Josh Hazlewood’s possible absence from the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) squad in the IPL 2026 because of his injury concerns leaves a huge void in their pace attack. The RCB, who won the IPL 2025 title with Hazlewood taking 22 wickets in 12 matches, need to look for a suitable replacement.
Recent updates have confirmed that Hazlewood has opted out of the 2026 T20 World Cup and Ashes series for rehab, which is a positive sign for his return. But the RCB management, with Virat Kohli, Rajat Patidar, and Bhuvneshwar Kumar retained in the team, can’t afford to rely too heavily on the 35-year-old Australian. His replacement will have to provide similar control (economy rate of less than 8), new-ball swing, and powerplay wickets along with domestic ace Yash dayal and experienced Bhuvneshwar Kumar.
Top 3 Fast Bowling Options for KKR After Josh Hazlewood Injury
Spencer Johnson: Left-Arm Swing Threat
Spencer Johnson offers RCB a rare left-arm pace option, addressing a key weakness in their attack. The Australian, who impressed in The Hundred and Big Bash League (BBL) with fiery inswingers at 140kph-plus, struggled briefly at Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) but remains a high-upside pick. His ability to exploit right-handers early mirrors Hazlewood’s control, making him ideal for powerplays.
Nathan Smith: Kiwi All-Rounder Versatility
Nathan Smith brings raw pace and all-round utility, a perfect Hazlewood deputy for RCB’s overseas slots. The New Zealand left-armer, with speeds touching 145kph, has shone in Super Smash and international T20Is, claiming 15 wickets in 2024-25 at 7.8 economy. His bounce and seam movement suit IPL’s flat tracks, much like Hazlewood’s nagging line.
Gerald Coetzee: Raw Pace Powerhouse
Gerald Coetzee is the X-factor replacement, delivering thunderbolts at 150kph to intimidate IPL lineups. The South African, despite injury setbacks, took 21 wickets in IPL 2024 for Mumbai Indians at 9.2 economy, excelling with bouncers and seam-up deliveries akin to Hazlewood’s aggression. His height (6’3″) generates extra bounce, ideal for Chinnaswamy’s short boundaries.
Wiaan Mulder: Balanced All-Rounder Fit
Wiaan Mulder is one such player who can replace Hazlewood as an all-rounder. He has impressed in IPL 2025 for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in limited appearances: 9 runs and 0/16, along with a catch. His performance in T20 Blast 2025- 16 wickets in 12 matches at 7.88 economy—along with his SA20 stint (10 wickets, 112 runs) show that he is an all-rounder. He has also taken 50+ international wickets.
