RCB overseas options if Hazlewood gets ruled out [Source: AFP]The IPL 2026 is just around the corner, and with a week left for the tournament to commence, injuries have hit several IPL franchises, and one of them is the defending champions, RCB. Last season, Australian pacer, Josh Hazlewood was their premium bowler as he took 22 wickets in just 12 matches.Hazlewood was one of the pivotal reasons why RCB ended their title drought and won their maiden IPL title. However, the franchise has been hit hard by Hazlewood’s absence as the pacer is likely to miss the initial phase of the marquee Indian tournament.With no Hazlewood, RCB’s plan A to win the IPL title has been derailed, and their overseas combination has also been disrupted. The team still has plenty of quality overseas players in their ranks, and with the Aussie bowler out for a while, here are the overseas players who can slot into RCB’s playing XI.RCB's Overseas Options for IPL 20261) Phil Salt (opener)One of the first names on the team sheet should be the explosive England opener, Phil Salt. RCB management struck a masterstroke by signing the destructive batter, and he was paired alongside Virat Kohli, and the move instantly paid off.CriterionSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableDataSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableMatchesSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table13SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableRunsSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table403SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table50sSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table4SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete TableStrike rateSelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table175.98SelectAdd Row AboveAdd Row BelowAdd Column RightAdd Column LeftDelete RowDelete ColumnDelete Table(Salt in IPL 2025)Last season, the RCB opener played 13 matches and scored 403 runs, with a strike rate of 175.98. He was a key player in RCB’s title-winning campaign as he constantly gave quick-fire starts, which eventually helped the middle-order batters.His partnership with Kohli was applauded as the duo complemented each other and piled on truckloads of runs. There is a section of the RCB fans who perhaps want Jacob Bethell to open, but purely on the basis of his last season’s exploits, Salt should start.2) Tim DavidWhen RCB purchased Tim David in the mega auction, eyebrows were raised, but all the negativity surrounding his signing quickly faded as the Aussie became an integral part of RCB’s IPL 2025 journey. He scored runs at a rapid rate, and was one of the best finishers in the league.He played 12 matches and scored 187 runs, but most importantly, those runs came at a strike rate of 185.15.His game against spin has improved massively, and on a smaller Chinnaswamy Stadium, his destructive batter will be more than handy as the batter will be a dangerous commodity at number 5, or 6.Also Read: Uncapped Players In RCB IPL Squad Who Can Set The Stage On Fire In 20263) Romario ShepherdIn Tim David, and Romario Shepherd, RCB has the best finishing duo, and no other team comes closer. Last season, it was evident when the West Indian all-rounder smacked a 14-ball fifty vs CSK and finished off the innings in style.As a finisher, he scored 70 runs, but the highlight was his strike rate (291.67), which was miles ahead of others. Also, apart from his finishing abilities, Shepherd can also chip in with a couple of overs, which could come in handy for the RCB side.4) Nuwan ThusharaWith no Hazlewood in the playing XI, someone needs to replace him in the playing XI, and the two overseas options are Nuwan Thushara, and Jacob Duffy. Duffy was the front-runner before the T20 World Cup 2026, but in the marquee tournament, he was taken to the cleaners.Hence, the team management might have to rethink their fourth overseas option. With the first few RCB matches at home, the team could go in with Sri Lanka’s Thushara, who can also bowl at the death for them. He has a slingy action, which could be quite deceptive for the opposition batters.In T20Is, his economy stands at 8.16, which is outstanding, considering that he bowls majorly in the death overs. Hence, atleast for the initial few games, Thushara should start over Duffy.RCB overseas options on bench: Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, Jacob DuffyAlso Read: Is Spencer Johnson Joining CSK For IPL 2026? Fans Speculation Spreads Like Wildfire
