The Royal Challengers Bangalore have been hit with a massive double injury blow as fast bowler Josh Hazlewood and all-rounder Rajat Patidar are doubtful for IPL 2023. Both these players have emerged to be a crucial part of the RCB team, who kicks off its 2023 campaign against Mumbai Indians on April 2.
Josh Hazlewood could miss the marquee tournament as he continues to recover from Achilles tendonitis. The Australian pacer was sent back home after being ruled out of the first two Tests of the recently concluded Border-Gavaskar Trophy with an Achilles problem. This development was reported by ESPN Cricinfo.
Similarly, referring to another Cricinfo report, Patidar is set to miss at least the first half of the upcoming season because of a heel injury. The all-rounder is currently undergoing rehab at the NCA in Bengaluru. Reports say Patidar has been asked to rest for the next three weeks before an MRI scan will confirm his participation in the second half of the IPL. He picked up the injury before the team camp and will need an NCA clearance before joining the squad.
Patidar was the third-highest run-scorer for Royal Challengers, behind Faf du Plessis and Virat Kohli. He scored 333 runs in seven innings at a strike rate of 152.75 including a century in the Eliminator. Whereas Hazlewood picked 20 wickets for the Bangalore-based franchise.
There aren’t the only injuries Bangalore is dealing with as batter Will Jacks was ruled out of the tournament in England’s tour to Bangladesh. Englishman was acquired by RCB for a price of INR 3.2 crore (US$ 390,000 approx. at the time). But RCB confirmed that Michael Bracewell, the New Zealand spin-bowling allrounder will be the replacement for Jacks for the 2023 season.
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