As IPL 2026 approaches, several important updates have emerged regarding player availability, injuries, and team preparations. A few big names are yet to join their teams, while franchises continue to wait for final confirmation about overseas players.
From Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness situation to uncertainty around Mitchell Starc and other Australian stars, teams are closely monitoring developments ahead of the tournament start.
Jasprit Bumrah Yet to Join Mumbai Indians
Mumbai Indians are still waiting for their star fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah to join the squad. At the moment, Bumrah is at the Centre of Excellence in Karnataka and has not linked up with the team.
MI head coach Mahela Jayawardene indicated that players are expected to join the squad about a week before the tournament begins. Because of this timeline, Bumrah could still join the team before the opening matches.
However, his exact return date remains uncertain.
Jasprit Bumrah Status
| Player | Team | Current Status |
|---|---|---|
| Jasprit Bumrah | Mumbai Indians | At Centre of Excellence in Karnataka |
| Expected Join Time | — | Around one week before tournament |
Mumbai Indians fans will be hoping their key bowler becomes available soon as the team prepares for the new season.
Also See : Irfan Pathan Raises Concern Over Nitish Kumar Reddy’s Form Ahead of SRH vs RCB IPL 2026 Opener
Overseas Player Availability Still Unclear
Several international players have not yet confirmed their participation in IPL 2026. Australian fast bowlers Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Mitchell Starc are among the names whose availability remains uncertain.
The BCCI has allowed IPL franchises to handle decisions regarding foreign player participation. This means each team must evaluate whether their overseas players will be available and ready to play.
Key Overseas Players Awaiting Confirmation
| Player | Country | Status for IPL 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Pat Cummins | Australia | Not fully confirmed |
| Josh Hazlewood | Australia | Not confirmed |
| Mitchell Starc | Australia | Awaiting clearance |
Teams are expected to finalize their overseas player plans as the tournament start date gets closer.
KKR Yet to Name Replacement for Harshit Rana
Kolkata Knight Riders are currently not planning to announce a replacement for Harshit Rana. The franchise believes it is difficult to find a like-for-like replacement for the young fast bowler.
However, the team is considering several options if a replacement becomes necessary.
Fast Bowlers Under Consideration
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Simarjeet Singh | Fast bowler |
| Navdeep Saini | Fast bowler |
| Akash Madhwal | Fast bowler |
| KM Asif | Fast bowler |
| Sandeep Warrier | Fast bowler |
KKR management is still evaluating these bowlers before making a final decision.
Delhi Capitals Waiting for Mitchell Starc
Delhi Capitals are also facing uncertainty regarding Mitchell Starc’s arrival. Head coach Hemang Badani said that Cricket Australia has not yet cleared Starc to participate in IPL 2026.
Because of this, the franchise does not know when the Australian pacer will join the team.
Meanwhile, DC captain Axar Patel has confirmed an important decision regarding the batting order.
Delhi Capitals Batting Plan
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| Opening Batter | KL Rahul |
| Captain | Axar Patel |
The team expects Rahul to play a key role at the top of the order this season.
New Interest in Rajasthan Royals Ownership
There is also movement in the Rajasthan Royals ownership situation. A new bidder has joined the race to acquire the franchise.
Sanjay Govil, who owns Washington Freedom and is also a co-owner of Welsh Fire, has shown interest in buying Rajasthan Royals.
Other groups that have been shortlisted include:
- Kal Somani with Rob Walton
- Aditya Birla Group with David Blitzer’s Bolt Ventures
- Capri Global
- Times of India Group
Reports suggest Rajasthan Royals recently rejected an offer worth around $1.7 billion, indicating strong demand for the franchise.
Lasith Malinga Cleared to Play IPL 2026
There is positive news for Sunrisers Hyderabad regarding Lasith Malinga. The Sri Lankan fast bowler has received a No Objection Certificate from Sri Lanka Cricket.
Malinga recently completed a fitness test after recovering from a shoulder injury that kept him out of the T20 World Cup.
Malinga Availability Update
| Player | Team | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Lasith Malinga | Sunrisers Hyderabad | Cleared to play |
| Previous Issue | Shoulder injury | |
| Next Step | Travel to India and join SRH |
His return could strengthen SRH’s bowling attack for the upcoming season.
With IPL 2026 set to begin soon, teams are dealing with a mix of injury updates, overseas player approvals, and squad planning.
Franchises are finalizing their squads and strategies as the tournament approaches. The coming days will likely bring more clarity on player availability and team combinations before the season begins.
Fans can expect more updates as teams complete their preparations for the opening matches of IPL 2026.
