The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season will begin on March 28, but several franchises are already dealing with early setbacks. Multiple international and domestic cricketers will miss the opening phase or the entire tournament due to injuries, workload management, and personal reasons.
These absences have forced teams to look for replacements just days before the first match. Overseas pacers managing busy international schedules and domestic players recovering from setbacks have added to the growing concerns, forcing squads to adapt quickly.
Chennai Super Kings
The Chennai Super Kings must find a replacement for Australian death-overs specialist Nathan Ellis after he re-aggravated a hamstring injury during a domestic final.
The franchise also face an early blow with Australian all-rounder Matthew Short missing the initial games due to a fractured thumb. Management is currently reviewing multiple international fast-bowling options.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad face a similar situation regarding their captain. Pat Cummins will miss the opening matches while recovering from a lower back stress injury, forcing Ishan Kishan to step in.
Jack Edwards and Eshan Malinga remain sidelined with foot and shoulder injuries respectively, leaving the squad without key overseas options early on.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders have lost young pacer Harshit Rana for the season after he underwent knee surgery.
The Bangladesh Cricket Board also denied Mustafizur Rahman clearance, prompting the franchise to sign Blessing Muzarabani. Matheesha Pathirana is dealing with a lingering hamstring issue, making his availability for the opening games uncertain.
Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals have lost English all-rounder Sam Curran for the entire season due to a groin injury, forcing the franchise to consider replacements. They are also monitoring Adam Milne, who is recovering from a hamstring injury, adding further uncertainty to their squad balance.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Royal Challengers Bengaluru will miss Josh Hazlewood for the opening phase of the tournament. The Australian pacer is still recovering from hamstring and Achilles issues, with the team expecting him to join in April. His absence will force early adjustments in their bowling attack.
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals will be without Mitchell Starc for the initial matches as Cricket Australia manages his workload ahead of a busy international calendar. The franchise has not named a replacement yet and is waiting for the experienced left-arm pacer to join later in the tournament.
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings will begin their campaign without Lockie Ferguson. The New Zealand pacer has opted to stay back for personal reasons following the birth of his son and is expected to join the squad later in the tournament. His absence creates a temporary gap in their pace attack.
Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians have suffered a domestic setback with young spinner Atharva Ankolekar ruled out for the season due to a torn meniscus sustained during a Ranji Trophy match. The franchise will now look for suitable spin-bowling replacements.
Lucknow Super Giants
Lucknow Super Giants spinner Wanindu Hasaranga is likely to miss the opening matches while recovering from a hamstring injury. Reports suggest the franchise could target West Indies spinner Gudakesh Motie as a replacement to strengthen their bowling attack.
Also read: Make or Break: Why IPL 2026 is the biggest test for Hardik Pandya’s Captaincy