19th edition of Indian Premier League (IPL) Just a few days away, but the pre-season buzz has subsided due to a heavy wave of injuries and availability issues. The tournament, which begins on March 28, 2026, is already seeing a reshuffle of teams as many franchises struggle to find replacements for their frontline stars. From high-profile Australian pacers to emerging Indian talents, medical rooms are filling up faster than stadiums.
Players out before IPL 2026
The dream of these players of lifting the IPL 2026 trophy is over even before the first ball is bowled.
- Harshit Rana (KKR): One of the most significant Indian casualties. Rana was recently seen on crutches, following knee surgery after suffering a ligament strain during T20 World Cup practice in February. KKR is already considering trials to fill the spot for its homegrown fast bowler.
- Nathan Ellis (CSK): A big blow to the Super Kings’ death-bowling plans. Ellis’ hamstring injury re-aggravated during the One-Day Cup final in Hobart last week and he has been officially ruled out.
- Sam Curran(RR): The England all-rounder, acquired from CSK in a mega-deal, is facing an indefinite recovery period due to a back injury. His absence has left the Royals short of overseas all-round options.
- Jack Edwards (SRH): The Australian all-rounder was set to make his IPL debut after being bought for ₹3 crore, but a foot injury forced him to miss the entire campaign.
- Atharva Ankolekar (MI): The Mumbai Indians young all-rounder is out for the season due to a meniscus injury suffered during the Ranji Trophy.
Comment: Mustafizur Rahman He will also be unavailable for KKR due to administrative and diplomatic reasons between the BCCI and BCB, prompting the franchise to sign a contract with the Zimbabwean. blessings to muzarabani As a replacement.
Late arrival in the upcoming season
Many players will play for their respective franchises but not from the first game. Cricket Australia’s precautionary workload management means some of the league’s most expensive stars will miss the initial stages.
- pat cummins (SRH): The SRH captain is still recovering from his lower back injury. In his absence, Ishan Kishan has been named the stand-in captain for the opening games.
- Josh Hazlewood (RCB): Having recovered from a mixture of hamstring and Achilles problems, Hazlewood is expected to miss at least the first two matches for the defending champions.
- Mitchell Starc (DC): Starc is being retained by CA for the early part of the tournament to manage his workload for the upcoming heavy international schedule.
Also read: SWOT analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders: KKR’s report card ahead of IPL 2026
Suspicious stars under question
Some major names are currently in the race to prove their fitness for the first week.
| player | Team | condition/injury |
|---|---|---|
| Mathisha Pathirana | KKR | Dealing with a left calf strain; Doubtful for the opening batsmen. |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | lsg | Is undergoing rehabilitation due to a hamstring injury. |
| Mayank Yadav | lsg | monitoring a lateral tension; Participation uncertain. |
| lockie ferguson | PBKS | Missed early games due to paternity leave. |
Also read: Former batsman picks Chennai Super Kings (CSK) ideal top order for IPL 2026