Australia's Star Bowlers to Miss IPL 2026 Due to Injuries
Injuries Sideline Australia's Top Bowlers
Australia's premier fast bowlers, Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, will not participate in the initial matches of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026. Additionally, young pacer Josh Ellis will be completely absent from the tournament due to injury, as confirmed by cricket.com.au on Friday.
Cricket Australia's Cautious Approach
It has been reported that none of the star bowlers will be available for their respective franchises when the IPL kicks off on March 28. Cricket Australia (CA) is adopting a cautious strategy with these experienced players, as they are facing a demanding 12-month schedule that includes up to 21 matches. This period features significant tours to South Africa, India, and England, culminating in their defense of the ODI World Cup title in southern Africa in late 2027.
Recent Injury Challenges
The availability of these bowlers will hinge on their recovery progress in the coming weeks. Test captain Cummins participated in only one Test against England during last year's Ashes series due to a back stress injury. Hazlewood missed the entire Ashes series because of hamstring and Achilles problems. Both bowlers were also absent from the ICC Men's T20 World Cup held in India and Sri Lanka.
Starc's Workload and T20I Retirement
Starc, who played all five Ashes Tests and participated in the Big Bash League, missed the T20 World Cup after announcing his retirement from T20 internationals late last year.
Nathan Ellis Out with Hamstring Injury
Nathan Ellis has experienced a recurrence of his right hamstring injury, which he sustained before the T20 World Cup. The 31-year-old had returned to play in all four of Australia's group-stage matches but reaggravated the injury during last week's One-Day Cup final in Hobart, as confirmed by Cricket Tasmania.
Implications for IPL Teams
Cummins serves as the captain for Sunrisers Hyderabad, while Mitchell Starc is part of the Delhi Capitals. Nathan Ellis was acquired by the five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings, for the IPL 2026 season. In Cummins' absence, Ishan Kishan, the Indian wicketkeeper-batter, will take over as the stand-in captain for Sunrisers Hyderabad during the 2026 season.