IPL 2023: Hazlewood to miss initial stage of the tournament; Maxwell doubtful for RCB’s opening fixture

RCB will open their IPL 2023 campaign against Mumbai Indians on April 2.

Josh Hazlewood and Glenn Maxwell | BCCI/IPLRoyal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) are battling injury concerns ahead of the 2023 edition of Indian Premier League (IPL), starting March 31.

While fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the first two weeks of IPL, all-rounder Glenn Maxwell is doubtful for RCB's tournament opener against Mumbai Indians on April 2.

According to a report published in cricket.com.au, Hazlewood is optimistic of playing in the later stages of the cash-rich tournament.

Hazlewood is currently recovering from an Achilles injury that kept him out of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2023 against India. As per the report, Hazlewood will consult with Cricket Australia's medical staff before taking part in the IPL.

On the other hand, Maxwell, who broke his leg in a freak accident last November, hasn’t recovered completely. He found the return to ODIs against India "more demanding than he had expected," according to Australia’s national selector George Bailey.

Wanindu Hasaranga will also be unavailable for RCB's first two games because of international commitments. The leg-spinner will join the squad after Sri Lanka's three-match T20I series against New Zealand concludes on April 8.

RCB will open their IPL 2023 campaign against Mumbai Indians (MI) at Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 2.

 
 

By Salman Anjum - 30 Mar, 2023

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