing him back on the field, contributing to RCB’s aspirations in IPL 2026.
