In IPL 2026, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) have signed England fast bowler Richard Gleeson as a replacement for Sri Lankan cricketer Nuwan Thushara, who was unable to join the squad due to a lack of a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC). Gleeson, aged 38, has previously played for Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Mumbai Indians (MI) in the IPL, and RCB has secured him for INR 1.6 crore. Thushara, who was also signed for INR 1.6 crore in 2025, made a single appearance during RCB's title-winning season. His absence this year is attributed to fitness issues, which led to a legal dispute with SLC that he later withdrew after apologizing to the board. Meanwhile, CSK has replaced injured fast bowler Khaleel Ahmed with Kuldip Yadav, who has been signed for INR 30 lakh. Khaleel suffered a right quadricep injury during a match against Kolkata Knight Riders, having taken two wickets in five matches this season. Kuldip Yadav has prior IPL experience with Rajasthan Royals, where he played three matches in 2021 and 2023.