Former Team India batter Mohammad Kaif opened up about Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood’s unavailability for the early matches for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2026. However, Kaif backed New Zealand fast bowler Jacob Duffy to replace Hazlewood for at least the first two weeks of the tournament.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru are preparing to defend their title during the upcoming Indian Premier League season. The defending champions will begin their campaign against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in Bengaluru on March 28, but they face a setback with the unavailability of the Australian fast bowler.
Josh Hazlewood, Jacob Duffy Is The Like-To-Like Replacement – Mohammad Kaif
Speaking on his YouTube channel, Mohammad Kaif discussed the ideal overseas combination for RCB. Kaif said that Jacob Duffy is a like-for-like replacement for Josh Hazlewood, noting that the franchise have enough squad depth to potentially make Jacob Bethell wait for his opportunity.
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“Duffy will be the fourth overseas. For Bethel, they have Padikkal and Venkatesh, who are both left-handers, they have options. For Hazlewood, Duffy is the like-to-like replacement. They will back Duffy first. They have the options to make Bethell wait. Even Shepherd and David can play together and it will be a solid combination,” Kaif said.
They Can Even Play Just Three Foreign And Eight Indian Players – Mohammad Kaif
Kaif pointed out that the franchise has multiple finishing options in Romario Shepherd and Tim David. He also added that RCB could comfortably field just three overseas players if needed.
“Phil Salt, Hazlewood, Shepherd/Tim David, Bethell. Hazelwood, whenever he is back, and I think only one of Shepherd or David will play. I am keeping either for the finishing. As Livingstone is not there I am keeping Bethell, who can bat in the top three. They have so many options that they can even play just three foreign and eight Indian players,” Kaif stated.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru signed Duffy for his base price of ₹2 crore at the auction. Despite struggling during the recent T20 World Cup 2026, Duffy possesses excellent control over his line and length, making him a valuable asset for the defending champions.
A Look At Josh Hazlewood’s Record For Royal Challengers Bengaluru In The IPL
Josh Hazlewood joined the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2022. He picked up 20 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 18.85 and an economy rate of 8.10, playing a crucial role in RCB’s run to the playoffs.
In the 2023 season, he featured in limited matches due to injury. Hazlewood then emerged as a vital figure in RCB’s title-winning campaign in the 2025 season. He picked up 22 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 17.55 and an economy rate of 8.77, consistently providing breakthroughs in both the powerplay and death overs.
Overall, for RCB, Hazlewood has played 27 matches and taken 45 wickets at an average of 18.64 and an economy rate of 8.43, establishing himself as a dependable strike bowler for the franchise.
Also read: Virat Kohli snubs Chris Gayle from his most memorable RCB moment in IPL