KKR SRH RCB hit by injuries before IPL 2026 start
Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad and Royal Challengers Bengaluru suffered key fast-bowler injuries ahead of the IPL 2026 season in India on March 18, forcing urgent squad reshuffles and raising concerns over team balance just days before the opening matches.
The three franchises have lost multiple pace options, with some players ruled out and others doubtful for the first games, leaving captains to rely on backups and untested combinations. The issue is critical as pace units often deliver the bulk of wickets in T20, especially in powerplay and death overs.
“It’s never ideal to lose bowlers this close to the season,” a team coach told Indian media. “You build plans around them, and suddenly everything changes.”
Another official admitted, “We may have to rethink our entire attack depending on availability.”
KKR appear the worst affected, while SRH and RCB are still monitoring fitness updates. “Fast bowlers need rhythm, and injuries break that completely,” a support staff member said.
With the tournament about to begin, early results could depend on how quickly these teams adapt to their depleted pace resources.