Devdutt Padikkal Almost Puts RCB In Trouble Before IPL 2026 Match Vs SRH

Padikkal's deadly shot almost hit injured Hazlewood [Source: AFP]

RCB is ready to defend its IPL title as the Bengaluru-based franchise will enter the 2026 season as the defending champions. The Red Army defeated the Punjab Kings in the finals last year to clinch the title and end their 18-year-long wait.

While the RCB batters were one of the key reasons for their title run in 2025, one shouldn’t forget the contribution of the bowlers, particularly, Josh Hazlewood.

The RCB star finished as the third-highest wicket-taker in IPL 2025, picking up 22 wickets in just 12 matches. There was a clear difference in RCB’s attack with and without the Aussie pacer. When Hazlewood played, the bowling attack looked confident, but when he was absent, the same attack became toothless.

RCB batter gives mini heart-attack to fans before IPL 2026

RCB was given a massive blow days before the IPL 2026 as Hazlewood is set to miss the start of the season due to an injury. The Australian bowler has joined the RCB camp, but he won’t feature in the tournament opener.

On Friday, when RCB conducted their pre-game training sessions, Hazlewood was involved in light drills as he loosened up his stiff body. However, disaster almost struck as one of the shots hit by batter Devdutt Padikkal missed Hazlewood by a whisker.

"He nearly got himself another injury as Padikkal whacked a ball straight where he was stretching. Saved in the nick of time by the physio," Cricbuzz correspondent reported.

The 35-year-old is already nursing an injury, and another deadly blow could have put his IPL 2026 journey in jeopardy. Padikkal hit the perfect shot, but the presence of the team physio saved the pacer.

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RCB sweating hard on Hazlewood's fitness

Last year was tough for the lanky Australian pacer as he suffered multiple injuries, and because of this, Hazlewood missed the entire Ashes and the T20 World Cup 2026. The veteran RCB pacer suffered from hamstring issues last year and also had problems with his Achilles tendon.

He was supposed to play the IPL 2026 opener for RCB against SRH, but his recovery was way behind the designated timeline as the defending champions sweated hard on his fitness.

Hazlewood was not only RCB’s best bowler last year, but was also one of the best in the entire league, and without him, the RCB attack lacks the cutting-edge. Hence, the team is desperate to have him fit from the next game onwards, as vigorous therapy sessions are going on.

Padikkal's IPL 2026 spot in danger

Last season, Padikkal was outstanding for RCB, as he silenced his doubters and scored truckloads of runs for the franchise. In 10 matches, he scored 247 runs, but most importantly, he struck them at 150.61.

Despite scoring runs at a rapid pace, his number 3 spot could be in danger, especially after the arrival of Madhya Pradesh and ex-KKR batter Venkatesh Iyer. RCB has been trying to land Venkatesh in their squad, and they managed to achieve it in the mini auction, as the franchise spent a whopping 7 crores.

Both Padikkal and Venkatesh play at the same spot (Number 3), but with RCB spending a big amount to buy Venkatesh, one expects him to replace Padikkal in the playing XI.

Also Read: Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, Pitch Report, Weather Report For RCB vs SRH Match 1, IPL 2026