Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been dealt another major setback just a day before the start of IPL 2026. The defending champions will be without fast bowler Nuwan Thushara for the opening phase of the tournament after he failed a mandatory fitness test conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket. The development comes ahead of RCB’s opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Nuwan Thushara Ruled Out After Failing Fitness Test
According to a report by Cricinfo, Nuwan Thushara was denied a No-Objection Certificate by Sri Lanka Cricket after failing to meet the required fitness standards. The pacer failed to score the minimum 17 out of 29 points in the official fitness assessment, making him ineligible to participate in the initial phase of IPL 2026.
This setback leaves Royal Challengers Bengaluru short of bowling options at the start of the season. Thushara, who is known for his slinging action and ability to bowl in the death overs, had been expected to add variety and depth to the team’s pace attack.
RCB Already Missing Key Pacers
The defending champions are already without Yash Dayal, who has been ruled out due to injury. In addition, there is still uncertainty over the availability of Josh Hazlewood for the early part of the tournament, which further weakens RCB’s fast-bowling lineup.
Thushara played just one match in the previous IPL season but made a strong impression, returning figures of 1 for 26 in four overs against Lucknow Super Giants in a high-scoring contest where the opposition posted 230 runs.
Possibility Of Return Later In The Season
Nuwan Thushara will be allowed to retake the fitness test in four to five days. If he fails again, he could miss the entire IPL 2026 season. However, a successful retest could open the door for a return later in the tournament, which would be a boost for RCB.
RCB Schedule And Squad Details
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin their IPL 2026 campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad, followed by their second match against Chennai Super Kings on April 5 in Bengaluru.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru Squad for IPL 2026
- Abhinandan Singh
- Bhuvneshwar Kumar
- Devdutt Padikkal
- Jacob Bethell
- Jitesh Sharma
- Josh Hazlewood
- Krunal Pandya
- Nuwan Thushara
- Phil Salt
- Rajat Patidar
- Rasikh Dar
- Romario Shepherd
- Suyash Sharma
- Swapnil Singh
- Tim David
- Virat Kohli
- Vihaan Malhotra
- Jordan Cox
- Venkatesh Iyer
- Satvik Deswal
- Mangesh Yadav
- Vicky Ostwal
- Kanishk Chouhan
- Jacob Duffy
The defending champions will now have to rely on their remaining bowling options and hope for a swift recovery from their injured players as they look to defend their title in IPL 2026.