Hazlewood, Cummins Set to Miss Early IPL 2026 Matches

In a significant setback ahead of the Indian Premier League 2026, Australian pace stars Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are unlikely to feature in the opening phase of the tournament due to ongoing fitness concerns.

Injury Concerns Continue

Hazlewood, who plays for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is expected to miss at least the first two matches as he continues recovery from a hamstring injury followed by an Achilles issue. His absence comes after an injury-hit season where he even missed the Ashes series.

Cummins, the captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad, is also not expected to be available for the early matches. He has been dealing with a back injury and has been under close monitoring by Cricket Australia’s medical team.

Opening Clash Impacted

Both players were originally expected to face off in the IPL 2026 opener on March 28, but their absence now casts uncertainty over that high-profile encounter.

National Duty Priority

Cricket Australia has taken a cautious approach with both bowlers, prioritizing their long-term fitness due to a packed international calendar, including major tours and upcoming global tournaments.

Teams Forced to Adjust

The potential absence of Hazlewood and Cummins creates early challenges for both RCB and SRH. While RCB may look to redistribute bowling responsibilities, SRH could also face leadership concerns in Cummins’ absence.

Likely Return Later in Season

Despite missing the initial games, both players are expected to join their respective squads later in the tournament once they receive medical clearance, keeping them in contention for a significant role in IPL 2026.