Published on March 26, 2026
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) has suffered another significant blow ahead of the 2026 Indian Premier League (IPL) season with the news that Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara will not be able to participate. The decision comes after Sri Lanka Cricket denied Thushara a No Objection Certificate (NOC) due to his failure to meet the newly implemented fitness benchmarks set for players wishing to compete in overseas leagues.
This ruling is part of a stricter fitness policy adopted Cricket, which aims to ensure that all players maintain high physical standards. As a result, overseas leagues like the IPL have become more challenging to navigate for Sri Lankan cricketers, with players now required to meet specific physical criteria to gain permission to play abroad.
Thushara, who has been a key figure in RCB’s bowling lineup, was deemed to have fallen short of these standards. His absence from the IPL could have significant implications for RCB, who were already feeling the pressure following the earlier ruling that sidelined Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood due to his ongoing injury concerns.
The combination of these setbacks leaves RCB in a precarious position as they prepare for the tournament. Thushara’s potential absence not only depletes their bowling options but also raises concerns about their overall performance heading into the IPL season.
With the clock ticking down to the start of the tournament, RCB will have to quickly reassess their squad and look for alternatives to fill the void left ’s unavailability. The franchise’s management is undoubtedly feeling the weight of expectations, and the pressure to secure a strong start to the upcoming season is mounting. As fans eagerly await further updates, the focus now shifts to how RCB will adapt to these unexpected challenges.
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