IPL 2023: Josh Hazlewood to miss initial stages of tournament, Glenn Maxwell doubtful for RCB’s campaign opener against MI

Ahead of Royal Challengers Bangalore’s opening game against Mumbai Indians in the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League, the franchise suffered two heavy blows as all-rounder Glenn Maxwell and Josh Hazlewood may miss the first match due to their respective injuries.

Notably, Hazlewood has been out injured for a long time now and also didn’t take part in the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy. He was ruled out midway through the four-match Test series against India as he continued to recover from an Achilles injury that he suffered during the series against South Africa.

The star pacer is currently in Australia and recovering well from the injury, but there is uncertainty over his participation in the IPL. Cricket Australia confirmed that the pacer will miss the initial stages of the cash-rich event and will be joining the RCB camp after recovering completely.

When it comes to Maxwell, the 34-year-old broke his leg right after the conclusion of the T20 World Cup, which ruled him out of the Big Bash League as well. He recently made his return in the ODI series against India but it is believed that the Australia international is yet to return to full match fitness and thus, is unlikely to take part in the match against Mumbai Indians.

He is said to be currently working on strength and conditioning in the gym at the RCB camp in order to regain full fitness and play the campaign opener.

Wanindu Hasaranga will miss the season opener as well

Due to international commitments, spin wizard Wanindu Hasaranga will not be available for RCB’s first few games. Notably, Sri Lanka are currently playing an ODI series against New Zealand and later will play a three-match T20I series against the hosts. Thus, Hasaranga will only be able to join the RCB squad after the conclusion of the T20I series on April 8.

Meanwhile, Will Jacks has already been ruled out of the tournament and the franchise has signed New Zealand international Michael Bracewell as his replacement. The 32-year-old has 117 T20 matches and has scored 2284 runs at a strike rate of 133.48. He is also a handy bowler, picking up 40 wickets at an economy of 6.52 in the shortest format of the game.

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