Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) face a pivotal decision ahead of the IPL 2026 season, with Josh Hazlewood’s persistent injuries casting doubt over his availability. The Australian paceman, retained by RCB at ₹10.75 crore despite missing the majority of matches this summer, boasts 57 IPL wickets at a strike rate of 15.21 but has played just 15 matches since 2023 due to side strains and Achilles issues.
IPL 2026: 3 possible replacements for injured Josh Hazlewood
1) Jhye Richardson
Jhye Richardson emerges as RCB’s prime target for Hazlewood’s role, blending raw speed with death-over nous. The 29-year-old right-armer has 27 IPL wickets across 24 games for Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians at an economy of 8.15 and strike rate of 17.4 balls per wicket – superior to Hazlewood’s IPL mark. His standout 2025 Big Bash League saw 18 wickets in 10 innings at 7.92 economy, including a best of 4/16, while in The Hundred, he claimed 12 scalps in 8 matches at 7.45 runs per over.
Richardson’s ability to hit 145kph and reverse swing late makes him ideal for Chinnaswamy’s dew factor.
2) Alzarri Joseph
West Indies tearaway Alzarri Joseph delivers raw 150kph thunder to fill Hazlewood’s enforcer void, with proven IPL bite. The 29-year-old right-armer snared 21 wickets in 22 IPL outings for Gujarat Titans, Mumbai Indians and RCB at an economy of 9.55, peaking with 6/12 in his debut season. His 2025 CPL haul featured 18 wickets in 12 matches at 8.45 economy, while in the T20 Blast, he grabbed 14 scalps in 10 games at 7.90 runs per over.
Joseph’s bouncer barrage and seam movement suit RCB’s aggressive template, offering middle-over wickets. At a base price near ₹2 crore, he fits as a high-impact overseas option.
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3) Wiaan Mulder
Wiaan Mulder provides RCB dual utility as a seam-bowling allrounder, covering Hazlewood’s workload while adding middle-order muscle. The 28-year-old South African has limited IPL exposure but impressed in T20 Blast 2025 with 16 wickets in 12 innings at 7.88 economy and a batting strike rate of 132. His Test record shows 40 wickets at 28.45 average, transitioning seamlessly to T20s via SA20 where he took 10 wickets in 8 games at 8.10 economy plus 112 runs.
Mulder’s ability to bowl cutters in the middle overs (strike rate 18.5 in T20s) and bat at No. 7 echoes Hazlewood’s discipline without injury baggage.
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