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The Sri Lanka National Cricket Team pacer Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026, in a massive blow for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB).
To deal with his absence, the Indian Premier League 2025 champions, RCB, have roped in English cricketer Richard Gleeson for the rest of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru have managed to win eight matches this season and are currently at the top of the IPL 2026 points table. The defending champions are still in the hunt for a second IPL title.
Also Read: Big blow! Rachin Ravindra leaves KKR midway through IPL 2026
Richard Gleeson replaces Nuwan Thushara at RCB for IPL 2026
Nuwan Thushara has been ruled out of IPL 2026 due to injuries, as per the official IPL statement. Also, Gleeson has joined RCB for INR 1.6 crore.
Richard Gleeson has played two seasons formerly for the Chennai Super Kings and the Mumbai Indians. They have played two consecutive seasons in the IPL and has picked 2 wickets.
Richard Gleeson might not be used any further this season, since the RCB bowling deck looks secured with several players already excelling in their role. Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar have been the ace cards in the Challengers den.
Bhuvneshwar Kumar is leading the purple cap leaderboard
Bhuvneshwar Kumar has been extraordinary this season. He has played every match for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and has emerged as the highest wicket-taker this season. Having picked 22 wickets he is the highest wicket-taker after 12 matches.
He has the purple cap on his head and his economy is very low. Bhuvi’s ability to deliver