Thushara Fails Fitness Test, Early Blow for RCB in IPL

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have suffered a major setback ahead of the start of the IPL. Sri Lankan pacer Nuwan Thushara has failed to clear the mandatory fitness test set by Sri Lanka Cricket and, as a result, has not been granted a no-objection certificate (NOC). This means he will be unavailable at least for the initial matches of the tournament.

Sri Lanka Cricket CEO Ashley de Silva stated that Thushara failed to reach the minimum required score of 17 out of 29 points across five different metrics. Consequently, he will miss RCB’s opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, and his availability for the second match against Chennai Super Kings also remains uncertain.

However, there is still a positive aspect for Thushara, as he will have another opportunity to take the fitness test after a gap of four to five days. If he fails again, he could be sidelined from competitive cricket for an extended period.

Meanwhile, two other key Sri Lankan cricketers, Matheesha Pathirana and Wanindu Hasaranga, are also dealing with injuries. They have not yet taken their fitness tests and therefore have not received the required NOCs to participate in the IPL. Pathirana, who has joined Kolkata Knight Riders, is unlikely to be available in the early stages of the tournament. On the other hand, Hasaranga is part of Lucknow Super Giants.

Overall, the absence of several Sri Lankan players at the start of the IPL is likely to have a significant impact on team plans.