IPL 2026 News & Rumors: Pathirana, Kishan, Motie, Rana

The 2026 IPL cricket season is rapidly approaching.

While the MLB season kicks off, and the NHL & NBA soldier on, cricket fans will soon get their fix of T20 cricket in less than two weeks.

Ahead of the opening match on March 28, 2026, here is the latest news on injuries and departures.

IPL Sunrisers Hyderabad’s Captain, Ishan Kishan?

Australian Pat Cummins is likely to miss several games to start the IPL season, MyKhel reports. Cummins is recovering from a back injury. The Australian has missed the ICC T20 World Cup and the Ashes as a result.

However, the Sunrisers Hyderabad must have a captain when they play their matches without Cummins. So, who will step up in his absence?

The Times of India reports that the name at the top of the list is a standout from the 2026 T20 World Cup-winning India squad, Ishan Kishan. This report also names Abhishek Sharma as his deputy.

In 2025, Kishan played in 14 matches, recording 354 total runs. Additionally, he hit 33 fours, 15 sixes, with his highest score being 106*.

On the other hand, Cummins had a great 2025 IPL season. The bowler recorded 16 wickets and a 9.06 Economy to go along with his best figure of 3/19.

Matheesha Pathirana’s IPL Season in Jeopardy?

Sri Lankan pacer Matheesha Pathirana is set to miss at least part of the upcoming IPL season. First Post reports that he will not be available at the beginning of the season but will play at some point.

Pathirana suffered a calf strain during the T20 World Cup and has been on the mend ever since.

The Kolkata Knight Riders have also lost a fast bowler in Harshit Rana. He suffered a knee injury at the T20 World Cup and had knee surgery on February 9th, 2026. Rana will miss two to three months recovering.

The KKR have some hope because of another bowler who has entered their squad for the upcoming season (more on him further down).

In 13 matches, Rana recorded 15 wickets and a 10.18 Economy to go along with his best figure of 3/25. Additionally, Pathirana collected 13 wickets and a 10.14 Economy in 12 matches. Pathirana’s best figure of the season was 3/36.

Another Bowler Leaves PSL For IPL

One thing giving the KKR some hope for the upcoming season is the addition of Blessing Muzarabani. The fast bowler left his commitment in the PSL to join the KKR of the IPL.

This past Friday, Muzarabani and KKR made the decision official, ESPNcricinfo reported. However, it appears that another bowler in the PSL is leaving for the IPL.

The left-handed spinner Gudakesh Motie is rumored to be joining the Lucknow Super Giants for the 2026 IPL season. The Free Press Journal reports that this rumor stems from LSG’s need to replace the injured Wanindu Hasaranga.

At the time of this writing, this has not been confirmed by Motie’s representation or the KKR.

In the 2025 season of the Caribbean Premier League, Motie recorded 18 wickets in 12 matches. Motie recorded a 7.28 Economy, along with his best figure of 5/21.

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