RCB rope in Richard Gleeson as Nuwan Thushara’s replacement for IPL 2026

The Royal Challengers Bengaluru have roped in Richard Gleeson as the official replacement for Sri Lankan fast-bowler, Nuwan Thushara, for the remainder of IPL 2026.

Thushara couldn’t join the side after being denied a No-Objection certificate by Sri Lanka cricket.

This will be Gleeson’s third stint in the Indian Premier League after formerly have been a part of Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians. He played a couple of games for CSK in 2024 and a solitary match for Mumbai Indians in 2025. RCB roped him in for INR 1.6 crore.

Gleeson has been a part of six T20Is for England, claiming nine wickets at an economy rate of 8.9. Gleeson will be joining fellow Warwickshire teammate, Jacob Bethell, at RCB.