Five big stars coming into IPL 2026 after poor seasons

Over the years the Indian Premier League has seen many players come and go. Some have left lasting impacts, some have been forgotten over time, and some have had equal spells of success and failures. The IPL does not just give platforms to players that are expected to break out. It also is a ground for redemption and revival. Poor seasons can be undone with success in the following years. 

Players, even the most high-profile, will always have the platform to rise from the ashes by putting their past performances behind. The 2026 IPL also sees a lot of players coming in after poor outings previously. Be it at a new team after a poor season for an old team, looking to right the wrongs of the previous season, or returning after an extended break, these stories are what make the IPL what it is.

Here are 5 big stars coming back to IPL after poor past seasons

5. Quinton de Kock (Mumbai Indians)

Quinton de Kock is an IPL veteran. It is uncharacteristic of the Protea wicketkeeper-batter to have a poor season, but his 2025 with the Kolkata Knight Riders was a dismal one. With 152 runs in eight games, he struggled for runs and form. He returns in 2025 to the Mumbai Indians, a team where he was instrumental in winning two IPL titles, in 2019 and 2020.

De Kock made his return to the South African team in the white-ball formats and is now back playing like the enigmatic batter that he was. MI fans will now be expecting him to recreate the numbers of 2019/20 and for De Kock, the goal is to put the previous season behind him.

4. Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans)

Rashid Khan has widely been considered one of the best spinners in the shortest format, but his IPL 2025 performance was one to forget. With nine wickets coming at an average of 57.11, he was one of the concerning points in a Gujarat Titans team that made the playoffs.

Rashid is the lead spinner for the Gujarat Titans and his performances will be key to GT’s success in 2026. His accolades and numbers as a T20 bowler are undisputed, but his last season poses questions about whether he has still got it. It is most important for him to put the 2025 season behind him and show us in 2026 why he is rated so highly.

3. Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants)

As the captain and the marquee signing for the Lucknow Super Giants, Rishabh Pant‘s 2025 season was underwhelming. Signed in the 2025 Mega Auction as the most expensive player in IPL history at INR 27 crore, a lot was expected of Rishabh Pant. But his numbers were poor, recording just 269 runs at a strike rate of 133.17, unusual for a batter of his talent.

In full flow, Rishabh Pant is one of the most dangerous batters in the world. He will be hoping to show up in full flow this season, to regain his place in the white-ball formats for the Indian team. He has the talent to justify the substantial price tag, but the question remains on whether he will be able to do it.

2. Sarfaraz Khan (Chennai Super Kings)

A breakout story made in the IPL, Sarfaraz Khan was one of the standout young players to come out of the IPL. After breaking out at RCB as a talented batter, Sarfaraz had failed spells at the Delhi Capitals and Punjab Kings. All this while he had been churning out runs for Mumbai in the longest format. After a call-up to the Test team and subsequent omission, Sarfaraz returns to the IPL with the Chennai Super Kings in 2026. 

He is an innovative batter, capable of scoring runs with unorthodox shots and clearing the boundary with ease. Sarfaraz will be hoping for a great season in 2026, with hopes of returning to the Indian team. He has the game to succeed in this format, and it now relies on him to fulfil that potential.

1. Prithvi Shaw (Delhi Capitals)

One of the most highly anticipated talents in India, the way Prithvi Shaw’s career has gone is unprecedented. The Mumbai-based opener broke out as a prodigy, but off-field issues, a doping ban and poor form have derailed the blossoming of that potential. He had a successful run with the Delhi Capitals but due to form and off-field concerns, he was released ahead of the 2025 season.

Shaw returns to Delhi in 2026 with a point to prove. With attacking intent, ball-striking and strokeplay, Shaw is the complete package for the modern batter, with the blend of the old-school grace of Mumbai. He has amassed runs wherever he has played, and will look to do so in the IPL.