IPL 2026 Set to Face Early Player Absences Amid Injury Concerns The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is approaching, but several high-profile players are already facing potential absences due to injury setbacks. Australia’s fast bowler Nathan Ellis is expected to miss the tournament after aggravating a pre-existing hamstring injury during the domestic One-Day Cup final on March 11. His exclusion comes as a blow to his team’s bowling attack, particularly given the competitive nature of the IPL. England allrounder Sam Curran is also set to sit out the entire season with Rajasthan Royals, his new franchise. Curran, who last played on March 5 in the 2026 T20 World Cup, is dealing with a suspected groin issue. His absence will be a significant loss for the Royals, especially as they aim to build momentum in the tournament. Mitchell Starc and Josh Hazlewood, two of Australia’s premier fast bowlers, are unlikely to feature in the early stages of IPL 2026. Cricket Australia (CA) is closely monitoring their workloads, balancing their participation in the IPL with upcoming international commitments. The busy cricket calendar, including the T20 World Cup and Test series, has prompted officials to prioritize player health and avoid overexertion. Another notable absence is Australia allrounder Jack Edwards, who has been ruled out of IPL 2026 after sustaining a foot injury. Edwards, who was acquired by Sunrisers Hyderabad in the auction, will need time to recover, leaving his team to adjust their strategies without his contributions. New Zealand fast bowler Lockie Ferguson is also expected to miss the initial stages of the tournament. Ferguson, who joined Punjab Kings (PBKS) for IPL 2026, has opted to focus on family time following the birth of his child.#ipl_2026 #rajasthan_royals #nathan_ellis #cricket_australia #sam_curran
His Bowling Is Terrible - Ex-India Captain Criticizes Sam Curran Ahead of T20 World Cup Semifinal Former India captain Kris Srikkanth expressed strong doubts about England all-rounder Sam Curran’s ability to contain the Indian batting lineup in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal at Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai on March 5. Srikkanth claimed that Curran’s bowling has been ineffective in the tournament and warned that India’s aggressive top-order batters, including Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson, would exploit his weaknesses immediately. Curran, who has taken six wickets in seven matches at an average of over 25 and an economy rate of 8.60, has delivered mixed results for England. While he played crucial roles in securing victories against Nepal and Italy during the group stage, his overall performance has been inconsistent. Srikkanth highlighted this, stating that Curran has “not been effective with the ball” in the tournament. The former captain also predicted that Indian batters would dominate Curran from the outset, with Sharma and Samson likely to hit him aggressively. Srikkanth’s comments were shared on his YouTube channel, where he emphasized that Curran’s bowling is “terrible” except for his standout performance against Nepal. He warned that if England opens the innings with Curran, the Indian batters would “smash him to Church Gate and Marine Drive,” with one ball potentially landing at the iconic Marine Drive location. Beyond Curran, Srikkanth also raised concerns about England’s batting depth, arguing that the team relies heavily on Harry Brook and Will Jacks for consistent runs. He criticized Jos Buttler and Phil Salt for their struggles, suggesting that their poor form could cost England the match.#t20_world_cup_2026 #sanju_samson #abhishek_sharma #sam_curran #kris_srikkanth
Sam Curran Under Fire: Ex-India Captain Says ‘His Bowling is terrible’ Ahead of Mumbai Semi Former Team India captain Kris Srikkanth has publicly criticized England’s left-arm all-rounder Sam Curran, warning that the player may struggle against India’s aggressive batting lineup in the T20 World Cup 2026 semi-final at Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium. Srikkanth’s remarks focus on Curran’s inconsistent bowling performance throughout the tournament, highlighting his mixed results: six wickets in seven matches at an average above 25 and an economy rate of 8.60. The former captain argued that India’s top-order batters, including Sanju Samson and Abhishek Sharma, could exploit Curran’s vulnerabilities early in the innings, framing his critique around England’s reliance on a narrow set of in-form batters. The timing of Srikkanth’s comments is significant, as India has demonstrated resilience in the Super Eight stage, recovering from a heavy loss to South Africa and securing wins over Zimbabwe and the West Indies. Sanju Samson’s unbeaten 97 off 50 balls has reinforced India’s batting momentum, while Varun Chakaravarthy’s recent form poses a specific threat to England. Srikkanth suggested that India’s strategy would target Curran’s bowling, particularly in the early overs, and emphasized that the first six overs could be decisive in shaping the match. Statistically, Curran’s tournament performance presents a mixed picture. While he has delivered crucial late-innings spells against Nepal and Italy, his overall bowling has been inconsistent. Srikkanth pointed out that, aside from one match, Curran’s bowling has been ineffective, raising questions about England’s tactical approach.#t20_world_cup_2026 #wankhede_stadium #sanju_samson #sam_curran #kris_srikkanth
T20 World Cup Semifinal: Kris Srikkanth Warns Sam Curran May Struggle Against India Former India captain Kris Srikkanth has raised concerns about England all-rounder Sam Curran’s potential struggles in the T20 World Cup 2026 semifinal against India, set for March 5 at the Wankhede Stadium in Mumbai. Srikkanth argued that Curran’s bowling could be outmatched by India’s aggressive batting lineup, which features power hitters like Abhishek Sharma and Sanju Samson. The former captain suggested that Curran’s lack of consistent performance might leave him vulnerable to early wickets, particularly against India’s formidable opening pair. Curran’s overall bowling statistics in the tournament reflect mixed results. While he has taken six wickets in seven matches, his average of over 25 and an economy rate of 8.60 have not impressed analysts. Srikkanth pointed out that Curran’s contributions have been limited to a few standout spells against Nepal and Italy, which helped England secure victories. During a recent YouTube session, Srikkanth criticized Curran’s bowling, stating, “Except for the Nepal match, his bowling is terrible. If Curran bowls, the Indian batters will smash him to Church Gate and Marine Drive.” He warned that players like Sharma and Samson could exploit his weaknesses from the start, potentially leading to a quick collapse for England. Srikkanth also highlighted England’s batting challenges, noting that their lineup relies heavily on a few key players. Harry Brook and Will Jacks have been the primary contributors, with Brook scoring 228 runs and Jacks adding 191. However, other English batters, such as Jos Buttler and Phil Salt, have struggled for consistency. Srikkanth suggested that India’s bowlers, including Varun Chakaravarthy, could capitalize on these vulnerabilities.#wankhede_stadium #sanju_samson #abhishek_sharma #sam_curran #kris_srikkanth
