Royal Challengers Bengaluru have turned to the dependable Richard Gleeson after Sri Lanka fast bowler Nuwan Thushara was prevented from joining the squad for IPL 2026. Sri Lanka Cricket withheld the No-Objection Certificate, saying the slingy right-arm quick “hasn’t met the fitness standards set by SLC,” according to a board official.
RCB moved quickly, signing Gleeson for the same INR 1.6 crore that had secured Thushara at last year’s auction. The 38-year-old has been here before: two matches for Chennai Super Kings in 2024 and a single outing for Mumbai Indians in 2025 sit alongside his nine England T20 caps. He is experienced, likes the new ball, and should slot straight into Faf du Plessis’ attack once the paperwork is finalised.
Director of cricket Mo Bobat said in a brief release, “Richard’s skill set and calm head are exactly what we need at this stage of the season.” RCB thanked Thushara for his “professionalism during a difficult period” and wished him well.
Thushara’s own journey has been anything but straightforward. Having played just once in RCB’s title-winning run last year, he was retained only to be told, weeks before the 2026 opener, that his fitness numbers fell short. The 24-year-old filed a lawsuit against SLC, then withdrew it and issued a written apology. In the court papers he had mentioned a desire to retire from international cricket; whether that still stands remains uncertain.
Across in Chennai, Super Kings have problems of their own. Left-arm seamer Khaleel Ahmed’s right quadricep gave way against Kolkata Knight Riders, ending a stop-start campaign that brought two wickets in five matches at 8.67 an over. CSK have replaced him with 28-year-old quick Kuldip Yadav for INR 30 lakh.
Coach Stephen Fleming explained, “Khaleel’s pace was down and the scans showed a decent tear. We needed back-up.” Kuldip, who managed three appearances for Rajasthan Royals across 2021 and 2023, now has the chance to revive a career that has flickered without fully catching light.
In a season already juggling overseas availability and injuries, both squads have opted for like-for-like cover rather than wholesale change. Whether the late switches tilt momentum remains to be seen, but with the play-offs looming neither side could afford to wait.
