New Delhi, March 19 (NationPress) The Rajasthan Royals (RR) are facing a significant challenge as they prepare for the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 season, with England's all-rounder Sam Curran likely to be sidelined due to a suspected groin injury.

According to a report from ESPNCricinfo, the 27-year-old Curran last played for England during the Men's T20 World Cup on March 5, when the defending champions were eliminated by India in the semi-final at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai.

Unfortunately, it appears that Curran will miss IPL 2026 as a result of his groin injury while playing for RR, the inaugural IPL champions. Curran was set to make his debut for RR after joining the team in November 2025 through a trade with Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

In a significant player swap, Curran and Indian all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja were exchanged for wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who was awarded Player of the Tournament at the Men's T20 World Cup and is set to play for CSK when the league kicks off on March 28.

Additionally, the five-time champions, Chennai Super Kings (CSK), are also facing a major setback as pacer Nathan Ellis is expected to miss the tournament due to an unresolved hamstring injury, as confirmed by the franchise's CEO KS Viswanathan during a press event in Chennai.

Meanwhile, Lockie Ferguson, the fast bowler from New Zealand, will miss the initial phase of the tournament with Punjab Kings (PBKS) as he prioritizes spending quality time with his family following the birth of his son during the T20 World Cup. Ferguson took a brief paternity leave for this occasion and intends to return for the latter part of the competition.

"I just welcomed a baby boy, and I'm trying to spend as much time as possible at home to support my wife. I plan to take a few weeks off before returning for the later stages of the IPL and the winter season."

"Playing for the Black Caps is always a joy, and I truly enjoyed my time in India with the team again. Unfortunately, injuries impacted my ability to participate earlier in the season. I really wanted to play some home matches and feel privileged to represent in front of my home crowd."

"Cricket is thriving, which is fantastic. Sometimes it's tough to decide when to take a break. Choosing this time feels fair, especially since my wife was taking care of our baby while I was in the World Cup. I'm looking forward to some time at home before returning to cricket after that," he shared with reporters prior to the third T20I against South Africa at Eden Park in Auckland.