BENGALURU, March 27 (V7N) — Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) will be without Nuwan Thushara for at least their opening game of IPL 2026 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, after the Sri Lankan pacer failed his board’s mandatory fitness test.

Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) chief executive Ashley de Silva confirmed Thushara did not achieve the required pass score of 17 out of 29 points across five metrics. As a result, he was denied a no‑objection certificate (NOC). He may retake the test after four to five days, but risks missing multiple matches if he fails again.

This comes as RCB already grapple with the absence of Yash Dayal and uncertainty over Josh Hazlewood’s participation due to injury concerns. Thushara’s unavailability adds to the bowling challenges for the defending champions.

Two other Sri Lankan stars are also sidelined. Matheesha Pathirana, acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for INR 18 crore, is recovering from a calf strain that ruled him out of the 2026 T20 World Cup. KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar said Pathirana may only join the squad by mid‑April.

Meanwhile, Wanindu Hasaranga, bought by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for INR 2 crore, is nursing a hamstring injury sustained during the T20 World Cup. He too has yet to clear his fitness test for IPL participation.

For RCB, the absence of Thushara and the uncertainty around Hazlewood mean their pace attack could be stretched in the early stages of the season. The team will rely heavily on domestic options and allrounders to fill the gap.

END/WSP/RH/