Strange things happen after an IPL title. Some teams break up, some panic-buy, and then there’s Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who, after finally lifting the trophy in 2025, have walked into the 2026 Auction with a calmness usually reserved for a Test batter on 200. But beneath that calm surface lies a ticking concern: Josh Hazlewood’s body.
The Australian quick missed a chunk of IPL 2025 with recurring niggles, and now enters the 2025–26 season juggling the back half of the Ashes and a T20 World Cup. That is a workload even younger pacers struggle to survive, let alone someone with Hazlewood’s injury history. And so begins the search for the ideal Hazlewood understudy.
A Breakout Kiwi Ready for a Bigger League
Jacob Duffy’s emergence has arrived at the perfect time. Once the unnoticed spare wheel in New Zealand’s pace garage, Duffy has exploded into relevance after topping the T20I bowling rankings. He isn’t a towering giant like Hazlewood, but he extracts bounce, hits hard lengths, and generates deceptive lift from a brisk arm action, traits that scream “Chinnaswamy-friendly”.
His biggest red flag? Zero IPL mileage. His biggest selling point? Current form plus future value. RCB took punts on lesser-prepared players before; this one could be another long-term dividend if they’re willing to gamble on potential over pedigree.
A Raw Spearhead Still Searching for a Home
Gerald Coetzee is the kind of fast bowler who makes radar guns nervous. Pace, height, aggression he ticks all the boxes of a classic RCB quick. But like Hazlewood, injuries love him a little too much. His 2024 with the Mumbai Indians offered glimpses of menace, while 2025 with the Gujarat Titans left more questions than answers.
Still 25, still frighteningly fast, still unrealized. And for an RCB squad already settled, this is exactly the profile you can nurture without pressure. If they miss out on the more sought-after Duffy (likely, considering purse constraints), Coetzee becomes a sensible Plan B, high ceiling, manageable risk, and tailor-made for an occasional but impactful role.
An Indian Wildcard Built for Bengaluru
Simarjeet Singh remains one of Indian cricket’s underrated enigmas. Tall, quick, skiddy, and capable of extracting steep bounce, he should’ve been a regular by now. Instead, injuries have kept him wandering between benches. But recent months have revived his stocks: steady India ‘A’ outings, strong spells for Delhi, and a Ranji five-for against J&K.
This is the perfect Indian-quota pick for RCB. He is not a 14-match horseman. He is a bowler who can maximize early ball support at the Chinnaswamy. With his white ball rhythm holding up in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he could be an attractive lower-cost option with higher upside as a backup. At times, franchises require reliability, and at times they require opportunities. Simarjeet will be sitting right in the middle of those two.
The 2026 IPL Auction won’t define RCB’s squad, but it might define their season. With most bases covered, their clearest vulnerability is a single overworked Australian pacer whose fitness graph resembles a sine wave.
- Duffy brings form and finesse.
- Coetzee brings pace and future promise.
- Simarjeet brings domestic familiarity with bounce and new-ball grip.
Pick any of them, and RCB strengthens a title blueprint. Pick correctly, and they safeguard a dynasty. After years of almost, RCB finally knows what a champion squad looks like. Now comes the harder part, ensuring it stays one.
Key Takeaway
RCB doesn’t need another superstar; they need the right insurance policy for Hazlewood.
FAQs
1. What type of bowler does RCB need most in the 2026 auction?
A hit-the-deck seamer who can mimic Hazlewood’s role and hold up the powerplay.
2. Why is Josh Hazlewood’s availability uncertain for IPL 2026?
He is juggling the Ashes and T20 World Cup, plus his history of recurring injuries.
3. How realistic is it for RCB to sign Jacob Duffy?
Very realistic, but only if they outbid teams chasing his current T20I No.1 ranking surge.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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