The excitement for the 2026 season of the Indian Premier League is building fast but not everything is going according to plan. Even before the tournament begins, several big-name players have already been ruled out or will miss the opening matches due to injuries and other commitments.
The season kicks off on March 28 with Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium. However, multiple teams will have to adjust their plans early on due to non-availability of some big names.
Here is the list of the players who will miss few matches or complete IPL 2026 due to injury or various other reasons:
Sam Curran (RR):
For Rajasthan Royals, it’s a big blow as England all-rounder Sam Curran will miss the full season due to a groin injury, despite being brought in through a trade deal last year.
Nathan Ellis (CSK):
Chennai Super Kings will also miss the services of Australian pacer Nathan Ellis, who is recovering from a hamstring injury. The update was confirmed by CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan on March 19.
Harshit Rana (KKR):
Among the biggest setbacks is for Kolkata Knight Riders, as fast bowler Harshit Rana has been ruled out for the entire season. He picked up an injury during a warm-up game in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4.
Josh Hazlewood (RCB):
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will begin their campaign without key pacer Josh Hazlewood, who is still recovering after being out of action for four months.
Pat Cummins & Jack Edwards (SRH):
Sunrisers Hyderabad have multiple concerns. Young all-rounder Jack Edwards, who was signed for ₹3 crore in the IPL 2026 auction, is out for the entire season due to an injury.
Meanwhile, captain Pat Cummins will miss the first few matches while recovering from an issue that also kept him out of the T20 World Cup. In his absence, Ishan Kishan will lead the team.
Lockie Ferguson (PBKS):
For Punjab Kings, Lockie Ferguson will miss the first seven matches as he spends time with family.
Mitchell Starc (DC):
Lastly, Delhi Capitals will be without star bowler Mitchell Starc at the start, as the Cricket Australia is carefully managing his workload following a demanding Ashes series.
With so many absences, teams will need to rethink strategies right from the beginning of the IPL 2026.
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