Apart from homegrown talent, the overseas players in IPL 2026 always bring a huge dose of excitement. But cricket legend Sunil Gavaskar recently stirred the pot with a point of view that’s got fans talking. According to him, while international stars add flair, some late arrivals might actually disrupt a team’s rhythm. With the season just around the corner, his comments have sparked a lively debate.
Gavaskar Sounds the Alarm
Sunil Gavaskar didn’t hold back in his Sportstar column.
“Some overseas players tend to take their franchises for granted, being unavailable for reasons other than injuries or personal matters. Team owners often go the extra mile to accommodate them, even covering travel and stay for their families at no cost to these millionaire players. This is part of Indian hospitality, but some players exploit the generosity,” he wrote.
He continued, “We are already hearing about a few players who will be unavailable for different reasons, none of which were communicated before they were bought by the franchise. Unless team owners take a firm stance and bench such players, their chances of winning the title could be affected. All the planning that goes into building a squad capable of success can fall apart when players decide to join whenever they feel like it.”
Gavaskar’s perspective is clear: late arrivals may be convenient for some, but they can unsettle a team’s preparation.
Related Article：Mitchell Starc Ruled Out of IPL 2026：How Will Delhi Capitals Cope?
Injuries Shake Up the Squads
While some unavailability is controversial, a portion is legitimate. A few injured players ahead of IPL 2026 are confirmed to miss part of the early games. Sam Curran will not feature for Rajasthan Royals due to a suspected groin injury, while Kolkata Knight Riders will be without Akash Deep and Harshit Rana for most of the season. Matheesha Pathirana is expected to join the Chennai Super Kings only after the first few matches. These absences underline that injured players ahead of IPL 2026 can impact squad balance, forcing franchises to rethink strategy and give newcomers a chance.
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The IPL also has measures to prevent last-minute shuffles. Players like Harry Brook and Ben Duckett have been subject to regulations that discourage late withdrawals, although exceptions are made for verified medical conditions. This ensures franchises aren’t left stranded by missing internationals while also maintaining fair play. Gavaskar notes that these rules are crucial to curb the misuse of Indian hospitality, without punishing players who genuinely can’t participate due to injury.
Harry Brook × Ben Duckett ❌
After Harry Brook, Ben Duckett could be the next to face an IPL ban among England players.#Cricket #IPL #DC #DelhiCapitals pic.twitter.com/nXSDGogpKc
— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) March 24, 2026
Conclusion
As the countdown to IPL 2026 continues, overseas players in IPL 2026 are expected to make an impact once they join their squads. However, injured players ahead of IPL 2026 and late arrivals could shape early results. Sunil Gavaskar’s warnings have certainly put teams and fans on alert — while the league thrives on international flair, preparation and discipline remain key to lifting the trophy.
