Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) have been dealt two big injury setbacks with pacer Josh Hazlewood and Glenn Maxwell expected to miss the franchises's first few matches due to injuries.
Hazlewood had endured achilles strain after bowling on damp run-ups at the SCG Test in January that saw him sidelined from the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India, and he continues his recovery from it.
According to cricket.com.au, the pacer remains at home having been sent back to Sydney after missing the first two Tests in India, and will consult with Cricket Australia's medical staff before making the journey to the IPL. However, the 32-year-old Australian is hopeful of joining the franchise later in the tournament.
In another major blow, Glenn Maxwell, who missed Australia's final two ODIs against India earlier this month, is uncertain for RCB's opening game of the season as he is recuperating from a leg injury.
Maxwell suffered a freak injury that snapped his fibula in half at a friend's birthday party last November. According to national selector George Bailey, Maxwell found his return to ODI cricket "more demanding than he had expected".
The all-rounder has been working hard on strength and conditioning in the gym with RCB in a bid to be fit for their opening match against the Mumbai Indians on April 2.
(With inputs from IANS)
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