With the tournament approaching quickly, various teams are closely monitoring the fitness of their players as the IPL prepares for another demanding season.
Various players are dealing with injury concerns, among them the most talked about are SRH captain Pat Cummins and RCB’s fast bowler Josh Hazlewood.
Hazlewood claimed 22 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 17.54 and an economy rate of 8.77, and helped them achieve their first title.
On the other hand, Pat Cummins played 72 IPL matches, taking 79 wickets. Across the last two seasons with SRH, he has picked up 34 wickets in 30 games.
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Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are not sure for the opening matches of IPL 2026. Both Australians are waiting for medical clearance.
In recent months, Hazlewood has been sidelined by injuries. He last played in November 2025 for New South Wales and missed both the Ashes series and the T20 World Cup 2026.
According to Hindustan Times, Cummins and Hazlewood could miss the opening few matches of IPL 2026 for SRH and RCB, respectively. However, both players are expected to feature at some point in the tournament if they get their fitness back.
There is no official confirmation from either franchise about the availability of both players.
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Who can replace Cummins and Hazlewood?
If Hazelwood misses the starting matches of the season, then there are high possibilities that New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy or Sri Lanka’s Nuwan Thusara could take on a bigger role in RCB’s pace attack during the early phase of the IPL 2026.
SRH can go for England’s Brydon Carse and Sri Lanka pacer Eshan Malinga, who are among the bowlers who can step into playing X1 if Cummins is not there.
Talking more about SRH, their leadership could also be affected because Pat Cummins used to lead SRH. According to the reports, Ishan Kishan is set to lead the team if Cummins is not fit in time.
Fans are hoping that their key players gain their fitness fast for the opening match on March 28, 2026, with RCB taking on SRH at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.