Thushara fails fitness test, denied NOC to join RCB in IPL 2026

Credit: Associated Press Royal Challengers Bengaluru face early setbacks ahead of IPL 2026 as their bowling resources take a hit, with Nuwan Thushara ruled out at least for the initial phase after failing a mandatory fitness test conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket. The board’s CEO Ashley de Silva confirmed that Thushara did not meet the required benchmark of 17 out of 29 points across five fitness metrics, resulting in the denial of a no-objection certificate (NOC). This means he will miss RCB’s opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad and potentially the following game against Chennai Super Kings. While he has another opportunity to retake the test after a gap of four to five days, continued failure could rule him out of representative cricket for an extended period. This absence adds to RCB’s concerns, especially after losing Yash Dayal and with uncertainty surrounding Josh Hazlewood’s availability. The situation is not isolated, as other Sri Lankan players are also dealing with fitness issues. Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga are yet to clear their fitness tests due to ongoing injuries, delaying their participation in IPL 2026. Hasaranga, signed by Lucknow Super Giants, is recovering from a hamstring injury that forced him to exit the T20 World Cup early. Meanwhile, Pathirana, picked by Kolkata Knight Riders, is undergoing rehabilitation for a calf strain that also ruled him out of the latter stages of the World Cup. According to KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar, Pathirana is expected to miss the initial matches and may only join the squad by mid-April. Overall, the strict fitness protocols enforced by Sri Lanka Cricket have created uncertainty for multiple IPL franchises, impacting team combinations early in the tournament. For RCB in particular, Thushara’s absence further weakens an already unsettled bowling unit, forcing the team to reassess its strategy at the start of the season while hoping for timely recoveries and clearances of key players.