Royal Challengers Bengaluru have received some positive news ahead of IPL 2026 as Josh Hazlewood has arrived in India to join the team camp. The defending champions will begin their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad on March 28 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Hazlewood's availability for the match faced uncertainty because of his recent injuries. The fast bowler has been recovering from hamstring and Achilles issues, and there is still no official word on when he will be ready to play. Fitness clearance still the key factor Hazlewood will remain unavailable for the playing eleven until he receives medical approval from Cricket Australia. The board is being very careful with his workload, especially because of a long Test season coming up. Hazlewood will not play in the IPL 2026 opening matches because of his current situation. The reports indicate that he will return to play at a later time when he achieves complete physical recovery. This situation puts RCB in a tricky spot right at the start of their title defence. RCB likely to test backup options RCB will try out alternative fast bowling options, as Hazlewood is not yet ready. New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy may get an opportunity to play in the early games. One of the Indian seamers, Yash Dayal, will not take part in the tournament due to legal reasons. The bowling attack looks even weaker with the seamer missing the early games. RCB will have to rely on inexperienced bowlers until their main bowler returns. Also Read | RCB Suffer Major Blow as Sri Lankan Pacer Ruled Out of IPL 2026 Big gap in bowling strength Hazlewood is the most dependable bowler in the team. His ability to deliver tight lines and use the bounce of the wicket makes it difficult for the batsmen to score. RCB plays with balance and confidence whenever Hazlewood is in the team. Without him, there is a clear gap in quality. Indian conditions are challenging for the backup bowlers to deliver according to expectations. The spin department of the team is also in trouble. Even though Krunal Pandya performed well in the last season, the overall performance of the team in the middle overs has not been good. The spinners failed to restrict the run rate, and the other team got the advantage. Young spinner Suyash Sharma is also expected to play a major role in the team. Batters may need to do extra work The batters will face increased responsibility because the bowling unit lacks its full strength. RCB have always relied on their strong batting line-up, and this season may be no different. The batters need to achieve high scores when the bowlers face difficulties at managing runs. No opening ceremony this season The Board of Control for Cricket in India has announced the cancellation of the opening ceremony for IPL 2026 which stands as another significant development. The decision has been taken to honour the victims of the stampede that happened during RCB’s title celebrations in Bengaluru last year. The tournament will feature a closing ceremony which exists in the form of a planned event. BCCI official stated that the IPL Governing Council will host a major entertainment event at the IPL closing ceremony which occurs on May 31 final match day. Conclusion RCB will be hoping for Hazlewood’s quick return as the season begins. His presence can make a big difference, especially when the team is already facing bowling concerns. The first few matches will be very important for the defending champions.