IPL 2026 Injured Players: Full List of Ruled Out, Doubtful and Unavailable Players With Replacements

Here is the complete list of IPL 2026 injured players across all ten franchises ahead of the season opener on March 28. Multiple teams are dealing with significant injury and availability concerns, with at least six franchises — KKR, RCB, SRH, CSK, LSG, and MI — affected by setbacks to key players.

This IPL 2026 injured players tracker will be updated throughout the season as new IPL injury news, replacement updates, and return timelines are confirmed. Below is the full IPL 2026 injury list, followed by detailed breakdowns of every injured, ruled out, or doubtful player and their IPL 2026 player availability status.

Last updated: April 27, 2026 after Mitchell Santner injury

Full IPL 2026 Injury List — All Injured Players Summary Table

The following table provides a quick overview of every IPL 2026 injured player, their status, and IPL 2026 replacement details where applicable. Players who have been ruled out of IPL 2026 are listed first, followed by those missing early matches and those whose availability remains doubtful.

Ruled Out of IPL 2026

Mitchell Santner — Mumbai Indians

Mitchell Santner has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 after sustaining a left shoulder injury during MI’s clash against Chennai Super Kings on April 23. The New Zealand captain was injured while attempting a catch near the boundary to dismiss Kartik Sharma in the 17th over, and walked off the field clutching his shoulder. He was controversially replaced by Shardul Thakur as a concussion substitute during the match. MI have signed South Africa’s Keshav Maharaj as his replacement for ₹75 lakh.

• Injury: Left shoulder injury — sustained while diving to take a catch at deep backward square
• When it happened: April 23, 2026 — MI vs CSK, Wankhede Stadium
• What happened: Took a brilliant catch to dismiss Kartik Sharma but landed awkwardly, hitting his shoulder on the ground. Walked off grimacing and did not return to the field
• Current status: Ruled out for the remainder of IPL 2026. MI confirmed via official statement on April 27
• IPL 2026 stats: 4 matches, 5 wickets at economy 8.93, 26 runs in 2 innings (highest: 18*)
• IPL 2026 availability: Ruled out — remainder of season
• Replacement: Keshav Maharaj (South Africa) — left-arm orthodox spinner, signed for ₹75 lakh. Went unsold at IPL 2026 and PSL 2026 auctions. Two IPL matches for Rajasthan Royals in 2024 (2 wickets). 218 Test wickets, part of South Africa’s 2025 WTC-winning squad
• Squad impact: MI lose their premier spin-bowling all-rounder and a retained player (₹2 crore). Maharaj is a like-for-like left-arm orthodox option but offers significantly less with the bat (T20 batting average: 6.12). MI’s remaining spin options are Mayank Markande, Will Jacks (part-time), and Allah Ghazanfar

More: Mitchell Santner replacement: Why Keshav Maharaj signing exposes MI’s IPL 2026 vulnerability

Ayush Mhatre — Chennai Super Kings

CSK’s breakout star Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 with a left hamstring tear, confirmed by the franchise on April 21. The 18-year-old sustained the injury while batting during CSK’s chase of 195 against Sunrisers Hyderabad, pulling his hamstring while attempting a second run in the fifth over. He continued batting briefly but was dismissed shortly after — caught by Heinrich Klaasen off Nitish Kumar Reddy — for 30 off 12 balls.

• Injury: Left hamstring tear
• When it happened: April 18, 2026 — SRH vs CSK, Match 27, Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
• What happened: Mhatre came in as an impact sub for Gurjapneet Singh in the second over after Sanju Samson’s dismissal. Smashed 30 off 12 balls (5 fours, 1 six) at a strike rate of 250 before pulling his hamstring while turning for a second run in the fifth over. Continued batting but was dismissed two balls later
• What Hussey said: “It’s a hamstring tear. Don’t know how bad it is. We’ll scan him probably the next day. But yes, it looks pretty bad. Unfortunately, he’s going to be a big loss because he has been in nice touch for us”
• CSK statement: “Ayush Mhatre has been ruled out of the remainder of IPL 2026 due to a left hamstring injury sustained while batting during the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad on April 18. Ayush’s injury will require a rehabilitation period of 6-12 weeks”
• Recovery timeline: 6 to 12 weeks — rules out any possibility of return this season
• IPL 2026 stats: 201 runs in 6 innings, average 33.50, strike rate 177.87, 2 fifties, best of 73. CSK’s top run-scorer
• Career IPL stats: 441 runs in 13 innings across IPL 2025-26, average 33.92, strike rate 183.45
• Current status: Ruled out for the remainder of IPL 2026
• IPL 2026 availability: Ruled out
• Replacement: Akash Madhwal has been named as Ayush Mhatre replacement.
• Squad impact: Third CSK player ruled out this season after Khaleel Ahmed (quadricep) and Nathan Ellis (hamstring). MS Dhoni remains unavailable due to a calf strain. CSK lose their most explosive powerplay batter and leading run-scorer at a point where their playoff qualification is already in serious doubt

More: Read our full Ayush Mhatre injury update | Who can replace Ayush Mhatre at CSK?

Tom Banton — Gujarat Titans

England wicketkeeper-batter Tom Banton has been ruled out of IPL 2026 with a finger injury, Gujarat Titans confirmed on April 17. Banton did not play a single match for GT this season. He has been replaced by South Africa wicketkeeper-batter Connor Esterhuizen, who has been signed for ₹75 lakh.

• Injury: Finger injury
• Current status: Ruled out of IPL 2026. Confirmed by GT on April 17
• IPL 2026 availability: Ruled out — full season
• IPL 2026 contract: Signed by GT for ₹2 crore at the IPL 2026 auction (base price)
• Matches played: 0 — did not feature in the playing XI this season
• IPL history: This was Banton’s return to the IPL after four years, having previously made two appearances for KKR in 2021
• Replacement: Connor Esterhuizen (South Africa, wicketkeeper-batter) — signed for ₹75 lakh
• About the replacement: Esterhuizen, 25, made his T20I debut in March 2026 during South Africa’s five-match series against New Zealand, where he scored 200 runs at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 145.98 with two fifties. He won two Player-of-the-Match awards and was named Player of the Series. He has played in the SA20 (Pretoria Capitals, MI Cape Town) and the ILT20 (Abu Dhabi Knight Riders, four appearances)
• Squad impact: GT are sixth on the IPL 2026 points table with two wins from four games. Esterhuizen adds an overseas wicketkeeping option but will compete for an overseas slot with GT’s existing overseas contingent.

Khaleel Ahmed — Chennai Super Kings

Chennai Super Kings left-arm pacer Khaleel Ahmed has been ruled out of IPL 2026 after suffering a Grade 2 quadriceps tear during the April 14 clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Chepauk. The 28-year-old pulled up mid-run-up in the 17th over and walked off the field, with Gurjapneet Singh completing the over. CSK confirmed the ruling via an official statement on April 16.

• Injury: Grade 2 tear of the right quadricep — high-grade partial tear of the right rectus femoris tendon, with a complete tear of the direct head of the muscle
• When it happened: April 14, 2026 — CSK vs KKR at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (CSK won by 32 runs)
• What happened: Khaleel Ahmed pulled up in his run-up while attempting to deliver the final ball of the 17th over, clutched his right thigh, and walked off. Initially thought to be cramps before scans confirmed a muscle tear
• Recovery timeline: 10 to 12 weeks (approximately three months) of rehabilitation
• Current status: Ruled out of IPL 2026. Will undergo rehab under the BCCI medical team
• IPL 2026 availability: Ruled out — full season
• 2026 stats before injury: 5 matches, 2 wickets, economy rate 8.67. Last season Khaleel finished as CSK’s second-highest wicket-taker with 15 wickets, behind only Noor Ahmad
• Squad impact: A major blow for CSK, who are already without MS Dhoni (calf strain) and Nathan Ellis (ruled out for the season). Spencer Johnson, Ellis’s replacement, is himself returning from a back stress fracture and has not yet joined the squad. Mukesh Choudhary and Ramakrishna Ghosh are the internal like-for-like pace options
• Replacement: Yet to be announced by CSK

More: Read our full breakdown of the best Khaleel Ahmed replacement for CSK in IPL 2026

David Payne — Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad’s injury crisis has deepened further. England left-arm pacer David Payne — who had joined SRH last month as the replacement for Jack Edwards — has now himself been ruled out of IPL 2026 with an ankle injury. SRH confirmed the ruling via an official statement on April 16, 2026. Payne’s exit makes him the fourth overseas pace casualty for the franchise this season, alongside Pat Cummins (back, missing early matches), Jack Edwards (foot, ruled out), and Brydon Carse (hand, ruled out).

• Injury: Ankle injury
• Current status: Ruled out of IPL 2026. SRH confirmed via official announcement on April 16: “David Payne has been ruled out of TATA IPL 2026 after sustaining an ankle injury”
• IPL 2026 availability: Ruled out — full season
• Background: The 35-year-old left-arm pacer had joined SRH for ₹1.5 crore as the injury replacement for Australian all-rounder Jack Edwards (foot injury) in late March. Payne was one of the most consistent T20 bowlers in the world heading into IPL 2026, with 304 wickets in 233 T20s at an average of 21.16 and an economy of 8.03. He won the 2025-26 BBL with Perth Scorchers (Player of the Final, 3/18) and the ILT20 with Desert Vipers in January 2026. IPL 2026 was his debut IPL season
• Role at SRH: With Pat Cummins unavailable for the opening matches and Brydon Carse also ruled out, Payne had featured in the playing XI as one of SRH’s frontline overseas pacers alongside Eshan Malinga. His exit leaves SRH with a significant left-arm pace void
• Squad impact: Compounds an already serious overseas pace crisis. SRH now have to manage without Cummins (returning late April), Carse (replaced by Dilshan Madushanka), Edwards (was replaced by Payne), and now Payne himself. Madushanka and Malinga are the available overseas seam options. Jaydev Unadkat leads the domestic pace attack
• Replacement: Gerald Coetzee

Harshit Rana — Kolkata Knight Riders

Harshit Rana is the most high-profile name on the IPL 2026 injured players list. The KKR fast bowler underwent knee surgery in February after sustaining a ligament strain in his right knee during India’s T20 World Cup warm-up match against South Africa. KKR roped in Navdeep Saini as Harshit Rana injury replacement. Saini had shone in the KKR practice match 2026 as a net bowler.

• Injury: Ligament strain, right knee
• When it happened: T20 World Cup warm-up vs South Africa, DY Patil Stadium
• What happened: Pulled out of his run-up twice, bowled one over before leaving the field
• Surgery: Lateral meniscus repair, February 9 — performed by Dr Dinshaw Pardiwalla at Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai
• Current status: Undergoing rehab under BCCI medical team. Seen on crutches at BCCI Naman Awards on March 16
• IPL 2026 availability: Ruled out for bulk of season, possibly all of it
• Replacement: Navdeep Saini

More: Read our full Harshit Rana injury update

Nathan Ellis — Chennai Super Kings

Nathan Ellis has been ruled out of IPL 2026 with a hamstring injury, confirmed by CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan to Sportstar on March 19. The Australian pacer was CSK’s designated death-overs specialist following the departure of Matheesha Pathirana.

• Injury: Hamstring
• When confirmed: March 19, 2026
• Current status: Will not recover in time for the season
• IPL 2026 availability: Ruled out
• Squad impact: CSK left without a specialist death-over bowler. Matt Henry and Jamie Overton expected to fill the gap
• Replacement: CSK sign Spencer Johnson from PSL

More: Read our full Nathan Ellis injury update

Jack Edwards — Sunrisers Hyderabad

Australian allrounder Jack Edwards has been ruled out of IPL 2026. Edwards was set to make his maiden IPL appearance after SRH signed him for ₹3 crore at the auction. But the Jack Edwards foot injury means he’ll miss the season. He has been replaced by England’s David Payne. Find out who David Payne is and why he could be a good addition for SRH.

• Injury: Foot injury
• Current status: Ruled out. Confirmed by franchise to Cricbuzz
• IPL 2026 availability: Ruled out
• Squad impact: SRH lose a versatile overseas option. This is the third availability blow for the franchise after Pat Cummins (back injury, missing early matches) and Eshan Malinga (shoulder, doubtful)
• Replacement: David Payne

Atharva Ankolekar — Mumbai Indians

Left-arm spinning allrounder Atharva Ankolekar has been ruled out of IPL 2026 after tearing his meniscus during a Ranji Trophy match against Hyderabad in January 2026.

• Injury: Knee — meniscus tear
• When it happened: January 2026, Ranji Trophy vs Hyderabad (fielding incident)
• Surgery: Performed at Kokilaben Hospital, Mumbai
• Current status: In rehabilitation, ruled out for full season
• IPL 2026 availability: Ruled out
• Replacement: MI have not yet named a replacement. This would have been Ankolekar’s maiden IPL season after being bought for ₹30 lakh at the December 2025 auction

Sam Curran — Rajasthan Royals

Sam Curran is set to miss IPL 2026 with a suspected groin injury, dealing Rajasthan Royals a blow before their campaign has even begun. The England allrounder was acquired by RR via a trade with Chennai Super Kings last November as part of the deal that sent Sanju Samson to CSK.

• Injury: Suspected groin issue
• Last competitive match: March 5, 2026 — England vs India, T20 World Cup semi-final
• Current status: Set to miss the season. No official timeline for recovery
• IPL 2026 availability: Ruled out
• Squad impact: RR lose an overseas allrounder slot. Ravindra Jadeja and Donovan Ferreira (traded from DC at base price of ₹1 crore) are the remaining allrounder options
• Replacement: Dasun Shanaka

More: Read on Sam Curran injury replacement for IPL 2026

Mustafizur Rahman — Kolkata Knight Riders (Unavailable)

Mustafizur Rahman is not injured but is unavailable for IPL 2026 after the BCCI directed KKR to release the Bangladesh left-arm seamer amid strained geopolitical relations between India and Bangladesh.

• Reason: BCCI directive — geopolitical
• Original price: ₹9.20 crore at IPL 2026 auction
• Replacement: Blessing Muzarabani (Zimbabwe) signed. Muzarabani left his PSL deal with Islamabad United to join KKR. He took 13 wickets at the T20 World Cup 2026

More: Read our full analysis on why BCCI were unfair to KKR

Akash Deep — Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR pacer Akash Deep has been ruled out of IPL 2026, Cricbuzz confirmed on March 21. The 29-year-old India seamer has not joined the KKR squad and is currently undergoing rehabilitation at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru. The exact nature of his injury has not been disclosed. Akash Deep has been replaced by Vidarbha pacer Saurabh Dubey in KKR IPL 2026 squad.

• Injury: Undisclosed — undergoing rehab at BCCI Centre of Excellence, Bengaluru
• Current status: Ruled out of IPL 2026. Has not joined KKR camp
• IPL 2026 availability: Ruled out — full season
• Price paid: ₹1 crore (base price) at IPL 2026 mini-auction
• Squad impact: KKR’s pace crisis deepens significantly. With Harshit Rana (knee surgery), Akash Deep (ruled out), and Mustafizur Rahman (released), the three-time champions have lost three frontline pace options before a ball has been bowled. Matheesha Pathirana is available only from mid-April. KKR’s remaining pacers are Vaibhav Arora, Umran Malik, Kartik Tyagi, and Blessing Muzarabani
• Replacement: KKR pick Saurabh Dubey, the former SRH left-arm quick as his replacement.

Brydon Carse — Sunrisers Hyderabad

England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been ruled out of IPL 2026, becoming the fourth SRH player unavailable this season after Pat Cummins (back), Jack Edwards (foot), and Eshan Malinga (shoulder). Carse never played a match for SRH this season — or in 2025, when a toe injury ruled him out. He is yet to make his IPL debut despite being on the franchise’s books for two consecutive seasons. SRH have signed Sri Lanka left-arm seamer Dilshan Madushanka as his replacement for ₹75 lakh.

• Injury: Hand — hit on his right (bowling) hand while batting in the nets before the season opener vs RCB on March 28
• What happened: Carse was struck by a delivery during a routine batting practice session. Scans cleared him of any fracture, but the swelling made it impossible for him to grip the ball. He attempted to push for the RCB game but was unable to play
• What Vettori said: “He got hit on the hand in the nets when he was batting, on his bowling hand. It was cleared of any break, but there was quite a lot of swelling, and he tried to push for the game, but it was difficult for him to hold the ball”
• Matches missed: All matches in IPL 2026 — never featured in the playing XI
• Background: Retained by SRH for ₹1 crore ahead of IPL 2026 after missing the entire 2025 season with a toe injury. Was England’s leading wicket-taker in the 2025-26 Ashes with 22 wickets
• Current status: Ruled out for the remainder of the season. Confirmed by IPL media advisory on April 14, 2026
• IPL 2026 availability: Ruled out — full season
• Replacement: Dilshan Madushanka — Sri Lankan left-arm medium pacer with 70 international wickets across 1 Test, 28 ODIs, and 19 T20Is. Previously with Mumbai Indians. Joins SRH for ₹75 lakh
• Squad impact: SRH’s fourth overseas availability blow this season. David Payne and Eshan Malinga have been carrying the overseas pace workload in the absence of both Cummins and Carse. Madushanka offers a left-arm angle that SRH’s attack has lacked

Yash Dayal — Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Yash Dayal will not feature for RCB in IPL 2026. Director of cricket Mo Bobat confirmed on March 24 that the left-arm pacer will not join the squad this season.

• Reason: Ongoing legal proceedings — not injury-related
• What Mo Bobat said: “He’s going through a personal situation. He remains under contract”
• Background: Facing POCSO case in Jaipur and a separate sexual assault case in Ghaziabad. Anticipatory bail denied by POCSO court in December 2025; interim protection from arrest granted by Rajasthan High Court in January 2026
• Previous action: Banned from UP T20 League by UPCA in August 2025
• Current status: Not in custody. Not part of RCB training camp. Has not been spotted at any pre-season session
• IPL 2026 availability: Ruled out for the full season
• Replacement: RCB are not expected to seek a replacement, as Dayal has not been formally ruled out through injury — he is simply not being selected. The franchise retains him under contract
• Impact on RCB: Adds pressure to a pace unit already managing Josh Hazlewood’s fitness uncertainty. Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Jacob Duffy, Rasikh Salam, Mangesh Yadav, and Abhinandan Singh are the available seam options

Ben Duckett — Delhi Capitals

Ben Duckett has withdrawn from IPL 2026. The England opener announced on March 24 via Instagram that he is pulling out of the tournament to prioritise his international career.

• Reason: Voluntary withdrawal — not injury-related
• What Duckett said: “I have made the extremely difficult decision to withdraw from the IPL. Representing England is something I have dreamed of since I was a child, and I want to give everything I can to English cricket. To do that, I need to ensure I am in the best possible place physically and mentally ahead of the summer”
• IPL 2026 contract: Bought by Delhi Capitals for ₹2 crore at the auction
• Apology to DC: “I would like to sincerely apologise to everyone at Delhi. I was genuinely very excited about the opportunity to represent the franchise. I am sorry for any disruption my decision may cause”
• Current status: Not joining the DC squad. Has not travelled to India
• IPL 2026 availability: Ruled out for the full season
• Potential ban: IPL regulations stipulate a two-year ban from the tournament and future auctions for any overseas player who withdraws after being bought at auction, unless the withdrawal is supported by a medical certificate from the BCCI
• Replacement: Rehan Ahmed has been named as his replacement.
• Impact on DC: Duckett was expected to compete for an opening slot alongside David Warner and KL Rahul. His absence simplifies DC’s overseas batting combination but removes a left-handed option at the top

Prithvi Raj Yarra — Gujarat Titans

Uncapped left-arm seamer Prithvi Raj Yarra has been ruled out of IPL 2026 due to injury. Gujarat Titans announced his replacement on March 25.

• Injury: Not officially specified
• Current status: Ruled out for the season
• IPL 2026 contract: Part of GT’s squad as an uncapped domestic player
• Replacement: Kulwant Khejroliya, fellow uncapped left-arm seamer, signed for ₹30 lakh
• Khejroliya’s background: Was with GT last season as well, playing one game and taking 1/29 from three overs. Has also represented RCB (2018, 2019) and KKR (2023) across five matches
• Impact on GT: Minimal disruption — Yarra was a squad depth option rather than a first-XI pick. Khejroliya offers a like-for-like replacement as a left-arm seamer with prior IPL experience

Nuwan Thushara — Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Sri Lankan fast bowler Nuwan Thushara will not play IPL 2026 after Sri Lanka Cricket denied him a No Objection Certificate under its newly enforced fitness policy.

• Reason: Failed to clear SLC’s mandatory physical performance benchmarks — not injury-related
• SLC position: Officials maintain Thushara is not injured and remains available to play, but his overall fitness levels were flagged as below the required standard
• Other Sri Lankan players cleared: Dushmantha Chameera, Dasun Shanaka, Pathum Nissanka, and Kamindu Mendis all passed the fitness tests and received their NOCs
• IPL 2026 contract: Signed by RCB for ₹1.60 crore at the IPL 2026 auction
• IPL history: Played one match for RCB in IPL 2025 (1/26 in 4 overs). Eight matches for Mumbai Indians in 2024 (8 wickets at 32.12)
• Current status: In Sri Lanka. Will not travel to India for IPL 2026
• IPL 2026 availability: Ruled out for the full season
• Replacement: RCB are expected to announce a replacement signing within 24-48 hours. Available options in the market include Josh Tongue (England), Ottneil Baartman (South Africa), and Richard Gleeson (England)
• Impact on RCB: Significant. RCB are already without Josh Hazlewood (injury) and Yash Dayal (personal situation, ruled out for season). Jacob Duffy is now the only overseas seamer in the squad. The defending champions face a genuine pace bowling crisis heading into the March 28 opener against SRH
• Full analysis: Who could replace Nuwan Thushara at RCB?

Wanindu Hasaranga — Lucknow Super Giants

The former Purple Cap winner suffered a hamstring tear during the T20 World Cup and has been ruled out for LSG’s IPL 2026 campaign. There has been no official update from either the franchise or Sri Lanka Cricket on his recovery timeline.

• Injury: Hamstring tear
• When it happened: During T20 World Cup 2026
• Current status: No official update. He is set to miss the full tournament
• IPL 2026 availability: Doubtful
• Price paid: ₹2 crore at IPL 2026 auction
• Replacement: George Linde

Missing Early Matches

Rohit Sharma — Mumbai Indians

Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma will miss the MI vs PBKS match on April 16 at Wankhede Stadium due to a right hamstring injury, marking the first IPL 2026 game he has missed. The 38-year-old sustained the injury during MI’s 241-run chase against RCB on April 12, retiring hurt at 19 off 13 balls after grabbing his hamstring while attempting a second run. Hardik Pandya confirmed at the toss that Rohit will miss a couple of matches.

• Injury: Right hamstring strain
• When it happened: April 12, 2026 — MI vs RCB, sixth over of MI’s 241-run chase
• What happened: Rohit retired hurt at 19 off 13 balls after visibly grabbing his right hamstring while attempting a second run. He was unable to push off his back leg and walked off the field in discomfort
• Scan results: Inconclusive — no confirmed tear, but not a clean bill of health either. Assessed by MI physio Nitin Patel on Sunday night
• Training status: Missed MI training on Tuesday and Wednesday, skipping both indoor and net sessions at Wankhede
• Current status: Ruled out of MI vs PBKS (April 16). Hardik Pandya confirmed at toss Rohit will miss a couple of matches
• IPL 2026 availability: Match-to-match. No full-season ruling
• Recovery timeline: If Grade 1 strain (consistent with inconclusive scans) → 7 to 10 days. If Grade 2 tear → 3 to 6 weeks
• 2026 stats before injury: 137 runs in 4 matches at a strike rate of 165.06
• Squad impact: MI are eighth on the IPL 2026 points table and every remaining fixture carries playoff weight. Mitchell Santner also misses the PBKS match. Mayank Rawat is making his MI debut
• Latest update: Read our full Rohit Sharma injury update and why he is not playing MI vs PBKS

Pat Cummins — Sunrisers Hyderabad

SRH captain Pat Cummins will miss the opening matches of IPL 2026 due to a lumbar bone stress injury that has kept him out of competitive cricket since December 2025. Ishan Kishan has been appointed interim captain with Abhishek Sharma as vice-captain.

• Injury: Lumbar bone stress, lower back
• Last competitive match: Third Ashes Test, Adelaide, December 21, 2025
• Tournaments missed: Final two Ashes Tests + entire T20 World Cup 2026
• Current status: Cleared by Cricket Australia to travel. Expected to join SRH camp in Hyderabad on March 23
• IPL 2026 availability: Will miss at least the first few matches. No confirmed return date
• Interim captain: Ishan Kishan confirmed. Abhishek Sharma named vice-captain
• First match without Cummins: SRH vs RCB, March 28, M Chinnaswamy Stadium

More: Read our full SRH captain 2026 update

Josh Hazlewood — Royal Challengers Bengaluru

RCB’s title-winning spearhead Josh Hazlewood will miss at least the first two matches of IPL 2026 as he continues recovery from hamstring and Achilles injuries that have kept him out since November 2025.

• Injury: Hamstring strain (November 2025), followed by Achilles tendon complication during rehab
• Last competitive match: Sheffield Shield for NSW, November 12, 2025
• Tournaments missed: Entire Ashes 2025-26 + T20 World Cup 2026
• Current status: Rehabilitating in Sydney under Cricket Australia medical team. No clearance to travel yet
• IPL 2026 availability: Will miss at least first two matches (vs SRH March 28, vs CSK). Earliest return estimated April 10-11 vs Rajasthan Royals
• Replacement in XI: Jacob Duffy (NZ) most likely, with Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Nuwan Thushara also in the pace mix

More: Read our full Josh Hazlewood injury update

Mitchell Starc — Delhi Capitals

Mitchell Starc will miss the early phase of IPL 2026 for Delhi Capitals due to a shoulder and elbow injury that he has been managing since the Australian summer. Starc confirmed the injury himself on Instagram on March 28, pushing back against criticism from Indian media commentators.

• Injury: Shoulder and elbow — Starc stated he “didn’t know the extent” of the injury during the Australian summer
• What Starc said: “I’m currently rehabbing and managing an injury in my shoulder and elbow of which I didn’t know the extent of during the Australian summer. These individuals have made some strong statements around involvement in the IPL and provided heavily misinformed opinions of players, preached them as facts, and claim to know my body better than me”
• Apology to DC: “I do acknowledge this injury setback and timing is disruptive to the Delhi team and I apologise for that and to the fans for not being available for the early part of this season”
• Commitment: “I remain committed to join DC, are in continual communication updating the team and will continue to do what I can to be available for DC asap”
• Last competitive cricket: Ashes 2025-26 (played all five Tests) + KFC BBL
• T20 World Cup 2026: Did not participate — retired from T20Is in late 2025
• Current status: Undergoing rehabilitation for shoulder and elbow. Not yet in India. In regular communication with the Delhi Capitals management
• IPL 2026 availability: Will miss at least the opening matches. No confirmed return date, but Starc has committed to joining DC as soon as he is fit
• IPL salary: $2.15 million (₹18.50 crore) at Delhi Capitals
• Replacement in XI: DC’s pace options until Starc arrives include Mukesh Kumar, T Natarajan, and Dushmantha Chameera

Matheesha Pathirana — Kolkata Knight Riders

KKR’s ₹18 crore signing Matheesha Pathirana is recovering from a calf strain sustained during the T20 World Cup but is expected to feature at some point during IPL 2026. KKR have decided not to seek a replacement.

• Injury: Calf muscle strain
• When it happened: February 16, 2026 — Sri Lanka vs Australia, T20 World Cup, Pallekele
• Current status: Rehab ongoing. Manager posted photo of Pathirana in KKR jersey — positive signal
• IPL 2026 availability: Expected to return during the season, unlikely to be available for opening matches
• Replacement: KKR not seeking one. BCCI rules allow injury replacements until the 12th match if needed

More: Read our full Matheesha Pathirana injury update

Doubtful for IPL 2026

Lockie Ferguson — Punjab Kings

The New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is set to miss the early part of IPL 2026 as he takes time off following the birth of his child. Ferguson has prioritised family time and will take a short break from cricket before linking up with Punjab Kings later in the tournament.

• Injury/Reason: Paternity leave (rest period)
• When it happened: Post T20 World Cup 2026
• Current status: Taking a break, expected to join squad later
• IPL 2026 availability: Will miss early matches, likely to return for latter stages
• Price paid: Part of PBKS squad (retained/acquired earlier)
• Replacement: Ben Dwarshuis likely to fill in early stages

MS Dhoni — Chennai Super Kings

MS Dhoni has missed all eight of CSK’s IPL 2026 matches after sustaining a calf strain during an intra-squad practice match ahead of the season. However, the story has shifted from injury to tactical decision. According to a report by the Indian Express, Dhoni has passed his fitness test and is fully fit to play — but has chosen not to return because he does not want to disturb CSK’s settled combination. After starting the season with three consecutive defeats, CSK have won three of their last four matches and found rhythm with Sanju Samson excelling behind the stumps.

• Injury: Calf strain — sustained during pre-season intra-squad practice match
• When it happened: March 22, 2026 — MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai
• Matches missed: All 8 CSK matches in IPL 2026
• Current status: Fully fit. Has passed fitness test. Batting in nets, doing wicketkeeping drills, and running between wickets without discomfort. Not being selected by his own choice — does not want to disrupt CSK’s winning combination
• What Fleming said: Dhoni is “progressing well” and “on the road to recovery, doing everything that’s being asked of him”
• What Hussey said: “Hopeful it could be in the next few games” (said before MI match on April 23)
• What Gaikwad said: Dhoni is “slowly and steadily regaining full fitness” and will “definitely come back sooner rather than later”
• IPL 2026 availability: Available but choosing not to play. Likely return window: CSK vs MI on May 2 (home, Chepauk) or CSK vs LSG on May 5
• When he returns: Hussey confirmed Dhoni will keep wicket — not come in as impact player. Sanju Samson would move to an outfield role or become the impact sub
• Squad context: CSK sit fifth with 6 points from 8 matches. Three wins from last four games have kept playoff hopes alive

More: MS Dhoni injury update — why he is not playing despite being fit

Dewald Brevis — Chennai Super Kings

Dewald Brevis has missed all three of CSK’s IPL 2026 matches due to a side strain sustained during the pre-season camp. The South African middle-order batter’s absence has compounded CSK’s batting woes alongside Dhoni’s unavailability, leaving the team without two key players in the middle and lower order.

• Injury: Side strain
• When it happened: Pre-season practice session ahead of IPL 2026
• What happened: CSK CEO Kasi Viswanathan and head coach Stephen Fleming confirmed the injury before the squad departed for the RR vs CSK opener in Guwahati. Brevis did not travel for the first match
• Current status: Travelled with the squad to Bengaluru for RCB vs CSK (April 5) and was seen practising with teammates. Batted in nets at Chepauk ahead of the PBKS match — showed no discomfort but only faced throw-downs
• Matches missed: RR vs CSK (March 30), CSK vs PBKS (April 3), RCB vs CSK (April 5)
• IPL 2026 availability: Expected to return for CSK vs DC (April 11). Fleming said: “We hope he is going to be right for the next game. We have been conservative, and hopefully these next few days go as planned.”
• Latest update: Full Dewald Brevis injury breakdown and playing XI impact

IPL 2026 Injured Players in Rehab During Tournament

Varun Chakravarthy — Kolkata Knight Riders

Varun Chakravarthy is sidelined with a finger injury on his left hand, leaving KKR without their premier mystery spinner as they search for their first win of IPL 2026.

• Injury: Little finger injury on left hand, sustained while taking a catch to dismiss Abhishek Sharma during fielding
• Last competitive match: April 2, 2026 — KKR vs SRH, IPL 2026 (figures: 0/31 in 2 overs)
• Current status: Not cleared by medical team. Bowled full set in training with heavy taping but has not received match-intensity clearance
• IPL 2026 availability: Match-to-match. No official return timeline set by KKR
• Form concern: Wicketless in both IPL 2026 matches (0/48 vs MI, 0/31 vs SRH). Form slump dates back to T20 World Cup 2026 Super Eight stage, where his economy rate doubled after a brilliant group phase (9 wickets in 4 matches)
• Squad impact: Sunil Narine and Anukul Roy carrying the spin workload. Cameron Green now cleared to bowl, giving KKR an additional option
• Replacement in XI: Rovman Powell slotted in, with Sunil Narine returning from illness to lead the spin attack

More: Why is Varun Chakravarthy not playing today — IPL 2026

IPL 2026 Injury Updates — Team-by-Team Summary

Here is a team-by-team breakdown of all IPL 2026 injured players and their current status. This section captures the latest IPL 2026 injury updates from every franchise.

Kolkata Knight Riders: The hardest-hit franchise. Harshit Rana ruled out, Matheesha Pathirana doubtful for early matches, Mustafizur Rahman released. Blessing Muzarabani signed as Mustafizur’s replacement. KKR not seeking further replacements.

Chennai Super Kings: Nathan Ellis ruled out with a hamstring injury — replaced by Spencer Johnson, who is himself yet to join the squad while recovering from a back stress fracture. Khaleel Ahmed ruled out for the season with a Grade 2 quadriceps tear sustained against KKR on April 14. MS Dhoni still missing with a calf strain. Dewald Brevis managed a return from side strain earlier this month. CSK are actively exploring replacement options for Khaleel Ahmed.

Sunrisers Hyderabad: The hardest-hit franchise alongside KKR. Captain Pat Cummins missing early matches with a back injury (cleared to return late April). Jack Edwards ruled out before his maiden IPL appearance; his replacement David Payne has now also been ruled out with an ankle injury. Brydon Carse ruled out with a hand injury — replaced by Dilshan Madushanka. Eshan Malinga doubtful with a shoulder injury. Ishan Kishan continues as interim captain. SRH are managing five availability concerns and have used three overseas replacement slots already.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru: Josh Hazlewood missing at least the first two matches. Jacob Duffy and Bhuvneshwar Kumar expected to lead the pace attack in his absence.

Lucknow Super Giants: Wanindu Hasaranga doubtful with a hamstring tear. Mayank Yadav and Mohsin Khan both carrying fitness concerns. LSG’s bowling depth is under significant strain.

Mumbai Indians: Atharva Ankolekar ruled out after knee surgery. Replacement not yet named.

Rajasthan Royals: Sam Curran ruled out with a suspected groin injury before playing a single match for the franchise. Ravindra Jadeja and Donovan Ferreira are the allrounder options. RR exploring replacement signings.

Punjab Kings: The unavailability of Lockie Ferguson for first few games is a big blow for Punjab Kings as he was set to be one of the four first-choice overseas picks.

Delhi Capitals: Mitchell Starc will miss the opening matches under Cricket Australia’s workload management plan. Not injured but being carefully managed ahead of a heavy international schedule. DC’s pace attack will lean on Mukesh Kumar and T Natarajan early on.

Gujarat Titans: Tom Banton ruled out with a finger injury without playing a single match — replaced by South Africa’s Connor Esterhuizen (₹75 lakh). Prithvi Raj Yarra also ruled out earlier and replaced by Kulwant Khejroliya. Two replacement slots used.

This IPL 2026 injured players list will be updated as new information becomes available throughout the season. Bookmark this page as your go-to IPL 2026 injury tracker for the latest injury news, replacement updates, and return timelines across all ten teams.

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