IPL 2026 List of Injured Players: Teams Bring in Replacements Amid Injury Crisis

Published: Monday, March 23, 2026, 20:16 [IST]

As the Indian Premier League gears up to start on March 28, teams are already facing a major challenge: injuries to some of their star players. Several franchises, including Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Rajasthan Royals, have had their squad plans disrupted as key cricketers are ruled out for part or all of the season.

High-profile absences include Pat Cummins and Jack Edwards for Sunrisers Hyderabad, Sam Curran for Rajasthan Royals, and Mitchell Starc for Delhi Capitals. Kolkata Knight Riders are without Harshit Rana, Akash Deep, and Matheesha Pathirana, while Royal Challengers Bengaluru will miss Josh Hazlewood. Nathan Ellis of Chennai Super Kings and Lockie Ferguson of Punjab Kings are also sidelined.

Teams have responded by bringing in replacements to fill the gaps. Names like Dasun Shanaka and Blessing Muzarabani have been drafted to bolster squads, ensuring that the competition remains intense despite the setbacks.

The season will kick off with a blockbuster clash at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, as defending champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru take on Sunrisers Hyderabad. After an exceptional 2025 campaign, where RCB finally lifted the trophy under Rajat Patidar, expectations are high for the opening game.

Fans will be watching closely to see how teams navigate the early-season injury hurdles while chasing the coveted IPL title.