New Delhi, March 24 (NationPress) The upcoming 19th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is set to kick off on March 28, featuring the defending champions, Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), facing off against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the inaugural match at M. Chinnaswamy Stadium.

In the lead-up to the tournament, numerous players are grappling with injuries or are otherwise unavailable for the initial games, prompting franchises to adapt their strategies at a moment's notice.

This year has been particularly busy, as the T20 World Cup 2026 concluded just days ago. Several players who sustained injuries during or prior to this event are still on the mend and are anticipated to join the league later.

Here’s a rundown of the players who will be sidelined for the early matches or the entire tournament.

Harshit Rana: The pacer for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) is nursing a knee injury and is expected to be out for the entire tournament. He was also ruled out of the ICC T20 World Cup 2026 due to an injury sustained during a warm-up match against South Africa.

Akash Deep: KKR has suffered another setback as fast bowler Deep is out for the entire season due to a lower back stress injury. KKR has named left-arm pacer Saurabh Dubey as his replacement.

Matheesha Pathirana: The key bowler for KKR is awaiting approval from the Sri Lanka Cricket Board (SLC) following a shoulder injury that limited his participation in the 2026 T20 World Cup.

Pat Cummins: The captain of Sunrisers Hyderabad is recovering from a lumbar stress injury and is likely to miss the early matches of the season. Ishan Kishan has been appointed as the interim captain during his absence.

Jack Edwards: The Australian all-rounder has been ruled out for the entire season due to a foot injury. SRH has announced David Payne as his replacement.

Sam Curran: The seasoned all-rounder for Rajasthan Royals is out for the entire tournament due to a groin injury sustained after his run with England through to the semi-finals of the T20 World Cup. Former Sri Lankan captain Dasun Shanaka will take his place.

Josh Hazlewood: The star bowler for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) is awaiting clearance from Cricket Australia. He has been sidelined since November due to a hamstring injury and is expected to miss the opening matches of IPL 2026.

Nathan Ellis: The five-time champions Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have faced a significant setback as Australia's fast bowler Ellis has been ruled out after suffering a hamstring injury during the domestic One-Day Cup final.

Mitchell Starc: Delhi Capitals is still waiting for clearance from Cricket Australia, who are managing the pacer's workload ahead of a demanding international schedule. Starc will miss the initial matches of IPL 2026.

Lockie Ferguson: The pacer for Punjab Kings will miss the early stages of the tournament to spend time with his family, including his newborn son. The New Zealand bowler is in good shape and is currently participating in the T20I series against South Africa.

Josh Inglis: The Australian wicketkeeper-batter acquired by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for ₹8.6 crore during the IPL 2026 auction will not be fully available for the season due to his wedding planned for early April.

Wanindu Hasaranga: LSG is still awaiting clearance for the spinner from the Sri Lankan Cricket Board (SLC). Hasaranga is recovering from a hamstring injury.