The 19th season of the Indian Premier League is scheduled to kick off on March 19, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru taking on Sunrisers Hyderabad in Bengaluru. The ten franchises made significant changes to their squads at the auction in December to enhance their teams. Some teams like Royal Challengers Bengaluru focused on fine-tuning their squad, while others like Chennai Super Kings and Kolkata Knight Riders made more wholesale changes after a disappointing 2025 season.
Five players are set to make their return to the IPL in 2026 after absences due to injury or lack of form. Cameron Green, who last played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024, will now represent Kolkata Knight Riders after being bought for a record Rs. 25.20 crore. Sarfaraz Khan, who had a stellar Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy campaign, was picked up by Chennai Super Kings for Rs. 75 lakh. Jason Holder, who last played for Rajasthan Royals in 2023, will feature for Gujarat Titans after being bought for Rs. 7 crore. Umran Malik, who impressed for Sunrisers Hyderabad in 2021, will represent Kolkata Knight Riders after being retained despite injury setbacks. Prithvi Shaw, who was released by Delhi Capitals after a dip in form, has been given another chance by the franchise after strong performances for Maharashtra.
The return of these players adds excitement to the upcoming IPL season, which promises to be thrilling for cricket fans.
Follow Franchise Cricket for more IPL news.
