Big Blow for IPL Teams: Hazlewood & Cummins Unlikely for Initial IPL 2026 Fixtures

Huge injury blows for the IPL 2026 opener. Defending champions RCB will likely be without their pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood, while SRH faces a captaincy crisis with Pat Cummins sidelined. Hazlewood’s elite bowling and Cummins’ leadership are massive losses for the March 28 clash. With both Australian stars recovering from long-term injuries, all eyes are now on Ishan Kishan to potentially lead the Orange Army.

Double Aussie Blow: Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins Set to Miss IPL 2026 Opener

The countdown to IPL 2026 has hit a major speed bump for two of the league's heavyweight franchises. In a shocking update just days before the first ball, Australian pace sensations Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are unlikely to feature in the early fixtures of the season.

Both superstars are currently sidelined with lingering injuries and are awaiting final medical clearance from Cricket Australia. This leav

es a massive void in the lineups of the defending champions and the 2024 finalists as they prepare for their high-stakes opening clash on March 28.

The Backbone of the Defense: Josh Hazlewood (RCB)

For the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), the absence of Josh Hazlewood is a structural nightmare. Hazlewood was the undisputed "MVP" of their bowling unit during the 2025 title-winning campaign, taking 22 wickets in just 12 matches.

Known for his relentless accuracy and ability to extract steep bounce, Hazlewood is the anchor of the RCB pace attack. Recovering from a persistent Achilles tendon issue and a hamstring strain, he is expected to miss at least the first two games against SRH and CSK. Without their "Silent Assassin," RCB will likely tur to New Zealand's Jacob Duffy or the slinger Nuwan Thushara to lead the charge at the Chinnaswamy.

The Captaincy Crisis: Pat Cummins (SRH)

On the other side of the fence, Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) are facing an even deeper dilemma. Pat Cummins, their inspirational captain and world-class all-rounder, is still rehabbing a lumbar stress injury.

Cummins isn't just a bowler for the "Orange Army"; he is the tactical brain who led them to the 2024 final and a vital lower-order batter who can change the game in an over. With Cummins sidelined for the opener, reports suggest that India's Ishan Kishan is the frontrunner to take over the captaincy, fresh off his domestic leadership success with Jharkhand.

Why Their Absence Changes the Game

• Powerplay Pressure: Both bowlers are masters of the first six overs. Their teams will now have to find new ways to stop explosive openers like Travis Head and Virat Kohli.
• Leadership Vacuum: SRH loses its primary strategist, while RCB loses the leader of their bowling group.
• Death Overs Drama: Hazlewood's specialized death bowling was key to RCB's 2025 trophy; filling those shoes will be the ultimate test for their bench strength.

As the BCCI prepares for a sold-out crowd in Bengaluru, the big question remains: Which team will adapt faster to the loss of their Australian icons?

Also Read: KSCA Gets Approval to Host IPL Matches at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium