The IPL 2026 is only a couple of weeks away, but it looks like, RCB has a few problems at hand. For starters, their home venue, M Chinnaswamy Stadium has been named in the IPL schedule, but it is still subject to clearance. On top of it, their main pacer Josh Hazlewood has fitness concerns still.
As per a report in Hindustan Times, the Aussie pacer is still in rehab and his participation only depends on fitness clearance. In a span of 3-4 seasons, Hazlewood has become their main bowler – picking up 45 wickets in 27 matches only at an average of 18. Similarly, the status of SRH skipper Pat Cummins is unknown, who had missed the entire Ashes also.
Indian players to join IPL camps on March 16
On the other hand, after winning the T20 World Cup, the Indian players are expected to join their respective teams by March 16, as per RevSportz journalist Rohit Juglan. All the teams started their prep in JAN/FEB itself, while the full camp will be held once these players join the teams too.
But the problem arises with the overseas players — especially from West Indies and South Africa, who were stranded in India for a longish time, due to the suspension & cancellation of flights, due to the entire conflict in West Asia.
The IPL 2026 is slated to begin on March 28, with only a 20-match schedule announced till now. The remaining schedule will be announced, once the election dates for three states in India are revealed. The opening match will be between RCB and SRH though, in Bengaluru.
