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RCB's Nuwan Thushara Ruled Out of IPL Start After Failing SLC Fitness Test

Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of at least the opening phase of IPL 2026 after failing a mandatory fitness test conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket. His failure to meet the benchmark score of 17 out of 29 has led SLC to withhold his No-Objection Certificate, making him unavailable for RCB's initial matches. This setback compounds RCB's concerns as they also cope with the absence of Yash Dayal ahead of their opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Other Sri Lankan players like Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga are also facing fitness-related hurdles for the tournament.

Key Points: Nuwan Thushara Fails Fitness Test, Ruled Out of IPL Start

  • Thushara fails SLC fitness test
  • Denied NOC for IPL 2026
  • Ruled out of opening phase
  • Adds to RCB's injury concerns
  • Other Sri Lankan players also face hurdles
2 min read

RCB suffer big blow as Nuwan Thushara fails fitness test, denied IPL 2026 NOC

Sri Lanka pacer Nuwan Thushara fails SLC fitness test, denied NOC for IPL 2026, dealing a blow to defending champions RCB's early campaign.

"Thushara's failure to meet the required benchmark has resulted in the Sri Lanka board withholding a no-objection certificate - ESPNcricinfo report"

Bengaluru, March 27

Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of at least the opening phase of the Indian Premier League 2026 after failing to clear a mandatory fitness test conducted by Sri Lanka Cricket, dealing a fresh setback to the defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

According to a report from ESPNcricinfo, Thushara's failure to meet the required benchmark has resulted in the Sri Lanka board withholding a no-objection certificate (NOC), making him unavailable for immediate participation in the tournament.

According to SLC guidelines, players must secure a minimum score of 17 out of 29 across five fitness parameters to be eligible for selection in overseas leagues.

SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva confirmed that the pacer did not achieve the qualifying mark. However, Thushara will have another opportunity to undergo the fitness assessment after a gap of four to five days.

The development adds to RCB's growing concerns ahead of their campaign opener against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on Saturday. The franchise is already coping with the absence of Yash Dayal.

However, the Australian quick bowler Josh Hazlewood joined the squad on Thursday.

Thushara's participation in RCB's second fixture against Chennai Super Kings on April 5 also remains doubtful. A second failure in the fitness test could potentially sideline him from competitive cricket for an extended period.

Meanwhile, other Sri Lankan players are also facing fitness-related hurdles ahead of the IPL.

Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga are yet to complete their fitness tests due to ongoing injury recoveries.

Pathirana, who was picked up by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is currently undergoing rehabilitation for a calf injury and is expected to join the squad only around mid-April.

Hasaranga, signed by Lucknow Super Giants, is recovering from a hamstring issue that forced him out of the recent T20 World Cup.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru full squad for IPL 2026: Abhinandan Singh, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Devdutt Padikkal, Jacob Bethell, Jitesh Sharma, Josh Hazlewood, Krunal Pandya, Nuwan Thushara, Phil Salt, Rajat Patidar, Rasikh Dar, Romario Shepherd, Suyash Sharma, Swapnil Singh, Tim David, Virat Kohli, Yash Dayal, Vihaan Malhotra (Rs 30 lakh), Jordan Cox (Rs 75 lakh), Venkatesh Iyer (Rs 7 Cr), Satvik Deswal (Rs 30 lakh), Mangesh Yadav (Rs 5.20 Cr), Vicky Ostwal (Rs 30 lakh), Kanishk Chouhan (Rs 30 lakh), Jacob Duffy (Rs 2 Cr).

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a neutral fan, I think SLC's strict fitness rules are good for the players' long-term health. It's better to miss a few IPL games than risk a serious injury.
A
Ananya R
With Yash Dayal also out, our pace department looks thin. Thank god Hazlewood has arrived. Time for our Indian pacers like Bhuvneshwar Kumar to step up big time!
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Vikram M
Honestly, RCB management should have done better due diligence. Paying big money for a player who might not even be fit to play is poor planning. Other teams seem more prepared.
K
Kriti O
So many Sri Lankan players having fitness issues! Pathirana and Hasaranga too. Maybe their cricket board is right to enforce these standards before letting them play in leagues.
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Michael C
The IPL schedule is brutal. If a player isn't 100% fit at the start, they'll break down by the middle. RCB might have dodged a bullet here. Focus on the players you have.

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