The 19th edition of the IPL is facing a massive injury crisis even before the first ball is bowled. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) has been dealt a double blow as Australian all-rounder Jack Edwards is officially ruled out of the entire season due to a foot injury. This comes right after the announcement that regular captain Pat Cummins will miss the initial matches, leaving wicketkeeper-batter Ishan Kishan to lead the side in the interim.

Edwards, bought for ₹3 crore as the only uncapped overseas player for SRH, was a vital part of their strategy following his brilliant Big Bash League stint (19 wickets in 13 games). His absence leaves a massive void in the pace-bowling all-rounder department, making Ishan Kishan’s captaincy debut even more challenging.

The injury plague has also hit other giants. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) will miss the services of death-over specialist Nathan Ellis due to a hamstring tear, while Rajasthan Royals (RR) have lost Sam Curran to a groin injury. Uncertainty also looms over the participation of Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood. With the opening clash between RCB and SRH scheduled for March 28, franchises are now scrambling for replacements to save their 2026 campaign from falling apart.