Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara has been a significant blow to the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in IPL 2026 before it even starts as he manages to fail his mandatory fitness test and Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) doesn’t provide him with a No-Objection Certificate (NOC).
SLC chief executive Ashley de Silva explained that Thushara’s overall score of 12 out of a possible 29 based on five metrics did not hit the fitness benchmark. The passing mark was set for the players at 17 points. And so he has not been given the all-clear to play in overseas leagues, including the IPL. This development implies that Thushara will miss at least the opening match of IPL 2026 in which RCB are scheduled to take on Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru.
RCB, who are already struggling with squad uncertainties, could not have afforded to lose Brookes at this stage. The franchise recently ruled out Indian pacer Yash Dayal due to injury and there are doubts over Australian speedster Josh Hazlewood’s availability. Thushara’s unavailability further diminishes the threat of RCB’s bowling attack going into the deeper stages of the tournament.
According to reports, Thushara might also skip RCB’s second match against Chennai Super Kings on April 5. But it is not too late for the Sri Lankan pacer. He can retake the fitness test after four to five days. He can still join the RCB camp midway through if he meets the necessary standards in his next attempt. If he will not be able to do so, however, it may see him put out of all forms of representative cricket for some time.
Thushara is not the only Sri Lankan cricketer dealing with fitness issues. Two other star performers, Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga, are also injured as yet and have to pass their own fitness tests for the IPL.
Pathirana, who was bought by Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) for a big INR 18 crore sum, is recuperating from a calf strain. Earlier, the injury had forced him out of the 2026 T20 World Cup in which he played only three matches. KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar had recently hinted that Pathirana would not return for the first part of IPL season and she may only rejoin the squad around mid-April, but it would depend on how quickly he recovered.
All-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga is nursing a hamstring injury, although he was signed by Lucknow Super Giants for INR 2 crore. Hasaranga, like Pathirana, also saw his T20 World Cup cut short due to fitness issues. He is working toward a return timeline that has not yet been determined, but his availability will depend on passing the SLC fitness test.
It underscores the increasing importance placed on fitness tests by Sri Lanka Cricket, which has made passing the tests compulsory for players who want to play in international leagues. While this guarantees that players are ready to play and fit for the long haul, it presents challenges for franchises sporting an international flavor.
As IPL 2026 commences, franchises like RCB, KKR, and Lucknow Super Giants can expect to keep an eye on the fitness progress of their Sri Lankan recruits. RCB will now regroup and look for other options, as they get set to kick off their campaign without Thushara.
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