The 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just days away, but the pre-season buzz has been dampened by a massive wave of injuries and availability issues. Set to kick off on March 28, 2026, the tournament is already witnessing a shuffle of squads as several franchises scramble to find replacements for their frontline stars. From high-profile Australian pacers to rising Indian talents, the medical rooms are filling up faster than the stadiums.

Players ruled out ahead of IPL 2026

For these players, the dream of lifting the IPL 2026 trophy has ended before the first ball is bowled.

• Harshit Rana (KKR): One of the most significant Indian casualties. After undergoing knee surgery in February following a ligament strain during a T20 World Cup warm-up, Rana was recently seen on crutches. KKR has already looked toward trials to fill his domestic pacer slot.
• Nathan Ellis (CSK): A massive blow for the Super Kings’ death-bowling plans. Ellis re-aggravated a hamstring injury during the One-Day Cup final in Hobart last week and has been officially ruled out.
• Sam Curran (RR): The England all-rounder, acquired in a major trade from CSK, is facing an indefinite recovery period for a groin injury. His absence leaves the Royals thin on overseas all-round options.
• Jack Edwards (SRH): The Australian all-rounder was set for his IPL debut after being bought for ₹3 crore, but a foot injury has forced him out of the entire campaign.
• Atharva Ankolekar (MI): The young Mumbai Indians all-rounder is out for the season following a meniscus tear suffered during the Ranji Trophy.

Note: Mustafizur Rahman will also be unavailable for KKR due to administrative and diplomatic reasons between the BCCI and BCB, prompting the franchise to sign Zimbabwe’s Blessing Muzarabani as a replacement.

The late arrivals in the upcoming season

Quite a few 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 opening phase.

• Pat Cummins (SRH): The SRH captain is still recovering from a lumbar stress injury in his lower back. In his absence, Ishan Kishan has been named the stand-in captain for the initial games.
• Josh Hazlewood (RCB): Recovering from a mix of hamstring and Achilles issues, Hazlewood is expected to miss at least the first two matches for the defending champions.
• Mitchell Starc (DC): Starc is being held back by CA for the early part of the tournament to manage his workload for a heavy international schedule ahead.

Also READ: SWOT analysis of Kolkata Knight Riders: KKR’s report card ahead of the IPL 2026

Doubtful stars under the scanner

A few key names are currently in a race against time to prove their fitness for the first week.

Also READ: Former batter picks the ideal top-order of Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2026