Royal Challengers Bengaluru‘s preparations for IPL 2026 have hit a snag as star finisher Tim David battles a recurring hamstring injury that ruled him out of the ongoing Big Bash League (BBL) season. The Australian all-rounder, retained by RCB after a impactful IPL 2025 stint, suffered a Grade 2 right hamstring strain on December 26, 2025, during Hobart Hurricanes‘ win over Perth Scorchersforcing him to retire hurt after smashing 42 off 28 balls.

This marks his second such setback in 2025, following a similar issue during IPL 2025 that sidelined him for two months and key playoff matches with RCB. While recovery timelines suggest a 4-6 week rehab for a standard Grade 2 strain—potentially aligning with the T20 World Cup in early 2026—complications could stretch it to 12 weeks, casting shadows over his IPL availability starting late March.​ Franchise scouts are eyeing versatile all-rounders who mirror his skillset—big-hitting batters with bowling utility—to bolster depth amid squad needs like 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 fit, having already dazzled in five IPL games for RCB with 58 runs at a blistering 123.40 strike rate and six wickets at an economy of 8.63. Across 44 T20s, he boasts 458 runs at a 138.6 strike rate, including a high of 61, paired with 20 wickets at 17.85 average 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 death-over prowess, making him ideal for RCB’s Chinnaswamy demands.​

Bracewell’s prior RCB stint reduces adaptation risks, and his international pedigree (T20Is vs India, Sri Lanka) adds tactical edge. At a projected base price under INR 2 crore, he offers value amid RCB’s purse constraints, potentially filling overseas slots without breaking the bank.​

2. Wian Mulder

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

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

3. Mahipal Lomror

Indian all-rounder Mahipal Lomror offers a cost-effective, uncapped-like domestic solution, having slammed 527 runs at 141.28 strike rate in 40 IPL matches across RR and RCB teams, including a 54* high and 30 sixes. His left-arm spin (one IPL wicket) adds variety, though batting remains his forte—evident in recent domestic T20s where he thrives as a middle-order accelerator. Lomror’s retention history with RR and brief RCB exposure make him a low-risk, high-reward pick for slots needing Indian depth.​

As an affordable option (likely under INR 1 crore), Lomror frees purse for stars while delivering Chinnaswamy sixes. His ambidextrous skills echo David’s utility, ensuring RCB stays competitive even if the Australian misses the IPL 2026.​