Josh Hazlewood's IPL 2026 Participation Uncertain as He Awaits Medical Clearance Josh Hazlewood remains under physiotherapy care, and his involvement in the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) with the Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is contingent upon receiving medical clearance. The Australian fast bowler’s participation in the tournament is now hanging by a thread, with his fitness status remaining unclear as of March 13, 2026. The update comes as the IPL 2026 season approaches, with teams finalizing their squads. Hazlewood, who has been a key player for RCB in previous seasons, is currently undergoing treatment for an injury that has limited his availability for team activities. While no specific details about the nature of the injury have been disclosed, sources indicate that the medical team is closely monitoring his progress. RCB’s management has not yet confirmed whether Hazlewood will be part of the squad for the upcoming tournament. A spokesperson for the franchise stated that the decision will be made once the medical team provides a definitive assessment. “We are in constant communication with Josh’s medical team and will make an announcement once we have clarity on his fitness,” the statement read. Hazlewood’s potential absence could impact RCB’s bowling attack, which has already faced challenges in retaining key players. The team’s management is reportedly exploring options to bolster their squad, including potential transfers or signings, should Hazlewood’s participation remain uncertain. The IPL 2026 is set to begin in April 2026, with the tournament featuring 10 teams across multiple cities in India. As teams finalize their rosters, the health of key players like Hazlewood will play a critical role in shaping their competitive outlook.#ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bangalore #josh_hazlewood #medical_clearance #fitness_status
Jitesh Sharma Reflects on T20 World Cup Snub and Time with Father Jitesh Sharma, the wicketkeeper-batter for Royal Challengers Bangalore, shared his thoughts ahead of IPL 2026, revealing that being left out of India’s T20 World Cup squad in 2026 was a difficult experience. Despite the disappointment, Sharma expressed no regrets, explaining that the decision allowed him to spend meaningful time with his father, who passed away in February. The emotional moment came as a bittersweet realization, as the absence from the international tournament coincided with his father’s final days. Sharma’s father, who was battling an illness, had been in critical condition since late January. The cricketer revealed that the opportunity to be with his family during those final moments was a profound experience. “It was a tough time, but being away from the team gave me the chance to be there for him,” Sharma said. He emphasized that the absence from the T20 World Cup squad was not a setback but a moment of personal significance. The decision to exclude Sharma from the squad sparked discussions among cricket fans and analysts. While some questioned the selection, Sharma remained focused on his preparation for IPL 2026. He acknowledged the pressure of the tournament but expressed confidence in his ability to contribute to his team. “I’ve learned to embrace challenges, and this situation taught me the value of family,” he added. Sharma’s story highlights the emotional complexities of sports careers, where personal milestones often intersect with professional commitments. His reflections underscore the importance of balancing athletic ambitions with familial responsibilities. As the IPL 2026 season approaches, Sharma’s focus remains on delivering performances that reflect his growth and resilience.#father #t20_world_cup #ipl_2026 #royal_challengers_bangalore #jitesh_sharma
IPL 2026 Predicted Playing XI and Impact Subs for Major Teams Following the player retention phase and mini-auction in Abu Dhabi, all ten franchises have finalized their squads for the upcoming IPL 2026 season. The tournament is set to begin on March 28, with teams focusing on strategic resource allocation to maximize their chances of success. A balanced playing XI and the selection of a key impact player are critical for each team’s performance. Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Sanju Samson, Ayush Mhatre, Ruturaj Gaikwad (captain), Kartik Sharma, Shivam Dube, Dewald Brevis, Prashant Veer, MS Dhoni (wicketkeeper), Nathan Ellis, Matt Henry/Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad. Impact substitute: Khaleel Ahmed. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Virat Kohli, Phil Salt, Venkatesh Iyer, Rajat Patidar (captain), Jitesh Sharma (wicketkeeper), Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Suyash Sharma, Josh Hazlewood. Impact substitute: Yash Dayal. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Tim Seifert/Finn Allen (wicketkeeper), Ajinkya Rahane (captain), Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rahul Tripathi/Anukul Roy, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Sunil Narine, Harshit Rana, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakravarthy. Impact substitute: Matheesha Pathirana. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Nicholas Pooran, Rishabh Pant (captain and wicketkeeper), Ayush Badoni, Abdul Samad, Wanindu Hasaranga, Shahbaz Ahmed, Avesh Khan/Mohsin Khan, Mohammed Shami, Digvesh Rathi. Impact substitute: Mayank Yadav. Mumbai Indians (MI): Rohit Sharma, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (captain), Naman Dhir, Sherfane Rutherford/Mitchell Santner, Shardul Thakur/Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah, AM Ghazanfar, Trent Boult.#ipl_2026 #chennai_super_kings #kolkata_knight_riders #royal_challengers_bangalore #lucknow_super_giants
IPL 2026 Schedule Announced: Royal Challengers Bangalore to Face Sunrisers Hyderabad in Tournament Opener on March 28 The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 schedule has been officially unveiled, with the tournament set to kick off on March 28 at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. The opening match will feature Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), marking a significant moment for both teams. The venue, a historic cricket ground in Karnataka, will host the first game of the season, drawing anticipation from fans across the country. The announcement highlights the strategic alignment of teams for the upcoming season, with RCB and SRH set to face each other in a high-stakes encounter. The match is expected to set the tone for the tournament, as both franchises aim to secure a strong start. The scheduling of the opener at Chinnaswamy Stadium underscores the importance of the venue in the IPL calendar, known for its passionate crowd and electric atmosphere. Additionally, the schedule includes details about the broader tournament structure, though specific dates for other matches were not disclosed in the initial announcement. Fans are encouraged to stay updated for further details on the fixtures. The inclusion of MS Dhoni in all matches for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) has also sparked discussions, with the team’s CEO confirming his participation. Dhoni’s role in the tournament will be determined by the management, adding an extra layer of intrigue for supporters. The IPL 2026 schedule also reflects the league’s efforts to balance competitive matches with fan engagement, ensuring a mix of home and away games for all participating teams.#ipl_2026 #chennai_super_kings #sunrisers_hyderabad #m_chinnaswamy_stadium #royal_challengers_bangalore
IPL 2026 Wicket-Keepers Predicted for Major Franchises The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, set to begin on March 28, has seen all ten franchises finalize their squads for the upcoming tournament. Teams have strategically allocated their resources to maximize their chances of success, with a focus on maintaining key roles such as wicket-keeping. While most teams have retained their established wicket-keepers, some adjustments have been made due to player availability, retirements, or new signings. Below is a breakdown of the predicted wicket-keepers for major franchises, along with key details about their roles and team dynamics. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have opted for MS Dhoni as their wicket-keeper, leveraging his experience and leadership. Dhoni, who has been a cornerstone of the team for years, is expected to continue his role as both a batter and a strategic leader. His presence is crucial for CSK’s balanced approach, combining aggressive batting with calculated bowling. Mumbai Indians (MI) have retained Ishan Kishan, who has shown promise in recent seasons. Kishan’s ability to contribute with the bat and his composure behind the stumps make him a valuable asset. His inclusion provides MI with flexibility, allowing them to balance batting and bowling effectively. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have selected Jitesh Sharma as their wicket-keeper. Sharma, known for his aggressive style and ability to score runs, adds a dynamic element to RCB’s batting lineup. His partnership with the team’s top-order batters could help RCB capitalize on high-scoring matches. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) have chosen Finn Allen as their wicket-keeper. Allen’s all-round capabilities, including his batting and bowling, make him a versatile option.#ipl_2026 #chennai_super_kings #kolkata_knight_riders #royal_challengers_bangalore #mumbai_indians
