Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are ready to begin their campaign in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. The defending champions will start their season against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on March 28. The match will take place at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
However, RCB have a concern ahead of the opening game. Their star Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood is not fully match-fit. He has not played competitive cricket for the last few months due to hamstring and Achilles injuries. Hazlewood also missed The Ashes 2025–26 and the T20 World Cup 2026.
There is some good news for RCB fans. Hazlewood has joined the squad in Bengaluru on March 26. But he is likely to miss the first few matches as he continues his recovery. This means RCB may need a replacement in the playing XI for the first game.
Here are two players who RCB can include in Playing XI vs SRH in IPL 2026
Jacob Duffy
Jacob Duffy is a talented fast bowler from New Zealand. He is known for his accuracy and swing. He can move the ball both ways with the new ball. Duffy became the No. 1 ranked ICC T20I bowler in early 2025. He is yet to play in the IPL. This could be his big chance.
Rasikh Dar
Rasikh Dar is a young Indian fast bowler. He was bought by RCB for ₹6 crore in the 2025 mega auction. He played two matches last season and took one wicket. Though his numbers are not great, he adds depth to the squad.
RCB will hope one of these bowlers steps up and delivers in their season opener.
ALSO READ BCCI announces IPL Fan Parks 2026 schedule across 15 cities for first leg of IPL 2026
