Sri Lanka Cricket blocks Nuwan Thushara’s IPL 2026 entry after failed fitness test, leaving RCB scrambling amid multiple injury setbacks and uncertainty around key international stars.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been dealt a significant setback just before the start of IPL 2026, as Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has failed his mandatory fitness test and has been denied a No Objection Certificate by Sri Lanka Cricket. The development comes at a critical moment for RCB, who are already battling player availability issues ahead of their opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The franchise had earlier confirmed that Yash Dayal would miss the season, while uncertainty continues to surround Australian pacer Josh Hazlewood, who is still awaiting clearance from Cricket Australia. Adding to their concerns, Thushara’s failure to meet Sri Lanka Cricket’s fitness standards has further weakened RCB’s bowling options at the start of the IPL 2026 campaign.
Ashley de Silva, CEO of Sri Lanka Cricket, confirmed the decision, explaining that Thushara did not reach the required benchmark during the fitness assessment. The pacer reportedly scored below the minimum pass mark of 17 out of 29 across five key fitness metrics, leading to the governing body withholding his NOC. This decision has placed RCB in a challenging position as they finalize their playing XI.
With Thushara unavailable for the opening match, New Zealand pacer Jacob Duffy is now the leading candidate to step into the lineup. However, Thushara’s timeline for a return remains uncertain. His participation in RCB’s second match against Chennai Super Kings on April 5 is also in doubt, depending on whether he can successfully clear the fitness test in his next attempt.
Sri Lanka Cricket has indicated that Thushara will be given another opportunity to meet the required fitness standards after a short interval of four to five days. However, a second failure could result in a longer absence from competitive cricket, forcing RCB to consider replacement options as the IPL 2026 season progresses.
Pathirana, Hasaranga too waiting for green lights
The concerns are not limited to Thushara, as two other prominent Sri Lankan players are also facing fitness-related delays that could impact their IPL 2026 participation. Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga are both yet to receive clearance after failing to complete their respective fitness assessments.
Pathirana, who has been signed by Kolkata Knight Riders, is currently recovering from a calf injury that also affected his involvement in the 2026 T20 World Cup. Team sources suggest that his return is expected only around mid April, leaving KKR to adjust their plans in the early stages of the tournament.
Meanwhile, Wanindu Hasaranga, representing Lucknow Super Giants, is working his way back from a hamstring injury sustained during the same tournament. His recovery timeline remains closely monitored, and his availability will depend on successfully passing the required fitness benchmarks set by Sri Lanka Cricket.
