As the player retention deadline gets closer, the tension is rising for both IPL teams and their fans. Supporters want to know whether their main players will be available next season or whether their franchise is planning to trade them. Teams have their own concerns: are their players happy, who is available, and who could miss a large part of the tournament?
These questions also affect how franchises spend their money. With a mega auction expected after the 2027 season, retaining an expensive player who might miss most of the upcoming campaign becomes a difficult decision. A team could prefer to release him now and use that money to strengthen its squad.
Amid that uncertainty, Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad have received an encouraging update. Josh Hazlewood and Pat Cummins are reportedly available for most of IPL 2027, strengthening the case for both franchises to retain their Australian pace stars.
Josh Hazlewood’s Availability Brings Relief to RCB
There had been concerns about the availability of Australia’s leading players because of their demanding international schedule. For RCB, the possibility of losing Hazlewood for a large part of the season would have created a major problem in their bowling attack.
The latest update suggests that he intends to play most of the tournament. Workload management could still mean missing some matches, but that is a much more manageable situation than being unavailable for most of the season.
Hazlewood gives RCB a bowler they can trust with the new ball and in the closing overs. His accuracy, bounce and ability to maintain pressure make him an important part of their plans, especially when batters are looking to attack.
He also brings experience of winning the tournament. Hazlewood was part of Chennai Super Kings’ title-winning side in 2021 before winning consecutive IPL titles with RCB in 2025 and 2026. His value comes from delivering in those successful campaigns, rather than simply being associated with winning teams.
Pat Cummins Gives SRH More Than a Bowling Option
For SRH, the uncertainty around Cummins carried an additional concern: he is their captain as well as a frontline fast bowler.
Cummins had previously been linked with the possibility of skipping IPL 2027 to prioritise Australia’s commitments. His reported availability for most of the season therefore gives Hyderabad greater clarity over both their leadership and bowling plans.
His contribution also extends to the bat. Cummins can provide quick lower-order runs and clear the boundary when required, giving SRH an additional option in tight matches. With the ball, his experience allows the team to use him at different stages of an innings.
Managing his workload may still require occasional rest. However, planning around a few missed games is considerably easier than replacing a captain and a leading bowler for an entire campaign.
Why This IPL 2027 Update Matters for Retention
SRH have ₹18 crore invested in Cummins, while Hazlewood occupies ₹12.50 crore of RCB’s budget. Those are significant amounts to commit when a player’s availability is uncertain.
Had either been unavailable for most of IPL 2027, releasing him would have been a strong financial option. With another major squad rebuild expected at the following mega auction, there would be little sense in sacrificing the current season’s spending power without enough matches in return.
Their reported willingness to play changes that calculation. Both teams now have a stronger reason to protect an established match-winner instead of searching for a replacement.
It also simplifies their overseas recruitment. Keeping a first-choice overseas fast bowler allows each franchise to focus its auction spending on other gaps, while arranging suitable cover for any rest or injury-related absence.
Mitchell Starc’s Update Adds to the Positive News
The developments around Hazlewood and Cummins follow an encouraging report about Mitchell Starc. The left-arm quick has reportedly assured Delhi Capitals of his availability for IPL 2027, subject to fitness.
Together, these updates suggest that Australia’s leading pace trio intend to remain involved despite their international workload. For Delhi, Bengaluru and Hyderabad, the immediate benefit is greater clarity before they finalise their retention decisions.