Five players set to return in IPL 2026 after missing last season

The work that the IPL has done in providing a platform for franchise-based cricket worldwide and the development of Indian cricket is substantial. It has created stars, unearthed gems and made regular domestic Indian cricketers common household names.

But there always are star players who miss particular seasons of the IPL, either due to unfortunate injuries or concerns in form. On that note, let us look at five players who missed IPL 2025 but are making a return in IPL 2026.

Finn Allen – Kolkata Knight Riders

Finn Allen was part of the Royal Challengers Bengaluru squads in 2021 (as a replacement for Josh Phillipe) and as a full-time player 2022 but did not get a game. Signed as a hot prospect with an aggressive batting style, Allen now returns to the IPL as one of the most feared batters in the format. Striking at 196.6 across T20 in 2025, Allen has built himself a fierce reputation.

His most recent feat was his 33-ball century against South Africa in the semi-final of the 2026 T20 World Cup, the fastest in the competition’s history by a significant margin. Kolkata would want him in similar form and if he shows even an ounce of this ability, it is going to be difficult to stop him. 

Umran Malik – Kolkata Knight Riders

Umran Malik broke onto the scene with Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2021 as an express pacer who could regularly clock more than 150 kmph. But since, he has been plagued by injuries and has failed to live up to early promise. After playing the entire Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2025 for Jammu and Kashmir, Umran would be looking to make a strong statement for Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL.

Umran has been with the KKR franchise since 2025 and missed the last season through injury. He comes back this season with a point to prove and a goal of representing India again. Making a statement in the IPL could be a valid first step towards that.

Sarfaraz Khan – Chennai Super Kings

Sarfaraz Khan‘s career has seen many different chapters. From being RCB’s marquee uncapped player as Chris Gayle’s understudy, to being unable to fulfil the early potential, to piling on runs for years in the domestic games, to finally making it for India in the red-ball game, and now not even being in consideration anymore.

Sarfaraz went unsold last year but was picked up in this year’s auction by the Chennai Super Kings. The Chepauk track would suit his spin-styled game and his innovative batting style makes him a reliable player in T20 cricket. Sarfaraz would want to make a solid mark in the tournament to kick off the process towards an Indian team recall.

Cameron Green – Kolkata Knight Riders

Fast-bowling all-rounders are valuable commodities in the IPL, and what could be better for the tournament to welcome one of the best fast-bowling all-rounder. Cameron Green was unable to make an appearance last season due to a back injury, but returns to the IPL as the most expensive overseas player with INR 25.20 crore price tag, signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders.

Green made his IPL debut for the Mumbai Indians in 2023 and was a vital part in their playoffs run. He scored 452 runs in 16 matches at a brilliant strike rate of 160.28 and scored a brilliant unbeaten century in their final group stage game against the Sunrisers Hyderabad at the Wankhede. Now, going in as one of KKR’s marquee players, he will be one to look out for in this year’s tournament.

Prithvi Shaw – Delhi Capitals

Prithvi Shaw broke out as the next potential big batter from the Mumbai cricket ecosystem. After early promise with a Test century on debut and a successful U-19 run, it has all gone downhill for Shaw. Concerns with form, fitness, discipline and an eventful doping ban saw his career take a sharp downward spiral, and saw comparisons being drawn to Vinod Kambli.

Shaw now returns to the Delhi Capitals with whom he has had a successful stint in the past, forming solid opening partnerships with Shikhar Dhawan and David Warner. After a successful domestic season after a move to Maharashtra, Shaw’s next focus will be to perform in the IPL, to induce a career resurgence for a player with immense potential.