IPL 2026 is set to begin under a cloud of injury concerns, with several key players either ruled out completely or unavailable for a significant part of the tournament. Teams are already being forced to rethink combinations even before the first ball is bowled.Here is a look at the full list of injured or unavailable players ahead of the season:Harshit Rana (Kolkata Knight Riders)The young Indian pacer will miss the entire season after suffering an injury during India’s T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against South Africa in Navi Mumbai on February 4. His absence leaves a gap in KKR’s pace attack.Nathan Ellis (Chennai Super Kings)Ellis has been ruled out of the tournament with a hamstring injury, a setback confirmed by CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan on March 19. He was expected to play a key role for the franchise this season, especially in the death bowling department.Sam Curran (Rajasthan Royals)The England all-rounder, who joined Rajasthan Royals in a trade deal with CSK last year along with Ravindra Jadeja in exchange for Sanju Samson, will miss the entire season due to a groin injury.Jack Edwards (Sunrisers Hyderabad)Edwards, a new recruit who was picked up for Rs 3 crore in the 2026 auction, will not feature at all this season due to a foot injury, denying him his IPL debut.Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad)Cummins will miss the initial matches as he continues to recover from the injury that also ruled him out of the T20 World Cup 2026. In his absence, Ishan Kishan will lead the side, with Abhishek Sharma serving as vice-captain.Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)A crucial part of RCB’s title-winning campaign last year, Hazlewood is still recovering from an injury that has kept him out for four months. He will miss the initial phase of IPL 2026.
Lockie Ferguson (Punjab Kings)New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is set to miss the early stages of IPL 2026 for Punjab Kings. Ferguson, a new father, will prioritise spending time with his family before potentially linking up with PBKS for the latter half of the tournament.Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals)Mitchell Starc is set to miss the start of IPL 2026, with Cricket Australia taking a cautious approach in managing the left-arm quick ahead of a demanding international schedule. Starc is among Australia’s senior pacers being held back for the early part of the tournament, with his availability dependent on progress in return-to-play protocols over the coming weeks.Matheesha Pathirana (Kolkata Knight Riders)Matthew Short (Chennai Super Kings)After Nathan Ellis, another jolt for the Chennai Super Kings, as the Australian all-rounder will miss the initial games due to a fractured thumb.Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad)Eshan Malinga is doubtful for the whole season after a shoulder injury.Atharva Ankolekar (Mumbai Indians)Atharva has been ruled out of the whole season due to a knee injury.
Poll
Which player’s absence do you think will have the biggest impact on their team in IPL 2026?
The IPL 2026 season begins on March 28, with the opening match between defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.
