Royal Challengers Bengaluru received a timely boost ahead of their IPL 2026 clash against Rajasthan Royals as Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood made his return to the playing XI. The experienced pacer had missed the opening matches of the season while awaiting clearance from Cricket Australia, which had been closely monitoring his recovery from previous hamstring and Achilles concerns.
Hazlewood’s comeback is significant for RCB given his outstanding performance in the previous season where he played a crucial role in their title-winning campaign. He had claimed 22 wickets in 12 matches with an impressive average showcasing his importance to the bowling attack.
For the match against Rajasthan Royals, Hazlewood replaced New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy, who had delivered solid performances in his absence. Duffy picked up important wickets in earlier matches but team balance and Hazlewood’s experience led to the change in the lineup.
The match in Guwahati faced delays due to rain with the toss being pushed back. Despite the weather interruptions, Hazlewood’s return lifted the mood in the RCB camp and among fans. However, rain once again made its presence felt shortly after the toss proceedings.
Rajasthan Royals captain Riyan Parag won the toss and opted to bowl first, citing moisture in the pitch due to recent rainfall. He expressed confidence in his team’s strong start to the season and emphasized the importance of adapting to match conditions. Rajasthan also made a change to their squad bringing in a new player while resting Tushar Deshpande.
Meanwhile, RCB skipper Rajat Patidar received a warm reception from fans despite it being an away game. The crowd’s support created a home-like atmosphere for the Bengaluru side, highlighting the strong fanbase the team enjoys across the country.
Patidar acknowledged the support and expressed confidence in the team’s balance with Hazlewood’s inclusion. He also appreciated Duffy’s contributions in earlier games while underlining the value of having an experienced international bowler back in the squad.
With both teams aiming to maintain momentum in the tournament, the match promises to be an exciting contest once weather conditions allow uninterrupted play.
