Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s Nuwan Thushara has been denied a No Objection Certificate (NOC) after failing his fitness test, as reported by Cricinfo. This means that Thushara will not be available for RCB’s opening game of the IPL 2026 season against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru. Additionally, he may also miss the team’s second game against Chennai Super Kings.
Thushara, who was bought for Rs 1.6 crore, will need to pass a fitness test before he can join the team on the field. Along with Thushara, RCB may also be without Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood for their first match, as he is currently dealing with an injury.
The absence of Thushara and potentially Hazlewood will be a blow to RCB as they look to start their IPL campaign on a strong note. It remains to be seen if Thushara can recover in time to join the team for their upcoming matches.
The news of Thushara’s fitness setback comes just days before RCB’s season opener, adding to the challenges the team will face in the early stages of the tournament. Published on Mar 27, 2026.
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