Big Setbacks for RCB and SRH Before Indian Premier League Opener

Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad will face each other in the opening match of IPL 2026. But right before the tournament begins, both teams have been dealt major blows. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood have been ruled out for the first few games of the season.

For RCB, Hazlewood played an important role last season being their highest wicket-taker. And Pat Cummins had been crucial for the success of Sunrisers Hyderabad from the IPL 2024 season. Under his captaincy, the team finished as the runner-up of the 2024 edition. But now, they are confirmed to miss the initial games for their teams in the IPL 2026, and are expected to join later.

The injury issues have been prominent for the Australian bowlers, Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins. Hazlewood was ruled out of The Ashes, as he injured his hamstring right before the series was about to commence. Since then, he has not been able to make it back to the game, and he also pulled himself out of the first few games in IPL 2026.

RCB has several pacers in its place such as Nuwan Thushara and Jacob Duffy. On the other hand, Sunrisers Hyderabad will be starting their campaign without their key bowler and captain, Pat Cummins. It is being reported that Abhishek Sharma or Ishan Kishan would lead the team in his place, but the availability of an experienced pacer would be missed.