The 19th season of the Indian Premier League will begin on March 26, 2026, with the expected opening match featuring Royal Challengers Bangalore. Ahead of the world’s richest cricket league, several players are battling injuries that could see them miss half or the entire IPL 2026 season. Franchises are closely monitoring their recent buys and retained players. Here are three cricketers who might sit out due to injury concerns:
Tim David | RCB
Royal Challengers Bangalore have received worrying news as star finisher Tim David suffered a hamstring injury during the Big Bash League. The setback has raised serious concerns about his availability, placing him on the list of players to miss IPL 2026.
The incident occurred on Friday night at Perth Stadium during the BBL clash between Hobart Hurricanes and Perth Scorchers. David, who was batting fluently, pulled up while attempting a second run and collapsed in visible pain. The 29-year-old was forced to retire hurt, cutting short an impactful innings. No possible return date has been revealed by the medical team.
Pat Cummins | SRH
Sunrisers Hyderabad captain Pat Cummins has been suffering from a lumbar stress injury sustained during the West Indies tour. Although he made a strong comeback in the third Ashes Test at Adelaide, taking six wickets with full pace and total control, he was immediately rested again.
Australia won’t gamble with their captain’s back, especially with the World Cup looming. Cummins will undergo another scan in about four weeks before a final decision on his T20 World Cup participation, and he remains on the IPL 2026 injured players list.
Lockie Ferguson | PBKS
Punjab Kings pacer Lockie Ferguson is on the IPL 2026 injured players list. Ferguson has been ruled out of the ongoing ILT20 due to injury, casting doubt over his availability for Sydney Thunder in the BBL and for Punjab Kings in IPL 2026. The Punjab Kings pacer is battling a serious injury sustained during ILT20 2025, despite being retained at ₹2 crore in the IPL 2026 auction. His recurring fitness battles raise major doubts about his IPL 2026 availability.
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