Josh Hazlewood, RCB vs RR, IPL 2026 (Source: AFP)Defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru are set to clash with the high-flying Rajasthan Royals in today’s IPL 2026 match at the Barsapara Stadium, Guwahati. The Rajat Patidar-led RCB have won both their home games and will play their first away game of the season. Notably, the wins against SRH and CSK have been quite comprehensive, showcasing RCB’s control in all departments, including bowling and batting. However, they are still without their prominent players, Josh Hazlewood and Nuwan Thushara, whose availability has been much-awaited by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. In this article, let’s take a look at the latest update on Josh Hazlewood and Nuwan Thushara’s availability to play the RR vs RCB IPL Match Today. Will Josh Hazlewood play in RR vs RCB Match?As of now, both the RCB management and Cricket Australia have remained cautious about risking any long-term damage to Hazlewood. While Josh Hazlewood’s fitness for the upcoming IPL match is still not 100% confirmed, as seen in recent sessions, the Australian fast bowler is expected to return and play for RCB against RR. A pivotal figure in RCB’s IPL 2025 triumph, Hazlewood’s ability to keep the scoreboard under control, even in a ground like M Chinnaswamy Stadium, which is generally considered a bowler's nightmare, is highly exceptional. Also read: RCB's Strongest XI For IPL 2026 Match 16 Vs RRWhether Josh Hazlewood plays against RR or sits out one more game as a precaution, there is no doubt that Hazlewood remains the "X-factor" RCB needs to defend their trophy successfully.Nuwan Thushara availability for RCB vs RR IPL 2026 matchAccording to the latest update on Nuwan Thushara's availability for RCB in IPL 2026, it seems the pacer is highly unlikely to play for the whole of the tournament. It is worth noting that Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) has denied him a No Objection Certificate (NOC) due to his failure of the mandatory fitness tests. Nonetheless, Nuwan Thushara has initiated legal action against the board to secure his release.Nuwan Thushara is much-needed for RCB at this point in time, especially since Josh Hazlewood’s injury-prone nature makes his availability limited as he is yet to completely recover. Although Jacob Duffy has done exceptionally well to minimalize Hazlewood's unavailability, he was also seen hobbling in the last match vs CSK.The latest update on Nuwan Thushara comes as a blow to RCB, who will take on RR in their third match of IPL 2026 on Friday against Rajasthan Royals. Back-to-back wins put defending champions in strong position in IPL 2026 so farThe IPL 2025 champions, RCB, performed very well in the previous game, winning by 43 runs against Chennai Super Kings. The Bengaluru-based franchise posted a total of 250 runs batting first, while CSK managed to score only 207. Moreover, Tim David batted well and scored 70 runs, while Devdutt Padikal played a crucial knock of 50 runs. Meanwhile, in the bowling department for RCB, veteran Indian pacer Bhuvneshwar Kumar performed well, taking three wickets. Jacob Duffy, Abhinandan Singh, and Krunal Pandya each took two wickets.Also Read: Ajinkya Rahane Does A Rishabh Pant As His Bat Goes Flying At Eden Gardens
