Royal Challengers Bengaluru have strengthened their pace department ahead of the business end of IPL 2026 by signing English fast bowler Richard Gleeson as a replacement for injured Nuwan Thushara. The Sri Lankan pacer has been ruled out of the remainder of the season, forcing RCB to bring in cover before their important clash against Punjab Kings.

Gleeson joins the franchise for INR 1.6 crore and brings international experience as well as previous IPL exposure with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. For a side pushing hard for a top-two finish, this is a timely addition.

RCB have relied heavily on their bowling group this season, and another experienced fast-bowling option gives them much-needed insurance before the playoffs.

Richard Gleeson comes in after Nuwan Thushara injury blow

RCB confirmed Richard Gleeson as a replacement after Nuwan Thushara was ruled out for the rest of IPL 2026 due to injury. Thushara’s exit is a setback because teams prefer settled squads at this stage of the tournament, especially when playoff positions are still being finalized.

Gleeson’s signing gives RCB immediate pace-bowling cover.

He may not walk straight into the playing XI, but his presence improves squad depth. In a tournament where injuries, workload management and conditions can change plans quickly, having an experienced overseas quick on standby matters.

The fee of INR 1.6 crore also shows that RCB were looking for a proven T20 option rather than a purely developmental replacement. Gleeson has played at the international level and understands high-pressure franchise cricket.

Former CSK and MI pacer brings IPL experience

Gleeson is not new to the IPL.

He represented Chennai Super Kings in the 2024 season, playing two matches, and then featured for Mumbai Indians in 2025, playing one game. While his IPL sample size is small, he has already experienced the pace, pressure and tactical demands of the league.

At the international level, Gleeson has played six T20Is for England and taken nine wickets. His strength lies in hitting hard lengths, using pace smartly and bringing experience to the bowling group. He may not be a flashy signing, but at this stage, RCB need practical solutions more than headline drama.

For RCB, he can be used depending on conditions. If they play on surfaces with bounce or need an extra fast bowler to rotate through the final league matches or playoffs, Gleeson becomes a useful option.

What this means for RCB before PBKS match

RCB’s next match against Punjab Kings is important for their top-two ambitions. Bengaluru have been one of the strongest sides in IPL 2026, but the final stretch can be unforgiving. One injury or one bad combination can disturb momentum quickly.

Their main pace attack has already carried a heavy load this season, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood playing key roles.

Gleeson gives the management another option if they want to manage workloads or adapt to a specific pitch.

He is unlikely to replace a settled first-choice bowler immediately unless conditions demand it. But his arrival gives RCB flexibility. And in the IPL, flexibility at the right time can be worth more than a big-name signing.

The bottom line is simple: RCB have lost Nuwan Thushara, but they have moved quickly to fill the gap. Richard Gleeson may not be the biggest name in the tournament, but his experience with England, CSK and MI makes him a sensible late-season signing for a team with serious playoff ambitions.