The IPL 2026 Injury List is already creating concern for several franchises just days before the tournament begins. With the opening match scheduled for March 28, multiple teams are dealing with key injuries that could affect their balance early in the season.
Kolkata Knight Riders and Sunrisers Hyderabad are among the worst affected teams right now, with important bowlers ruled out or doubtful. At the same time, Lucknow Super Giants and Rajasthan Royals have also suffered major setbacks.
Here is the latest IPL 2026 injury list update as of March 16, 2026, including confirmed withdrawals, recovery updates, and players who may miss the opening matches.
Latest IPL 2026 Injury List (Team-by-Team Update)
| Team | Player | Injury / Status | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| KKR | Harshit Rana | Knee Surgery | Ruled Out (Full Season) |
| KKR | Matheesha Pathirana | Calf Strain | Out for Early Matches |
| LSG | Wanindu Hasaranga | Hamstring Injury | Ruled Out (Full Season) |
| SRH | Ishan Malinga | Shoulder Injury | Undisclosed |
| SRH | Pat Cummins | Minor Injury | Undisclosed |
| RR | Adam Milne | Undisclosed Injury | Ruled Out (Full Season) |
| MI | Atharva Ankolekar | Knee Surgery | Highly Unlikely |
| CSK | Matthew Short | Thumb Fracture | Expected to miss first 2 weeks |
| RCB | Josh Hazlewood | Achilles Tendonitis | Awaiting medical clearance |
This IPL 2026 Injury List shows how several bowling attacks have already been affected before the first ball of the tournament is bowled.
KKR Face Major Bowling Concerns Before IPL 2026
Kolkata Knight Riders are facing one of the toughest injury situations among all teams.
Young Indian pacer Harshit Rana has been ruled out for the entire season after undergoing knee surgery, which already left a gap in the squad’s pace department.
The situation became worse after Matheesha Pathirana suffered a calf strain during preparations. The Sri Lankan fast bowler is expected to miss the first few matches of IPL 2026.
Impact on KKR
- Two key pacers unavailable at the start of the season
- Death bowling plans disrupted
- Pressure on remaining fast bowlers in the squad
Replacement
KKR Replacement of Harshit Rana – Blessing Muzarabani
Sunrisers Hyderabad Lose Ishan Malinga, Cummins Doubtful
Sunrisers Hyderabad have also received worrying news from their medical team.
Young fast bowler Ishan Malinga has also injured ahead of IPL 2026 season dealing with a serious shoulder injury. The franchise had high expectations from the pace prospect, but he will now miss the entire campaign.
Another concern is captain Pat Cummins, who is currently recovering from a minor injury issue.
Current Situation for SRH
- Ishan Malinga: Not any updates by team management when will joins
- Pat Cummins: Not any updates by team management when will joins
- Bowling combination may change for the first match
The team management remains hopeful that Cummins will recover in time, but a final decision will likely come closer to the opening game.
Lucknow Super Giants Suffer Huge Blow with Hasaranga Out
The IPL 2026 injury list also includes a major loss for Lucknow Super Giants.
Star all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has been ruled out for the entire season with a hamstring injury.
This is a significant setback because Hasaranga was expected to lead the spin attack and play a key role during the middle overs.
Replacement
LSG Replacement of Wanindu Hasaranga – Gudakesh Motie
Rajasthan Royals and Mumbai Indians Injury Updates
Two other teams have also been affected.
Rajasthan Royals
New Zealand fast bowler Adam Milne will miss the entire IPL 2026 season due to an undisclosed injury. His absence reduces the Royals’ pace depth.
Mumbai Indians
Young left-arm spinner Atharva Ankolekar is recovering from knee surgery. While he has not been officially ruled out, his participation in the tournament looks unlikely.
CSK and RCB Provide Mixed Injury Updates
Not all updates are negative.
Chennai Super Kings
Australian all-rounder Matthew Short has suffered a thumb fracture. He is expected to miss the first two weeks but could return later in the tournament.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Fast bowler Josh Hazlewood is currently undergoing medical assessment for Achilles tendonitis. The franchise is waiting for clearance before confirming his availability.
In positive news for RCB, Romario Shepherd has been declared fully fit and has already joined full training sessions with the squad.
Final Thoughts on the IPL 2026 Injury List
The IPL 2026 Injury List highlights how quickly team plans can change even before the tournament begins. With important players like Harshit Rana, Wanindu Hasaranga already ruled out, several franchises must adjust their strategies.
Teams such as KKR and SRH may face early challenges, while others like Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings enter the season with stable squads.
As IPL 2026 gets closer, more fitness updates and replacement announcements are expected in the coming days.
