IPL 2026 has not even started, and the injury list already looks alarming. A total of 14 players across eight franchises have been ruled out or flagged as doubtful ahead of the tournament opener on March 28. The T20 World Cup 2026 ended just weeks ago, and a packed global T20 calendar has taken a heavy toll on player fitness.
From knee surgeries to back stress fractures and workload management calls, some of the biggest names in world cricket will miss all or part of the upcoming season.
IPL 2026 Complete Injury and Availability List
| Player | Team | Injury/Reason | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Harshit Rana | KKR | Knee Surgery | Out for Season |
| Akash Deep | KKR | Lower Back Stress | Out for Season |
| Sam Curran | RR | Groin Injury | Out for Season |
| Nathan Ellis | CSK | Hamstring Injury | Out for Season |
| Jack Edwards | SRH | Foot Injury | Out for Season |
| Atharva Ankolekar | MI | Knee Injury | Out for Season |
| Mitchell Starc | DC | Workload Management | Missing Early Games |
| Pat Cummins | SRH | Lumbar Stress Issue | Missing Early Games |
| Josh Hazlewood | RCB | Hamstring/Achilles | Missing Early Games |
| Matheesha Pathirana | KKR | Calf Strain | Available Mid April |
| Lockie Ferguson | PBKS | Parental Leave | Missing Early Games |
| Matthew Short | CSK | Fractured Thumb | Missing Early Games |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | LSG | Hamstring Injury | Doubtful |
| Eshan Malinga | SRH | Shoulder Injury | Doubtful |
Franchises now face tough squad management decisions in the opening weeks. RCB, SRH, and KKR carry the heaviest burden with multiple key players unavailable. Replacement signings and domestic backup options will play a crucial role in keeping campaigns on track during the early phase of IPL 2026.
Biggest Names Missing From IPL 2026
Kolkata Knight Riders are the worst-hit franchise with three players unavailable. India pacer Harshit Rana is out for the entire season after knee surgery. Teammate Akash Deep also misses the full tournament due to a lower back stress injury.
KKR’s Sri Lankan signing Matheesha Pathirana will only be available from mid-April after picking up a calf strain during the World Cup.
RCB will start their title defence without pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood, who has not recovered from hamstring and Achilles injuries. Rajasthan Royals lose all-rounder Sam Curran to a groin issue.
SRH captain Pat Cummins remains under physio care and could miss the first three matches. Delhi Capitals will manage Mitchell Starc’s workload by resting him for the early fixtures.
