Just before the start of IPL 2026, two teams have received bad news. Sunrisers Hyderabad and Rajasthan Royals will miss important players due to injuries. Jack Edwards will not play for SRH this season, while Sam Curran has been ruled out for Rajasthan Royals.
Both teams were counting on these all-rounders to strengthen their squads, so their absence creates new challenges before the tournament begins.
SRH and RR Hit by Early Player Absences
Sunrisers Hyderabad signed Australian all-rounder Jack Edwards in the IPL mini-auction. He was expected to make his IPL debut this season. However, he has now been ruled out of the entire tournament due to an injury.
At the same time, Rajasthan Royals suffered another setback as England all-rounder Sam Curran has been ruled out because of a suspected groin injury.
Both teams will now need to rethink their plans before the start of IPL 2026.
Jack Edwards Ruled Out of IPL 2026
Jack Edwards had recently earned attention with strong performances in domestic cricket and the Big Bash League. His performances helped him secure his first IPL contract.
Sunrisers Hyderabad bought him for Rs 3 crore at the IPL mini-auction to strengthen their overseas options. However, his season has ended before it even began.
Also See : Debate Over MS Dhoni’s Future With CSK Grows Ahead of IPL 2026
Jack Edwards – Player Profile
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Nationality | Australia |
| Domestic Team | New South Wales |
| IPL Team | Sunrisers Hyderabad |
| Auction Price | Rs 3 crore |
| Status | Ruled out of IPL 2026 |
Edwards also made his international debut during Australia’s tour of Pakistan in January 2026. Several teams showed interest in him during the auction, but SRH secured the deal.
Sam Curran Injury a Major Blow for Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals also received difficult news as Sam Curran has been ruled out of IPL 2026 with a suspected groin injury.
Curran was expected to play a key role for RR this season. He had joined the franchise after a major trade involving Ravindra Jadeja from Chennai Super Kings.
The England all-rounder has experience in both batting and bowling, making him an important player for balance in the squad.
Sam Curran – IPL Career Overview
| Season | Team | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | Punjab Kings | IPL debut season |
| 2020–2021 | Chennai Super Kings | Key all-round performances |
| 2023–2024 | Punjab Kings | Returned as highest auction buy (Rs 18.5 crore) |
| 2025 | Chennai Super Kings | Scored 114 runs, took 1 wicket |
| 2026 | Rajasthan Royals | Ruled out due to injury |
Losing Curran means Rajasthan Royals must adjust their strategy before the season begins.
Donovan Ferreira Could Fill the Gap
Rajasthan Royals may look at Donovan Ferreira as a possible replacement for Curran’s role.
Ferreira is a South African player known for his powerful hitting and part-time off-spin bowling. RR bought him from Delhi Capitals for his base price of Rs 1 crore.
Donovan Ferreira – Player Snapshot
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Country | South Africa |
| Role | Batter / Part-time Off-spin |
| IPL Team | Rajasthan Royals |
| Auction Price | Rs 1 crore |
While Ferreira could help as a finisher in the middle order, RR might still consider adding another overseas all-rounder to strengthen the squad.
Both teams must quickly adapt before IPL 2026 begins on March 28.
Sunrisers Hyderabad will need to find a replacement for Jack Edwards in their overseas lineup. Rajasthan Royals will also need to balance their squad without Sam Curran.
Teams are expected to announce replacements soon as the tournament approaches.
