- RCB in trouble ahead of IPL opener
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) find themselves in trouble ahead of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 opener, as pacer Nuwan Thushara was denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) after failing to pass Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) physical fitness test.
With Yash Dayal out and Josh Hazlewood’s availability still RCB find themselves in a precarious situation ahead of their IPL 2026 opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The defending champions confirmed that Yash Dayal had opted out of the season, while Cricket Australia is yet to clear Josh Hazlewood for participation. This is on top of Nuwan Thushara being denied an NOC.
SLC Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Ashley de Silva confirmed the setback, telling ESPNcricinfo that Thushara did not reach the required pass mark of 17 out of 29 points across five different fitness metrics.
As a result, RCB are left scrambling for a replacement, with Jacob Duffy emerging as the likely candidate to step into the playing XI.
Thushara will miss RCB’s opening match for certain, and his participation in the following game against Chennai Super Kings on 5 April also remains uncertain.
A second failed attempt at the Physical Performance Test (PPT) could sideline him from competitive cricket for an extended period, forcing the team to consider more permanent alternatives. However, he will get another opportunity to meet the required standards after a short waiting period of four to five days.
Two other key Sri Lankan players are also facing fitness hurdles that have delayed their IPL 2026 participation. Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga are yet to complete the mandatory fitness assessments required for clearance.
Pathirana, contracted with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is recovering from a calf strain that prematurely ended his campaign at the 2026 T20 World Cup. The team management has indicated that he is unlikely to return before mid-April.
Hasaranga, on the other hand, representing Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), is similarly sidelined as he rehabilitates a hamstring injury sustained during the same tournament.
Both players’ timelines remain uncertain, adding further complications for their respective IPL teams.