The first week of IPL 2026 has delivered exciting matches, close finishes, and impressive performances from many players. However, a few well-known stars have not started the season the way fans expected.
Some players with strong reputations have struggled with form, consistency, or impact in the early matches. Here is a look at five players who had a disappointing start in the opening week of IPL 2026.
Arshdeep Singh – Difficult Start With the Ball
Punjab Kings’ main fast bowler Arshdeep Singh has had a challenging beginning to the season. Known for his accurate line and length, Arshdeep struggled to control the run flow in his first two matches.
In the opening game against Gujarat Titans, he conceded 42 runs in four overs and did not take a wicket. The over also became notable because he bowled an 11-ball over.
In the next match against Chennai Super Kings, he again went wicketless and gave away 41 runs in his four overs.
Arshdeep Singh – IPL 2026 Early Performances
| Match | Overs | Runs | Economy | Wickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| vs Gujarat Titans | 4 | 42 | 10.50 | 0 |
| vs Chennai Super Kings | 4 | 41 | 10.20 | 0 |
Punjab Kings will hope Arshdeep regains his rhythm soon and leads their pace attack effectively.
Sanju Samson – Slow Start With the Bat
Sanju Samson, playing as CSK’s wicketkeeper-batter in IPL 2026, has not yet found his form with the bat.
In the first three matches of the season, Samson managed scores of 6, 7, and 9. These low scores have put pressure on the batting lineup, especially because he is expected to play a key role in the top order.
Sanju Samson – First Three Matches
| Scores | Total Runs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 6, 7, 9 | 22 | Struggled to build innings |
Fans will be hoping Samson returns to his fluent batting style in the upcoming matches.
Varun Chakaravarthy – Mystery Spinner Yet to Deliver
Kolkata Knight Riders spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is known for troubling batters with his mystery spin. However, the start of IPL 2026 has not gone his way.
In the match against Mumbai Indians, he conceded 48 runs in four overs without taking a wicket. His next outing against Sunrisers Hyderabad also proved difficult as he bowled only two overs and gave away 31 runs.
Varun Chakaravarthy – IPL 2026 Early Performances
| Match | Overs | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KKR vs MI | 4 | 48 | 0 | 12.0 |
| KKR vs SRH | 2 | 31 | 0 | 15.50 |
KKR will be hoping that Varun returns to his usual match-winning form soon.
Also See : Sanju Samson Struggling at CSK? Stephen Fleming Speaks on Star Signing’s Tough Start in IPL 2026
KL Rahul – Early Struggles for Delhi Capitals
KL Rahul, one of the experienced batters in the league, has also faced difficulties in the early stage of IPL 2026 while playing for Delhi Capitals.
In the two innings he has played so far, Rahul has scored only one run. His inability to settle at the crease has affected the team’s batting stability.
KL Rahul – Early Season Numbers
| Innings | Runs | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 1 | Struggling to find form |
Rahul remains a key player for Delhi Capitals, and the team will expect him to bounce back soon.
Cameron Green – Expensive Signing Yet to Make Impact
Cameron Green entered IPL 2026 as the most expensive overseas signing in IPL history after being bought by Kolkata Knight Riders.
So far, he has not made the impact expected from a player with such a big price tag. A back injury has prevented him from bowling, limiting his role as an all-rounder.
With the bat, he showed a brief glimpse of form by scoring 18 runs from 10 balls against Mumbai Indians. However, in the next match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, he was dismissed for just 2 runs.
Cameron Green – IPL 2026 Performances
| Match | Score | Details |
|---|---|---|
| vs Mumbai Indians | 18 (10) | Quick start but limited impact |
| vs Sunrisers Hyderabad | 2 (2) | Dismissed early after a mix-up |
KKR will hope Green regains full fitness and starts contributing with both bat and ball.
Final Thoughts
IPL seasons often change quickly, and early struggles do not always define a player’s campaign. Many stars have started slowly in the past and later turned the season around with strong performances.
As IPL 2026 continues, teams and fans will expect these players to recover their form and play important roles in the matches ahead.
