IPL 2026: Key Players Set To Miss Matches

Teams Face Early Setbacks Before Season Start

The IPL 2026 season will begin soon. All ten teams have started their preparations. However, several teams face early challenges because of player injuries. Some key players will miss a few matches while others are ruled out of the tournament.

Pat Cummins –Absence Affects Team Balance

  • Pat Cummins, who leads Sunrisers Hyderabad as their captain, will miss upcoming matches because of an injury. The team suffers because he is their main fast bowler who will not be able to play.
  • Cummins also missed the recent T20 World Cup because of back pain. In his absence, the team has given captaincy duties to Ishan Kishan.

Josh Hazlewood – Injury Creates Uncertainty

  • Josh Hazlewood, who plays a crucial role for Royal Challengers Bangalore, suffers from a right heel injury. He has the ability to take wickets during both the Powerplay and the death overs.
  • He also missed the previous T20 tournament. At present, there is no clear timeline for his return. His availability for matches remains uncertain.

Harshit Rana – Ruled Out of the Tournament

  • Harshit Rana will not play in IPL 2026. This is a major setback for Kolkata Knight Riders.
  • He serves as a vital team member because he plays both as a pace bowler and an all-rounder. He suffered a knee injury before the T20 World Cup. The team management has declared him out for the whole season because of his restricted recovery period.

Matheesha Pathirana – Doubt Over Early Matches

  • Matheesha Pathirana, who plays for Kolkata Knight Riders, currently faces an injury problem. He may miss the opening matches.
  • Even if he recovers, he will need time to regain match fitness. The team management remains hopeful about his participation, but his early participation looks unlikely.

Wanindu Hasaranga – Likely to Miss Several Games

  • Wanindu Hasaranga is currently recovering from a left heel injury. He was expected to play for Lucknow Super Giants.
  • He is known for controlling the middle overs with spin and contributing useful runs in the lower order. However, he is likely to miss multiple matches. He also missed the recent T20 World Cup.

Nathan Ellis – Withdrawn From the League

  • Nathan Ellis will not participate in IPL 2026. Chennai Super Kings confirmed his withdrawal due to a quadriceps injury.
  • Ellis has played 17 IPL matches and taken 19 wickets. The franchise bought him for ₹2 crore in the 2025 auction. He is known for using variations, especially slower balls, to trouble batters.