IPL 2023: Josh Hazlewood to miss initial stages, Glenn Maxwell out of MI clash

Australia pacer Josh Hazlewood is set to miss the initial stages of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023 as the fast bowler continues to recover from an Achilles problem, that saw him miss all four Tests against India recently. His teammate Glenn Maxwell too remains doubtful for Royal Challengers Bangalore's (RCB) first game against Mumbai Indians (MI) on Sunday (April 2) at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru.

Maxwell returned to the Australian side for the ODI series against India, but missed the last two games as he found his return "more demanding than he had expected," according to national selector George Bailey.

While Maxwell was bought by the franchise for a whooping INR 14.25 crore in the IPL 2021 auction, Hazlewood came into the fold a year later after his services were secured for INR 7.75 crore in the following auction. Hazlewood made it to India for the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he was sent home to Sydney for further scans after it became clear that he will not be able to take any part in the series.

In Maxwell's absence, we could see Michael Bracewell, who was named Will Jacks replacement, make the XI. Maxwell fractured his leg during a friend's birthday party last November. He admitted that it could take a number of months before he is 100%.

"The leg's okay, but it is going to be a number of months before I am 100 percent. Hopefully, it's good enough to get through the tournament and still do the job," he said. 

As far as RCB's fast bowling resources are concerned, we could see one of the English duo of Reece Topley or David Willey play in place of Hazlewood.

With the World Test Championship (WTC) final and Ashes coming up shortly after the IPL, it is unlikely Hazlewood will take a part in the IPL unless he is completely fit. 

"As fun as T20 is and as lucrative as it is, I find it still plays second fiddle to Test cricket," Hazlewood said in February while in Bengaluru.

"This series [Border-Gavaskar Trophy], Ashes series, home summers are what you play cricket for. I don't think that will ever change."

The IPL 2023 will kick-off with defending champions Gujarat Giants (GT) taking on Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in Ahmedabad on Friday (March 31).