IPL 2026 begins on March 28, but several teams are walking into the season already shorthanded. From season-ending injuries to last-minute NOC hold-ups and personal choices, the casualty list this year is unusually long — and it has forced franchises to rework their plans at the last minute.

Players Out for the Whole Season

Harshit Rana (KKR): The young Indian pacer suffered a knee strain during India’s T20 World Cup warm-up match against South Africa and underwent surgery in February. He has no return date and is likely out of the entire IPL 2026 season.

Akash Deep (KKR): A lower-back stress injury rules out the Bengal pacer for the full season. He was bought by KKR for ₹1 crore at the mini auction. KKR have named left-arm seamer Saurabh Dubey as his replacement.

Sam Curran (Rajasthan Royals): A groin injury picked up after England’s T20 World Cup semi-final run ends his IPL 2026 participation entirely. Dasun Shanaka has been brought in as replacement.

Nathan Ellis (CSK): The Australian fast bowler tore his hamstring in a domestic one-day cup final. CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan confirmed he is out of the season.

Jack Edwards (SRH): The 25-year-old Australian all-rounder, bought for ₹3 crore to make his IPL debut, has been ruled out with a foot injury. David Payne comes in as his replacement.

Ben Duckett (DC): England’s opener has opted out of IPL 2026 entirely to focus on red-ball cricket and secure his Test place ahead of the English summer. Under current IPL rules, he faces a three-year ban from the tournament.

Atharva Ankolekar (MI): The Mumbai all-rounder is out with a knee injury.

Players Missing the Early Phase

Mitchell Starc (DC): Cricket Australia has not yet issued an NOC. Starc will miss the opening matches, with DC waiting for CA clearance as they manage his workload ahead of a busy international calendar.

Pat Cummins (SRH): The SRH captain is recovering from a lumbar stress injury. Ishan Kishan has been named stand-in captain until Cummins is fit to return.

Josh Hazlewood (RCB): Has been managing a hamstring and Achilles issue since November 2025. Still awaiting Cricket Australia clearance and is expected to miss RCB’s early matches.

Matheesha Pathirana (KKR): Recovering from a calf strain suffered during the T20 World Cup. Awaiting SLC clearance — expected to join KKR from mid-April.

Lockie Ferguson (PBKS): Fully fit but taking paternity leave after the birth of his son. Will miss PBKS’s early fixtures, currently part of New Zealand’s T20I series against South Africa.

Josh Inglis (LSG): The Australian wicketkeeper-batter bought for ₹8.6 crore will not be available for early games due to his wedding in early April.

Matthew Short (CSK): Fractured thumb keeping him out of the early phase of the season.

Still Doubtful

Wanindu Hasaranga (LSG): Recovering from a hamstring injury, still awaiting clearance from Sri Lanka Cricket Board. His availability for the season remains uncertain. ipl

Eshan Malinga (SRH): Shoulder injury has kept him doubtful for a significant part of the season.

Player

Team

Status

Reason

Harshit Rana

KKR

Out for season

Knee surgery

Akash Deep

KKR

Out for season

Back stress injury

Sam Curran

RR

Out for season

Groin injury

Nathan Ellis

CSK

Out for season

Hamstring injury

Jack Edwards

SRH

Out for season

Foot injury

Ben Duckett

DC

Opted out

Focus on England career

Atharva Ankolekar

MI

Out for season

Knee injury

Mitchell Starc

DC

Missing early games

CA workload NOC pending

Pat Cummins

SRH

Missing early games

Lumbar stress injury

Josh Hazlewood

RCB

Missing early games

Hamstring/Achilles, CA NOC

Matheesha Pathirana

KKR

Available mid-April

Calf strain

Lockie Ferguson

PBKS

Missing early games

Paternity leave

Josh Inglis

LSG

Missing early games

Wedding in early April

Matthew Short

CSK

Missing early games

Fractured thumb

Wanindu Hasaranga

LSG

Doubtful

Hamstring, SLC clearance

Eshan Malinga

SRH

Doubtful

Shoulder injury

KKR are in the worst shape of any franchise, having lost three frontline pace options before a ball has been bowled. SRH have also taken serious hits with Cummins, Edwards and Malinga all unavailable at the start. Delhi Capitals face an uncertain start without both Starc and Duckett, while CSK and RCB have also lost key overseas bowlers for all or parts of the season.