New Delhi / Sports Desk : Just ahead of IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru have been dealt another blow. Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara is unlikely to feature in the upcoming season after failing to secure the mandatory clearance from his national board.
No NOC, No IPL Entry
The main hurdle for Thushara is the absence of a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket. The board had already made it clear that players must pass specific fitness tests to be eligible for overseas leagues, including the Indian Premier League.
However, Thushara reportedly did not meet the required fitness benchmarks, which led to the board declining his request for the NOC. Without this clearance, he cannot participate in the tournament.
RCB’s Auction Strategy Takes a Hit
RCB had shown faith in Thushara by retaining him for ₹1.6 crore ahead of the mini-auction. Interestingly, even if he misses the tournament, the franchise may still need to honor his contract since he hasn’t officially withdrawn his name.
Last season, Thushara featured in just one match for Bengaluru, but there were expectations that he could play a bigger role this year.
Bowling Concerns Grow for Bengaluru
The situation becomes more worrying for RCB as their bowling unit is already under pressure. Yash Dayal has been ruled out, while Josh Hazlewood is unlikely to be available in the early phase due to fitness concerns.
With Thushara now also on the verge of missing the season, the team management faces a tough challenge in restructuring their bowling attack before the tournament begins.
Uncertainty Ahead of IPL 2026
With multiple injury concerns and availability issues, RCB’s campaign preparation has taken a hit even before the first ball is bowled. The franchise may now need to explore backup options to stay competitive in IPL 2026.