IPL 2026: 3 players RCB can sign to replace Tim David if he misses

Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s preparations for IPL2026 have had a problem as a star finisher Tim David is struggling with a recurring hamstring injury that prevents him from continuing Big Bash League (BBL) season. The Australian all-rounder, retained by RCB after an impactful IPL 2025 stint, suffered a grade 2 right hamstring injury on December 26, 2025, during Hobart Hurricanes‘vanquish Perth Scorchersforcing him to retire injured after hitting 42 off 28 balls.

This marks his second such setback in 2025, after a similar issue during IPL 2025 that sidelined him for two months and key play-off matches with RCB. While the recovery time suggests a four-to-six-week rehabilitation period for a standard Grade 2 fixture – potentially tying in with the T20 World Cup in early 2026 – complications could stretch that to 12 weeks, casting a shadow on his IPL availability from late March. Franchise scouts are looking at versatile all-rounders who mirror his skills – big hitters with bowling capabilities – to bolster depth amid the squad’s needs, such as overseas pace backups. ​

IPL 2026: 3 possible replacements for injured Tim David

1. Michael Bracewell

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell emerges as a seamless match, having already dazzled in five IPL matches for RCB with 58 runs at a blistering strike rate of 123.40 and six wickets at an economy of 8.63. Across 44 T20s, he has 458 runs at a strike rate of 138.6, including a maximum of 61, combined with 20 wickets at an average of 17.85, highlighting his left-handed power and nagging off-spin. Recent Vitality Blast exploits (91 runs, seven wickets) and Major League Cricket hauls (241 runs at 128.19 SR) underline his killing power, making him ideal for RCB’s Chinnaswamy demands.

Bracewell’s previous RCB spell reduces adjustment risks, and his international pedigree (T20Is vs India, Sri Lanka) adds a tactical advantage. At an expected base price of less than INR 2 crore, he offers value amid RCB’s tight pockets, potentially helping him fill overseas slots without breaking the bank.

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2. Waan Mulder

South Africa‘S Waan Mulder brings raw T20 aggression, amassing 646 runs at a strike rate of 137.15 in 33 SA20 games with three fifties, complemented by 10 wickets. His Vitality Blast record (546 runs at 131.25 SR, 12 wickets) shows consistency, while a brief IPL outing with SRH (9 runs) indicates untapped potential in the franchise format. Mulder’s right-handed batting matches David’s as a finisher, and his medium-pace bowling (T20 economy around 9) provides balance, especially useful when turning Indian deliveries.

With exposure to IPL 2026 limited, Mulder could be a bargain abroad, allowing RCB to retain slots for pacers like Josh Hazlewood backups. His SA20 explosiveness (26 sixes) suits high-scoring venues, making him a good replacement if David falters.

3. Mahipal Lomror

Indian all-rounder Mahipal Lomror offers a cost-effective, no-caps domestic solution, with 527 runs at a strike rate of 141.28 in 40 IPL matches between RR and RCB teams, including a 54* high and 30 sixes. His left-arm spin (one IPL wicket) provides variety, although batting remains his forte – evident in the recent domestic T20s, where he has thrived as a middle-order accelerator. Lomror’s retention history with RR and short RCB exposure make him a low-risk, high-reward pick for slots in need of Indian depth.

An affordable option (probably less than INR 1 crore), Lomror frees up the pocket for stars while delivering Chinnaswamy sixes. His ambidextrous skills reflect David’s utility and will ensure RCB remains competitive even if the Australian misses the IPL 2026.

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