The focus ahead of today’s IPL 2026 clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Rajasthan Royals is on the fitness of Josh Hazlewood. As both teams gear up for an important encounter in Guwahati on April 10, uncertainty around the Australian pacer’s availability has created a major talking point just hours before the match.
Hazlewood has been recovering from injury concerns and has only recently returned to bowling in training. While reports indicate that he is progressing well, there is still no official confirmation about his inclusion in today’s playing XI. The team management is closely monitoring his condition, and the final decision will depend on whether he is fully match-ready.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are expected to take a cautious approach. With a long tournament ahead, the franchise is unlikely to risk one of their key bowlers unless he is completely fit. Managing workload and avoiding any setback appears to be the priority, especially considering Hazlewood’s importance in the later stages of the competition.
Another factor influencing the decision is the current form of RCB’s bowling attack. The team has performed well even without Hazlewood, with other bowlers stepping up and maintaining consistency. In such scenarios, teams often avoid making unnecessary changes to a winning combination unless absolutely required.
The final call on Hazlewood’s participation is expected at the toss. Based on current indications, he is likely to miss out on today’s match, although a last-minute inclusion cannot be ruled out if the team management is fully satisfied with his fitness.
Overall, Hazlewood’s absence, if confirmed, could slightly impact RCB’s bowling strength, but the team’s depth ensures they remain competitive. For now, fans may have to wait a little longer to see the Australian pacer return to action in IPL 2026.
