IPL 2026: Key Players Set to Miss Early Matches Due to Injuries

The upcoming IPL 2026 season is set to kick off on March 28, but several key players are sidelined due to injuries. Teams like KKR and SRH are facing significant challenges as they prepare for the tournament. Notable absences include Harshit Rana, Pat Cummins, and Sam Curran, among others. This article explores the impact of these injuries on team strategies and player replacements, providing insights into the challenges franchises face as they gear up for the season. Stay tuned for more updates on IPL 2026!

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 24, 2026, 19:48 IST

IPL 2026 Kicks Off Amid Injury Concerns

New Delhi: The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin on March 28, with the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), facing off against Sunrisers Hyderabad at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

As the tournament approaches, several players are either injured or unavailable for the initial matches, raising concerns among franchises and prompting last-minute adjustments to their strategies.

This year has been particularly busy, as the T20 World Cup 2026 concluded just days ago. Many players who sustained injuries during or prior to the World Cup are still in recovery and are expected to join the IPL later.

Here’s a rundown of players who will miss the early stages or the entire tournament:

Harshit Rana: The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) pacer is recovering from a knee injury and is likely to miss the entire tournament. He was also ruled out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 due to an injury sustained during a warm-up match against South Africa.

Akash Deep: KKR faces another setback as fast bowler Deep will miss the entire tournament due to a lower back stress injury. Saurabh Dubey has been named as his replacement.

Matheesha Pathirana: KKR's key bowler is awaiting clearance from the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) after a shoulder injury cut short his participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Pat Cummins: The captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad is recovering from a lumbar stress injury and is expected to miss the early matches. Ishan Kishan will lead the team in his absence.

Jack Edwards: The Australian all-rounder has been ruled out for the entire season due to a foot injury, with David Payne stepping in as his replacement.

Sam Curran: The experienced all-rounder from Rajasthan Royals is out for the entire tournament due to a groin issue sustained during his run with England in the T20 World Cup semi-finals. Dasun Shanaka has been named as his replacement.

Josh Hazlewood: The prime bowler for Royal Challengers Bengaluru is awaiting clearance from Cricket Australia after suffering a hamstring injury last November. He is expected to miss the initial matches of IPL 2026.

Nathan Ellis: The five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), have been dealt a significant blow as Ellis has been ruled out due to a hamstring injury sustained in the domestic One-Day Cup final.

Mitchell Starc: Delhi Capitals are still waiting for clearance from Cricket Australia, who are managing the pacer's workload ahead of a busy international schedule. Starc will miss the opening matches of IPL 2026.

Lockie Ferguson: The Punjab Kings pacer will miss the early part of the tournament to spend time with his family and newborn son. He is currently fit and participating in the T20I series against South Africa.

Josh Inglis: Acquired by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for Rs 8.6 crore in the IPL 2026 auction, the Australian wicketkeeper-batter will not be fully available for the season due to his wedding in early April.

Wanindu Hasaranga: LSG is still awaiting clearance for spinner Hasaranga from the Sri Lankan Cricket Board as he recovers from a hamstring injury.