IPL 2026: Full List of Players Set to Miss Matches or Entire Season Due to Injuries and Other Reasons

With just a few days to go for the beginning of Indian Premier League 2026, the teams are busy preparing themselves for the big tournament, which is scheduled to kick off on March 28 with a blockbuster encounter between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru.

While the teams have tried to keep the core of the players from last season, a number of big names changed teams at the mini auction. However, many teams will suffer injury blows just before the season. As various players are out due to injury, workload or personal reasons, there is a big change in their playing XI.

Here is the full list of players who will miss IPL 2026 matches and their respective teams and the period of unavailability:

Players Ruled Out of Entire IPL 2026

1. Harshit Rana (KKR) - Out of tournament

Kolkata Knight Riders have faced a huge blow as their bowler Harshit Rana has been ruled out due to knee injury. He got injured while practicing before T20 World Cup 2026, has undergone surgery and is expected to take two to three months to recover.

2. Sam Curran (RR) - Likely out of tournament

Sam Curran was traded to Rajasthan Royals for this season but he will miss IPL 2026 as he has a groin injury. He needs about two months to recover, which rules him out of this season.

3. Nathan Ellis (CSK) - Out of tournament

Chennai Super Kings’ pacer Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of the tournament due to a hamstring injury. He got injured in Big Bash League and it resurfaced post the T20 World Cup.

4. Jack Edwards (SRH) - Out of tournament

Sunrisers Hyderabad's all-rounder Jack Edwards has been ruled out of the tournament due to a foot injury.

5. Atharva Ankolekar (MI) - Out of tournament

Mumbai Indians' all-rounder Atharva Ankolekar suffered a severe knee injury during Ranji Trophy, has undergone surgery and will take long to recover.

6. Adam Milne (RR) - Out of tournament

Adam Milne suffered a severe hamstring injury while playing SA20, he was also ruled out from the T20 World Cup and will not participate in IPL 2026.

Players Likely to Miss Major Part of IPL 2026

7. Eshan Malinga (SRH) - Doubtful for season

Eshan Malinga suffered shoulder injury during the T20 World Cup. His return date is unknown and he might miss major part of the tournament.

8. Wanindu Hasaranga (LSG) - First few matches / possibly full season

Hasaranga sustained an injury during the T20 World Cup. He might miss the first few matches of the tournament but can also miss the entire season.

Players to Miss Initial Matches of IPL 2026

9. Pat Cummins (SRH) - First few matches

SRH skipper Pat Cummins is suffering from a back injury and he will miss first few matches and is expected to join later.

10. Josh Hazlewood (RCB) - First phase

Hazlewood is facing hamstring and Achilles issues. He is expected to join Royal Challengers Bengaluru in mid-April.

11. Mitchell Starc (DC) - Initial matches

Starc will miss initial matches due to workload management. Cricket Australia will manage him till next few matches and will then allow him to join his team.

12. Lockie Ferguson (PBKS) - First half

Kiwi speedster Lockie Ferguson will miss first half of the IPL 2026 due to paternal leave. He will join Punjab Kings later in the tournament.

13. Matheesha Pathirana (KKR) - First match

Sri Lanka pacer Matheesha Pathirana will miss the opening encounter due to calf strain, he should return in next few games.

14. Matthew Short (CSK) - Opening matches

Matthew Short is recovering from a thumb injury. He is expected to miss opening matches of the tournament and join later.

Final thoughts

A lot of teams are suffering from injuries at the beginning of IPL 2026. While some teams will miss their important players throughout the season, some will miss their players only for the first few matches. This can be an opportunity for some young and upcoming players to perform for their team.

The teams will also need to re-work on their plans and balance their team. Fans will expect that injured players will recover at the earliest and will get to see more quality cricket in IPL 2026.