Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) created history by winning their maiden Indian Premier League (IPL) title in the 2025 edition. However, an urgent need for an RCB fast bowler in 2026 has arisen following concerns about the current attack. In particular, Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal’s injuries have hampered RCB’s plans for the next season. Although they have retained Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Nuwan Thushara, the depth in the pace bowling attack is missing. Let’s discuss the concerns surrounding the RCB auction strategy in detail on December 16 in Abu Dhabi.

Doubts Around Josh Hazlewood and Yash Dayal Fitness

Josh Hazlewood was the key contributor to RCB’s title victory in the 2025 edition. He scalped 22 wickets in 12 matches at an impressive average of 17.54, with best figures of 4/33. The Australian secured crucial wickets in the power play and put the opposition under pressure, as they failed to maximise the fielding restrictions. Meanwhile, he contained the batters in the death with his tight line lengths, especially the yorkers.

Disappointing news of Josh Hazlewood being ruled out of the Ashes. 💔

Sending strength and wishing Hoff a speedy recovery. ❤️#PlayBold #ನಮ್ಮRCB️ pic.twitter.com/iMNFmiRyvo

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) December 9, 2025

However, Hazlewood’s injury concerns have put RCB auction strategy in jeopardy. The 34-year-old has been ruled out of the ongoing Ashes series after he sustained Achilles soreness during his rehabilitation from a recent hamstring injury. With Josh Hazlewood’s fitness in doubt, RCB would look to secure an overseas pacer who has a reputation for being a chief wicket-taker and can bowl in all phases of the game.

Frustration for Josh Hazlewood, after being ruled out of the remainder of the Ashes with an achilles injury. He is now aiming to make a return ahead of the T20 World Cup in February. #Cricket #Hazlewood pic.twitter.com/fQKLLQLNz7

— Kayo Sports (@kayosports) December 9, 2025

Meanwhile, Yash Dayal picked 13 wickets in 15 games and ensured breakthroughs in crunch situations. However, he hasn’t played any competitive game after the IPL 2025 final. Dayal was banned from the UP T20 League by the Uttar Pradesh Cricket Association due to the sexual harassment & rape allegations against him. As a result, the left-arm pacer is yet to represent his state, UP, in the 2025-26 domestic season. His participation in the IPL is yet to be confirmed, as he has been receiving backlash from the fans.

RCB Bowling Squad Ahead IPL 2026 Auction

The RCB team management released experienced pacer, Lungi Ngidi, ahead of the auction. They currently have the presence of Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Nuwan Thushara, and Rasikh Dar apart from Hazlewood and Yash Dayal. Bhuvneshwar bagged 17 wickets in 14 games last season and impressed with his efforts in the powerplay. He will handle the new ball again in the 2026 edition, due to his consistent form in the domestic circuit and track record.

Although Thushara did well in a solitary game with figures of 1/26 off four overs in IPL 2025, he is not guaranteed to be a starter in place of Josh Hazlewood. He has not demonstrated sufficient wicket-taking abilities in the ILT20 and international circuits. Meanwhile, Salam is expected to warm the benches in IPL 2026 as well, unless he produces terrific performances in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. With a thin pace bowling attack, the RCB fast bowler in 2026 could be one of the major gaps the franchise will look to fill to defend their title.

3 Likely Bowlers Who Might Be Part of RCB Auction Strategy

Naveen-ul-Haq

The Afghanistan pace bowler, Naveen-Ul-Haq, is one of the finest bowlers in this format due to his success in deceiving the batters with his variations. Along with nailing perfect yorkers, his slower balls and cutters have been able to break the batter’s defense. In 18 IPL games, Naveen has scalped 25 wickets at an economy of 9.16, with best figures of 4/38. Although he went unsold in the IPL 2025 auction, the 26-year-old was rumoured to replace Josh Hazlewood in the latter stage of the tournament. Overall, Naveen-Ul-Haq has secured 269 wickets in 222 T20s at an economy of 8.39. Hence, with a strong track record in the shortest format, he might be one of the picks from RCB in the IPL 2026 auction.

Mustafizur Rahman

Mustafizur Rahman could be the RCB fast bowler in 2026, who could help the side put brakes on the opposition in the middle overs. The left-arm pacer has a wealth of experience in T20s, where he has picked 385 wickets in 306 games at an economy of 7.42. Rahman has fared well in the IPL with 65 wickets in 60 games at an economy of 8.13. With his change-ups and accurate yorkers, the Bangladeshi pacer could be on the radar of the RCB team management.

Alzarri Joseph

The Caribbean pacer, Alzarri Joseph, could also be part of RCB auction strategy for the 2026 season. Joseph is an electric pacer who can weave magic with his pace and accurate line lengths. On his IPL debut, Joseph claimed historic figures of 6/12 in the 2019 edition. Since then, he has been quiet with 21 wickets in 22 appearances. He took a solitary wicket in three games for RCB in 2024. With most pacers having the ability to bowl with the new ball, Joseph could be a valuable addition to RCB’s bowling attack for the death overs. With his toe-crushing yorkers and bouncers, the 29-year-old can revive his IPL career.