The RCB fast bowler will confer with CA’s medical experts before joining the IPL after missing the Test series in India owing to Achilles tendinitis. Royal Challengers Bangalore fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the first two days of the IPL, which begin on Friday in Ahmedabad.

According to cricket.com.au, Hazlewood will stay in Sydney after being sent home after missing Australia’s four-match Test series in India, and he will speak with Cricket Australia’s medical team before participating in the IPL. According to the source, he’remains hopeful’ of playing for Royal Challengers later in the campaign.

Hazlewood was sent home from India’s Test visit owing to Achilles tendinitis, which had been bothering him for two months since he injured his side in the first Test of Australia’s home summer in early December 2022 and missed the next three Test matches.

He later missed the ODIs against India as well. In January, he last appeared for Australia in the third Test against South Africa. His fitness will be rigorously monitored, as Australia will play the World Test Championship final and the Ashes shortly after the IPL concludes on May 28.

Hazlewood, who was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore for INR 7.75 crore in the 2022 mega auction, took 20 wickets in 12 matches last season, ranking as the side’s second-highest wicket-taker.

Even before the season has began, the Royal Challengers have suffered a slew of injuries. Earlier, England batter Will Jacks was ruled out for the season, and New Zealand allrounder Michael Bracewell has been picked as his substitute.

Rajat Patidar, the team’s breakout player last season, is expected to miss the first half of the season due to a heel injury. The Royal Challengers Bangalore will kick off their season against the Mumbai Indians on April 2 at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium.