IPL 2026: Key Players Sidelined by Injuries and Unavailability Ahead of New Season

• Kolkata Knight Riders face setbacks with Akash Deep ruled out and Harshit Rana recovering from knee surgery.
• Matheesha Pathirana (calf strain) to miss the start for KKR, expected mid-April.
• Sunrisers Hyderabad's Pat Cummins (back injury) to return mid-tournament; Jack Edwards (foot injury) out for the season.
• Rajasthan Royals without Sam Curran (groin injury) for the entire season; Josh Hazlewood to miss early matches.
• Nathan Ellis out for Chennai Super Kings; Mitchell Starc's availability delayed for Delhi Capitals due to workload management.