Sports fans are one day closer to the biggest T20 cricket league starting its 2026 season. In light of that, here are the latest rumors and Indian Premier League news regarding Ottneil Baartman, Nuwan Thushara, Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy, and a schedule update.
Earlier, on March 26th, 2026, BCCI released the remaining part of the IPL 2026 schedule. Each of the 10 teams will play a total of 14 matches, with the season finale scheduled for May 24th, 2026.
Fitness Concerns With Nuwan Thushara
One of several updates for the Royal Challengers Bangaluru before their first IPL match of the season involves Nuwan Thushara.
On March 26th, 2026, Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) refused to give Nuwan a NOC. This NOC is necessary for the SLC to grant permission for players to play in the IPL and PSL. This is a big blow to the RCB squad.
Newswire reports that the SLC has fitness concerns, not injury concerns.
“Sri Lanka Cricket sources indicated that while Thushara is not currently injured and is capable of bowling in matches, concerns remain over his overall fitness levels,” the outlet reports. “Prompting selectors to take a firm stance. SLC has taken a strict approach this time, issuing NOCs only to players who successfully passed the new fitness benchmarks.”
“Several Sri Lankan players, including Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis, have already cleared the tests and received clearance to participate in the IPL.”
In 2025, Nuwan played in one match for RCB, recording a 1/26 figure in four overs.
Who Can Replace Thushara For RCB?
Ottneil Baartman remains unsigned in the IPL, despite a strong performance for South Africa in their recent T20I series against New Zealand. The bowler may be on RCB’s radar, and one report claims that Baartman may sign with an IPL team soon.
“An IPL team’s talks with Ottniel Baatman are almost finalized,” Indian Sports Network reported on X. “If everything goes smoothly, he will soon come to India and play in the IPL 2026.”
With the recent news of Nuwan Thushara not being fit to play, Baartman could be a suitable replacement. He would bring pace to RCB’s bowling arsenal.
Unfortunately for RCB, a variety of their bowlers will not start the year. Thushara, Hazlewood, and Dayal are all scheduled to miss part or all of the 2026 IPL season.
Jacob Duffy Wins New Zealand Cricket Award Prior to IPL Season
Jacob Duffy won a surprising award at the 2026 ANZ New Zealand Cricket Awards.
Because of Duffy’s performance in several Test matches, he was given the Sir Richard Hadlee Medal. Additionally, he also won the ANZ Test Player of the Year and the Winsor Cup.
Against the West Indies, Duffy bowled more than 150 overs in the three-match series. He bowled more than any other bowler in the series. He also claimed 25 wickets during Test matches.
Duffy has yet to bowl in the IPL and was sold for INR 2 crore during the 2026 IPL auction. He bowled for New Zealand in the T20 World Cup, collecting three wickets in five matches while playing 15 overs.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Announce the Arrival of “The HazleGod”
In the early hours of Friday, March 27th (India time), the RCB announced the arrival of the “HazleGod.”
RCB’s social media team took to X to share images of Josh Hazlewood’s arrival, accompanied by a fun caption.
“The Myth. The Legend. The HazleGod,” the X post reads. “Back in Red, Blue, and Gold. Back to BLR. Just where he truly belongs. Bengaluru, our (star emoji) has returned.”
This is the first time that this writer has come across someone referring to Hazlewood as “HazleGod.” However, a casual glance at his stat line from the 2025 IPL season makes it easy to see why.
In 12 matches, Hazlewood recorded an eye-opening 22 wickets. The Australian bowler had an Economy of 8.28 to go along with a best figure of 4/33. His 22 wickets were the third-most in the Purple Cap race. Hazlewood’s 120 dot balls for the tournament were the eighth-most amongst bowlers across the IPL.
At the moment, Hazlewood is rehabbing from injuries and is likely not available to RCB for the beginning of the 2026 IPL season.
Indian Premier League News & Rumors: Hazlewood Joins RCB, Baartman Chatter Swirls