Sports
IPL 2026: Rana, Pathirana, Ellis Unavailable; Injuries Impacting Several Teams
Several teams are facing challenges as the start of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 approaches, due to player injuries and unavailability. Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru are among the affected teams.
The 19th edition of the IPL is set to commence in Bengaluru on March 28, 2026, with a match between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Preparations are underway for all ten teams. However, some teams are encountering obstacles before the season begins. Injuries have particularly affected teams such as Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Rajasthan Royals, and Sunrisers Hyderabad. Several players have been ruled out for the entire tournament or will be unavailable for a portion of the season.
Key Facts
- The IPL 2026 will begin on March 28 in Bengaluru.
- Harshit Rana of the Kolkata Knight Riders will miss the entire IPL 2026 season due to a knee injury.
- Rana's injury occurred during India's T20 World Cup warm-up match against South Africa on February 4 in Navi Mumbai.
- Matheesha Pathirana, a Sri Lankan pacer for Kolkata Knight Riders, will miss the start of IPL 2026.
- Pathirana sustained a calf injury during the T20 World Cup match against Australia in February.
- Nathan Ellis is unavailable for IPL 2026.
- Kolkata Knight Riders, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, and Sunrisers Hyderabad are among the affected teams.