The Indian Premier League is all set to begin on March 28, 2026, and fitness issues are already rising for most of the franchises. Many players, such as Harshit Rana, Sam Curran, and Nathan Ellis, are ruled out of IPL 2026 because of their injuries and surgeries. Here are the details of some of the players who are injured or ruled out of the IPL 2026.
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Nathan Ellis: Chennai Super Kings
Nathan Ellis will not play IPL 2026 after a hamstring injury. He was one of the primary options for the Chennai Super Kings after Pathirana’s exit. His absence can leave a gap in the death overs. Now the whole responsibility is likely to be shared between Jamie Overton and Matt Henry. The franchise is also looking for some external reinforcement, such as Gerald Coetzee, Josh Tongue, and Richard Gleeson.
Harshit Rana: Kolkata Knight Riders
Harshit Rana has been ruled out of the IPL 2026 because of a knee surgery earlier this year. The injury traces back to a ligament strain suffered during the Men’s ICC T20 World Cup 2026 warm-up match against South Africa at DY Patil Stadium. After the injury, he was a little bit off, and aborted his run-up twice and left the ground. As per reports, on March 16, he was seen on crutches at the BCCI Naman awards.
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Sam Curran: Rajasthan Royals
It is one of the major setbacks for the Rajasthan Royals before the IPL 2026. Sam Curran is ruled out because of a suspected groin issue. Sam Curran, an England player who played the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final against India on March 5, is going through a recovery phase.
His absence leaves RR short on all-rounders with Ravindra Jadeja and Donovan Ferreira, along with left-hand choices. However, the franchise is still searching for a replacement.
Jack Edwards: Sunrisers Hyderabad
According to the Cricbuzz Report, the SRH all-rounder Jack Edwards has been ruled out of the IPL 2026 because of an injury. The franchise has not officially announced his injury or its extent. Edwards was all set to make his IPL debut with Sunrisers Hyderabad, who picked him for Rs 3 Crore at the mini auction, but unfortunately, because of his injury, he could not.
Atharva Ankolekar: Mumbai Indians
A young all-rounder injured himself during a Ranji Trophy match played against Hyderabad in January and has been ruled out of IPL 2026. He is part of the Mumbai Indians. He underwent surgery at Kokilaben Hospital. He still stays in rehabilitation and will not be a part of the upcoming IPL edition. However, the team had bought him for Rs 30 Lakh, and has yet to decide on his replacement.
Pat Cummins: Sunrisers Hyderabad
As per reports, Pat Cummins is expected to miss the first Phase of IPL 2026. He was injured and is currently recovering from a lower back stress injury. The captain of SRH last played in the third test in Adelaide and has since missed some series, along with the complete T20 World Cup 2026.
In his absence, Ishan Kishan is set to lead the side, along with Abhishek Sharma as a vice captain.
Josh Hazlewood: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Another Australian fast bowler, Josh Hazlewood, will miss the first phase of the IPL 2026 as he is recovering from a hamstring injury and a subsequent Achilles tendon complication. He was not seen after the match for New South Wales in November and missed the complete Ashes and T20 World Cup.
Matheesha Pathirana: Kolkata Knight Riders
Matheesha Pathirana stays on the road to recovery after a calf strain occurred during the T20 World Cup. However, the team is still waiting for him to join in the middle of the tournament and is not looking for a replacement. His injury occurred during Sri Lanka’s clash with Australia in Pallekele on February 16.
Lockie Ferguson: Punjab Kings
New Zealand fast bowler Ferguson will not be present for the first phase of the IPL 2026. He is choosing to take time from the game following the birth of his child. He has prioritised family commitments after the T20 World Cup and is expected to join the squad in the middle of the tournament.
In his absence, Ben Dwarshuis is likely to step in during the first phase.
Eshan Malinga: Sunrisers Hyderabad
Sunrisers Hyderabad is facing uncertainty over the availability of the young overseas Sri Lankan player Eshan Malinga. He suffered from a shoulder dislocation during the T20 World Cup 2026 in February. Although there is no clear recovery timeline in place, his participation remains in serious doubt.
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Matthew Short: Chennai Super Kings
Matthew Short is also likely to miss out on the first phase of IPL 2026 because of a fractured thumb. As per reports, he is expected to join the squad on 22 March, although his availability to play the matches is not confirmed yet.