March 26 (NationPress) The Indian Premier League (IPL) has played a crucial role in reshaping contemporary franchise cricket, impacting not just India but the global cricket landscape. Beyond its financial success, it acts as a vital platform for highlighting emerging talent, boosting the profiles of local players, and turning many into international stars.

In every season, some prominent players are sidelined due to injuries or performance slumps. This season is no different, with numerous athletes ruled out before the tournament's commencement due to injury or availability issues, prompting teams to seek replacements. However, several players will be making their comeback to this high-stakes environment after missing the last season.

Here are five players who were absent in IPL 2025 but are set to return in the 2026 tournament kicking off on Saturday.

Cameron Green (Kolkata Knight Riders)

The demand for fast-bowling all-rounders remains high in the IPL, and this season marks the return of one of Australia’s top talents, Cameron Green. After missing the last edition due to a back injury, Green is back in focus as the priciest overseas signing in IPL history, acquired by Kolkata Knight Riders for an astounding Rs. 25.20 crore.

He made his IPL debut for the Mumbai Indians in 2023, contributing significantly to their playoff journey. During that season, he amassed 452 runs in 16 matches at a striking rate of 160.28, highlighted by a stunning unbeaten century against Sunrisers Hyderabad in the final league match at Wankhede Stadium.

Following this, he had another impressive season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024, solidifying his status as a reliable player in the league. Unfortunately, injury issues sidelined him for the 2025 season, and he missed that year's mega auction. Now at 26, Green is joining Eden Gardens as a marquee player for KKR, with heightened expectations despite a challenging recent Ashes series. His return not only strengthens KKR’s roster but also brings a potential game-changer who can influence matches with both bat and ball.

Sarfaraz Khan (Chennai Super Kings)

Sarfaraz Khan's career has been a rollercoaster ride, marked by flashes of brilliance and periods on the sidelines. He first gained recognition during his time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where his performances led to his retention before the 2018 mega-auction. However, consistency proved elusive in subsequent years, and stints with Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals did little to secure his position, ultimately leading to his release before the 2024 season and a couple of years without an IPL contract.

Despite his absence from the league, Sarfaraz continued to enhance his reputation in domestic cricket. His stellar performance in the 2025–26 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy showcased his T20 prowess, as he scored 329 runs at an impressive average of 65.20 and an extraordinary strike rate of 203.8. A blistering 73 off just 22 balls on the morning of the auction further underscored his value.

These performances earned him a return to the IPL, with Chennai Super Kings signing him for Rs. 75 lakh. While competition for spots in a packed batting lineup may restrict immediate chances, the conditions at Chepauk could favor his strengths against spin, and his creative strokeplay adds depth to the squad.

Having recently made a long-awaited Test debut for India before facing another setback, Sarfaraz now stands at a critical juncture. A strong showing in the IPL could not only restore his credentials but also reignite hopes for a return to the national team.

Jason Holder (Gujarat Titans)

Jason Holder has been a well-known presence in the IPL, having represented multiple franchises, with his latest appearance for the Rajasthan Royals in 2023. Despite his experience and all-round skills, he went unsold in the subsequent two seasons and instead participated in franchise cricket elsewhere, including a stint with Islamabad United in the Pakistan Super League in 2025.

Since then, Holder has regained form on the international stage, delivering impactful performances for the West Indies. He also showcased his leadership and consistency as captain of the St. Kitts and Nevis Patriots in the Caribbean Premier League.

His resurgence caught the attention of the Gujarat Titans, who secured his services for Rs. 7 crore ahead of the 2026 season. With strong performances in the recent World Cup, Holder returns to the IPL invigorated, ready to play a critical all-round role for the Titans.

Prithvi Shaw (Delhi Capitals)

Prithvi Shaw made a splash in the IPL as an exciting teenager in 2018, demonstrating his attacking prowess while playing for Delhi Daredevils. He quickly became a pivotal player in the team’s resurgence after their rebranding as Delhi Capitals, with his rise mirroring his rapid ascent to the Indian national team across formats.

However, sustaining that early momentum proved challenging. A prolonged drop in form, coupled with fitness and discipline concerns, led Shaw to lose favor. After two disappointing IPL seasons, Delhi released him, and his struggles worsened when he lost his spot in Mumbai’s domestic team.

A fresh start with Maharashtra seems to have reignited his career. Consistent performances across all formats in domestic cricket suggest a return to form, prompting Delhi Capitals to re-sign him for Rs. 75 lakh ahead of the 2026 season. Returning to a franchise where he previously thrived alongside players like Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner, Shaw now has a chance to rebuild his image.

At 26, he faces a defining moment. A successful stint at the top of the order could signal a major comeback, potentially reshaping his career and sparking renewed discussions about his role in Indian cricket.

Umran Malik (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Umran Malik made a significant impression upon his debut for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2021, drawing attention with his raw pace that often exceeded 150 kmph. His breakout season peaked in 2022, where he took 22 wickets and received a call-up to the Indian team, showcasing his potential as one of the country’s fastest bowlers.

However, injuries have hindered his progress, affecting both his appearances and effectiveness. After being released before the 2025 auction, Malik was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders, but another injury setback ruled him out of that season.

Now fully fit and having completed a full domestic campaign with Jammu and Kashmir in the 2025 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, Malik returns with renewed determination. With Kolkata’s pace attack weakened following the departure of key bowlers, he has a clear opportunity to re-establish himself.

Malik’s focus will now be on regaining the form and rhythm that once made him one of the most exciting fast-bowling prospects in the league. A strong performance this season could not only enhance his role at KKR but also revive his chances of making a comeback to the national team.

Finn Allen (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Finn Allen had a subdued start to his IPL journey, spending time with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2021 and 2022 without making an appearance, despite being viewed as a promising, hard-hitting opener.

Since then, his reputation in T20 cricket has surged. Known for his explosive approach at the top of the order, Allen has become one of the most dangerous batsmen in the format, evidenced by an impressive strike rate of 196.6 in 2025.

His rise was underscored on the global stage when he scored a magnificent 33-ball century against South Africa in the semi-final of the 2026 T20 World Cup, marking the fastest hundred in the tournament’s history. Now returning to the IPL with Kolkata Knight Riders, Allen brings with him a reputation built on fearless strokeplay, and even a glimpse of that form could make him a game-changing asset this season.