Sports
Hazlewood's Absence Could Hurt Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Says Srikkanth
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be significantly weakened by Josh Hazlewood's absence, according to former Indian cricketer Kris Srikkanth. Srikkanth estimates RCB's threat to other teams will drop by 25% if Hazlewood misses games.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be without Josh Hazlewood for the beginning of IPL 2026. Hazlewood, an Australian pacer, has not played in months and is still recovering from injury. He is expected to join the franchise in April. According to Srikkanth, Hazlewood is a game-changer and match-winner, comparable to Jasprit Bumrah. Srikkanth shared his views on his YouTube channel. Srikkanth believes no replacement can do what Hazlewood does.
Key Facts
- Josh Hazlewood will miss the beginning of IPL 2026.
- Hazlewood is still recovering from an injury.
- Kris Srikkanth says that Hazlewood's absence is a major blow for RCB.
- Srikkanth estimates RCB's threat to other teams will drop by 25% if Hazlewood misses games.
- Hazlewood is expected to join the franchise in April.
- Srikkanth believes no replacement can do what Hazlewood does.
- Srikkanth calls Hazlewood a game-changer and match-winner.
Primary Source
Research Sources
- Inside Sport India — 'Without Josh Hazlewood, 25% of RCB's threat will be gone': Defending champions to struggle? - Inside Sport India