DRS Mar 20: Sad news for CSK and RR, England has no balls and will Matheesha Pathirana play IPL 2026?

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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 keeps getting closer and the injury list of players also continues to grow bigger. In a latest development, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have lost their best death bowler in Nathan Ellis. Meanwhile, Rajasthan Royals (RR) won’t be having Sam Curran this season as both the overseas pacers are ruled out even before the ball is bowled. Meanwhile, there’s uncertainty around KKR’s Matheesha Pathirana. And catch why England has no balls left.

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No Sam Curran for RR

Rajasthan Royals’ star all-rounder Sam Curran has joined the injured list for IPL 2026 with a groin injury. RR is scouting for replacements, but it’s a tough spot ahead of the season. Curran was part of a big trade deal, joining RR along with Ravindra Jadeja from CSK, in exchange for Sanju Samson. This adds to the growing list of injuries in IPL 2026, with players like Nathan Ellis, Harshit Rana, and Wanindu Hasaranga already out. Let’s hope Curran recovers soon. Read more here.

No Nathan Ellis for CSK

CSK’s Nathan Ellis won’t play IPL 2026 due to a hamstring injury, just days before the season opener. The Australian pacer was set to replace Matheesha Pathirana in the XI, who wasn’t retained. CSK is now scouting for replacements, with options like Gus Atkinson, Gerald Coetzee, and Josh Tongue in the mix. Ellis was a key bowler, especially in death overs, and his absence is a big blow for CSK. They’ll need to act fast to fill the gap. Read more here.

Will Matheesa Pathirana play IPL 2026?

Confusion surrounds Matheesha Pathirana’s availability for KKR in IPL 2026. Reports suggest the Sri Lankan pacer might miss the season due to NOC issues with SLC, but others claim he’s fit and ready to join KKR. Pathirana was bought by KKR for Rs 18 crore after CSK didn’t retain him. KKR needs him to lead their pace attack, especially with Harshit Rana out due to knee surgery. Let’s hope he clears all hurdles and joins the team soon. Their season opener is on March 29 against MI. Read more here.

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England has no balls!

England’s cricket season is facing a major crisis – a shortage of Dukes balls due to the West Asia conflict. The war has disrupted airspace and freight movement, delaying shipments and tripling transportation costs. Manufacturers are rationing balls, with counties getting 50% of their usual supply. The County Championship starts April 3, but teams are struggling to get enough balls. Alternatives are being explored, like rerouting via Sri Lanka, but it’s a tough situation. Counties have refused to use Kookaburra balls, making the situation more challenging for England cricket. Read more here.

Sanju Samson could be in line for a leadership role at CSK, says Anil Kumble. The former India cricketer thinks Samson, who has captained RR in the past, would be perfect as vice-captain to Ruturaj Gaikwad, under MS Dhoni’s guidance. CSK acquired Samson in a trade deal, giving up Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran to RR. With Gaikwad’s injury woes, CSK might be looking for a strong deputy, and Samson’s experience makes him a strong contender. Read more here.

IPL not the best?

IPL’s reign as the top franchise-based cricket league is being challenged! According to the latest WPA ratings, it’s slipped to third place, behind The Hundred (75.2) and SA20 (68.0), with a score of 62.6. The Hundred tops the charts with high player payments ($10,510/week) and excellent payment reliability. IPL’s strengths lie in its high player payments, but it needs to work on security reviews, dispute resolution, and commercial rights. The Big Bash League (62.5) and Pakistan Super League (48.0) follow, with areas to improve including player payments and commercial rights. Is IPL’s crown slipping? Read more here.

The post DRS Mar 20: Sad news for CSK and RR, England has no balls and will Matheesha Pathirana play IPL 2026? appeared first on Inside Sport India.

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