IPL 2026: Injury Concerns for Key Players Ahead of the Tournament

As the IPL 2026 season draws near, teams are grappling with significant injury concerns. Sunrisers Hyderabad's captain Pat Cummins is set to miss the initial matches, leading to Ishan Kishan stepping in as captain. Additionally, Josh Hazlewood from RCB and Harshit Rana from KKR are also facing potential absences due to injuries. This situation raises questions about the teams' performances as they prepare for the tournament. Stay tuned for updates on these developments and how they may impact the upcoming matches.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 18, 2026, 20:51 IST

Countdown to IPL 2026

With only nine days remaining until the commencement of IPL 2026, teams like KKR, RCB, and Sunrisers Hyderabad are facing significant challenges. Sunrisers Hyderabad's captain, Pat Cummins, has been ruled out of the initial matches due to injury.

New Leadership for Sunrisers Hyderabad

In light of Cummins' absence, Kavya Maran, the owner of Sunrisers Hyderabad, has appointed Ishan Kishan as the new captain. This change comes as the team prepares for the upcoming season, while KKR and RCB are also grappling with their own issues.

Injuries Impacting Key Players

Pat Cummins has been sidelined from the Australian team for an extended period due to injury, which also contributed to Australia's failure to qualify for the Super 8 in the ICC T20 World Cup 2026. Reports suggest that he may miss the early matches of IPL 2026, prompting SRH to appoint Ishan Kishan as captain for these games.

Additionally, Josh Hazlewood, another Australian fast bowler who plays for RCB, is also likely to miss the first two matches of IPL 2026 due to injury.

KKR Faces a Major Setback

KKR's star all-rounder, Harshit Rana, who has become a crucial player for the Indian team, may also be unavailable for IPL 2026. He sustained an injury during a match against New Zealand, which led to his exclusion from the ICC T20 World Cup 2026, with Mohammad Siraj stepping in as his replacement.

Recent reports indicate that Harshit Rana's participation in IPL 2026 is in jeopardy, which could spell trouble for KKR's batting and bowling lineup.