Virat Kohli and other RCB players during IPL 2025 (Source: AFP Photos)
The Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has seven players from their country who the will participate in IPL 2026 from different franchises. RCB and SRH, who will go up against each other in the IPL 2026 opener on March 28, are two of those franchises.
While RCB have Nuwan Thushara, SRH have Eshan Malinga and Kamindu Mendis. The others are Matheesha Pathirana, who is supposed to play for KKR in IPL 2026, along with Wanindu Hasaranga (Lucknow Super Giants), Dushmantha Chameera and Pathum Nissanka (both to feature for Delhi Capitals).
SLC To Conduct Fitness Tests For IPL Players Prior To NOC Approval
Keeping in mind that fitness is something which comes before everything else, SLC will conduct fitness tests for all seven IPL-bound players from Sri Lanka. The coming Tuesday and Wednesday are the dates when all the fitness tests will be happening.
"There are fitness tests scheduled by SLC on Monday and Tuesday and we will know about their players only after that," said officials of multiple IPL franchises, as reported by Cricbuzz.
Also Read: 3 Potential Replacements For Nathan Ellis In CSK’s IPL 2026 Squad
The developments came after the latest Matheesha Pathirana injury update. The Sri Lankan pacer was injured during the T20 World Cup 2026, and now, it has been reported that his IPL 2026 return has been finalised.
Hasaranga, on the other hand, was ruled out of the T20 World Cup 2026 after his first game for the country.
Malinga and Thushara also suffered injuries during the T20 World Cup 2026, leaving RCB and SRH fans worried.
IPL Captains Shooting To Take Place On March 25
In other news, the Cricbuzz report further added that the captains' shoot for IPL 2026 will take place on March 25. The BCCI has already confirmed the development, as the meeting and shooting will be held between 12 PM and 6 PM.
"The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has confirmed the annual captain and coaches meeting, ahead of the season, will be held in Mumbai on March 25. The confirmation comes in the midst of speculation of its postponement or advancement," the Cricbuzz report read.
During the captains and coaches meeting, the IPL governing body gave all the heads-up on the new playing conditions and rule changes for IPL 2026.
IPL 2026 Schedule: RCB Vs SRH To Open
The opening phase of the IPL 2026 schedule is out, with RCB, the defending champions, facing Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan-starred Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) to kick off the proceedings.
RCB will next face Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in their following IPL 2026 matches, SRH, the IPL 2016 champions, will meet KKR, LSG and Punjab Kings (PBKS), on April 2, 5 and 11 respectively.
Also Read: RCB's Overseas Options If Josh Hazlewood Gets Ruled Out Of IPL 2026
