The season has yet to take its full swing, but it is already visible how the damage has been done. What appears to be an ordinary team selection change can actually influence the balance of teams in the opening weeks of IPL 2026. This report lists who is missing, who is late, and how teams are coping with it.
It is not just one team feeling the heat. From an eroded pace attack to missing key allrounders, almost all teams are making adjustments. However, some teams have been more affected than others, particularly in bowling.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Kolkata Knight Riders are the worst-hit so far. Their bowling attack has been depleted even before the tournament began. Akash Deep has been ruled out due to a back injury. Harshit Rana is recovering from knee surgery and might miss the majority of the tournament. Meanwhile, Matheesha Pathirana will join the team only in mid-April because of a calf strain.
Sunrisers Hyderabad
The Sunrisers Hyderabad face a problem of absence and timing. Their captain, Pat Cummins, will be out for the early part of the season because of a back injury. Additionally, the team will also have to contend with the absence of Jack Edwards, who has been ruled out for the entire season because of a foot injury.
Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals face a small but significant hiccup. Sam Curran will not be available for the whole season as he has picked up a groin injury from the international commitments.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
The Royal Challengers Bengaluru will be starting their campaign with some players not fully fit. Josh Hazlewood is still recovering from his injuries and will miss out on the first games. On the other hand, Yash Dayal will be missing out on the entire tournament for personal reasons.
Chennai Super Kings
The Chennai Super Kings are coping with the initial disruptions to their experienced and pace resources. Nathan Ellis is out due to a hamstring injury. Besides this, MS Dhoni is likely to be out for the first two weeks with his recovery from a calf strain.
Delhi Capitals
Delhi Capitals are awaiting clarification and not necessarily injuries. Mitchell Starc is also expected to join later, as his workload will be assessed. Ben Duckett has withdrawn from the season to refocus on his red-ball career.
Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings have a temporary gap in their pace attack. Lockie Ferguson will miss the early matches due to personal commitments, although he remains fit to play.
Lucknow Super Giants
Lucknow Super Giants are dealing with availability rather than injury concerns. Josh Inglis will not take part this season due to his wedding in early April, leaving a gap in the squad.
Full list of injured players of IPL 2026
| Player | Team | Reason | Status | Replacement |
| Harshit Rana | Kolkata Knight Riders | Knee injury | Ruled out | Navdeep Saini |
| Akash Deep | Kolkata Knight Riders | Back injury | Ruled out | Saurabh Dubey |
| Matheesha Pathirana | Kolkata Knight Riders | Muscle strain | Joining delayed | – |
| Pat Cummins | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Back injury | Joining delayed | – |
| Josh Hazlewood | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Hamstring injury | Joining delayed | – |
| Nuwan Thushara | Royal Challengers Bengaluru | Not injured but yet to pass fitness test | Joining delayed | – |
| Jack Edwards | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Foot injury | Ruled out | David Payne |
| Nathan Ellis | Chennai Super Kings | Hamstring injury | Ruled out | Spencer Johnson |
| Mitchell Starc | Delhi Capitals | Shoulder and elbow injury | Joining delayed | – |
| Sam Curran | Rajasthan Royals | Groin injury | Ruled out | Dasun Shanaka |
| Wanindu Hasaranga | Lucknow Super Giants | Hamstring injury | Joining delayed | – |
| Prithviraj Yarra | Gujarat Titans | Not specified | Ruled out | Kulwant Khejroliya |
