IPL 2026 is set to begin on March 28, but the build-up to the new season has been disrupted by a growing list of injuries and player absences across teams.
Several high-profile names have either been ruled out entirely or are expected to miss the opening matches, forcing franchises to reassess their combinations and strategies just days before the opener.
Also Read: Indian Premier League 2026 Schedule
With defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad in the first game, uncertainty around player availability has already become a key talking point ahead of the tournament.
A number of players across teams will not be available fully or partially. Here’s the full list
- Harshit Rana of Kolkata Knight Riders will miss the entire season after suffering an injury during India’s T20 World Cup warm-up match against South Africa on February 4 in Navi Mumbai. His absence weakens the team’s pace options.
- Nathan Ellis has been ruled out for Chennai Super Kings with a hamstring injury. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed the development on March 19. He was expected to play a role in the death overs.
- Sam Curran of Rajasthan Royals will not take part this season due to a groin injury.
- Jack Edwards, signed by Sunrisers Hyderabad for Rs 3 crore in the 2026 auction, has been ruled out with a foot injury and will miss his debut season.
- Pat Cummins will not be available for the initial matches for Sunrisers Hyderabad as he continues recovery from an injury that also kept him out of the T20 World Cup. In his absence, Ishan Kishan will lead the side, with Abhishek Sharma as vice-captain.
- Josh Hazlewood is recovering from a long-term injury and will miss the early phase for Royal Challengers Bengaluru despite being part of their title-winning squad last season.
- Lockie Ferguson will not be available for the start of the season for Punjab Kings. The fast bowler is spending time with his family following the birth of his child and is expected to join later.
- Mitchell Starc will miss the initial matches for Delhi Capitals as Cricket Australia manages his workload ahead of upcoming international commitments.
- Matheesha Pathirana, picked by Kolkata Knight Riders for Rs 18 crore, is also recovering from an injury. The team expects him to return during the tournament, but his availability remains uncertain.
Teams are expected to monitor player fitness closely as the tournament progresses, with several return timelines still unclear ahead of the opening week.
