The IPL 2026 season is set to commence on March 28, with the schedule for the first 20 matches already released, primarily due to upcoming state elections. In the lead-up to the league, Mo Bobat, the director of cricket for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), shared insights on the availability of pacers Yash Dayal and Josh Hazlewood. Regarding Dayal, Bobat mentioned that the bowler is currently facing personal challenges, which will prevent him from joining the team. He reassured fans that Dayal remains under contract and that the franchise is supportive of him during this time. “To clarify, Yash will not be joining us. He is navigating a personal situation, and we’ve been very supportive, which is why we retained him. We continue to communicate regularly, and I spoke with him earlier today. However, it’s been decided that it’s best for both him and the franchise that he doesn’t join RCB at this moment,” Bobat stated. Additionally, he commented on Hazlewood’s absence due to injury, noting that they are in close contact with Cricket Australia regarding his fitness. “With Josh, the situation is clear. He’s missed some games due to injury, and we’re in constant communication with Cricket Australia. He’ll join us as soon as they confirm his fitness. Having strong relationships with cricket boards is crucial in scenarios like these,” Bobat added. The tournament will kick off with a match between the defending champions, RCB, and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) at Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
**IPL 2026: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs. Sunrisers Hyderabad – Full Squads**
**Royal Challengers Bengaluru:** Virat Kohli, Josh Hazlewood, Swapnil Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Krunal Pandya, Jitesh Sharma (WK), Venkatesh Iyer, Phil Salt (WK), Rajat Patidar (C), Nuwan Thushara, Romario Shepherd, Tim David, Devdutt Padikkal, Yash Dayal, Rasikh Salam, Jordan Cox, Jacob Bethell, Vicky Ostwal, Mangesh Yadav, Suyash Sharma, Vihaan Malhotra, Abhinandan Singh, Kanishk Chouhan, Satvik Deswal.
**Sunrisers Hyderabad:** Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Pat Cummins, Heinrich Klaasen (WK), Travis Head, Liam Livingstone, Ishan Kishan (WK), Kamindu Mendis, Brydon Carse, Zeeshan Ansari, Abhishek Sharma, Shivam Mavi, Jack Edwards, Harsh Dubey, Salil Arora (WK), Nitish Kumar Reddy, Amit Kumar, Praful Hinge, Smaran Ravichandran, Eshan Malinga, Sakib Hussain, Aniket Verma, Shivang Kumar, Krains Bhaveshbhai Fuletra, Omkar Tarmale.