The opening week of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 has already offered excitement, close matches, some unexpected results, along with a few low-scorers. While there have been some surprise performers so far for several franchises, some players, who entered the seasn with strong reputation and performance benchmark, have failed to keep up with it, thus raising questions.
Although it is quite early to judge a player’s performance, but series of poor results despite being a key member in their respective franchises, have got them in the list of flops after the first week of IPL 2026. Be it Sanju Samson’s humiliating run with the bat for Chennai Super Kings (CSK), or Varun Chakaravarthy spell with the bowl, let’s look at the five players who haven’t had a start to remember this season.
5 Players who have flopped after first week of IPL 2026
Arshdeep Singh
Indian pacer, Arshdeep Singh, who was retained by Punjab Kings (PBKS) ahead of IPL 2026 mini-auction, has had a largely disappointing start to IPL 2026. With PBKS having played two games so far, their lead pacer has majorly struggled with his line and length, which is often considered to be his biggest strength. While he had an underwhelming outing against Gujarat Titans (GT), where he conceded 42 runs in 4 overs with an economy rate of 10.50 and failed to pick up a wicket. Moreover, he also bowled an 11-ball over, equalling the record of longest over in IPL.
In PBKS’ next game, where they were hosted by Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Arshdeep Singh conceded 41 runs in 4 overs with an economy of 10.20. This time also he failed to get any wickets to his name.
Sanju Samson
Like Arshdeep, Indian wicketkeeper-batter Sanju Samson, who proved to be a match-winner for Team India during their T20 World Cup 2026 victory last month, has had an underwhelming start to IPL 2026. The 31-year-old who has been in talks since his trade to CSK, there were high expectations from him, but the result has been completely opposite.
In the first three matches with CSK, Samson has managed scores of 6, 7 and 9, which totals to 22. Despite of couple of poor outings, should he be backed to open the innings for CSK in the games to come in IPL 2026 remains the biggest question, fans would be eager to see the keeper-batter get his fluency with the bat at the earliest, hoping to overturn CSK’s recent results.
Varun Chakaravarthy
Known to be the key match-winner for the three-time champions, Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy is yet to spell his magic with the ball. Chakaravarthy, who conceded 48 runs in his 4 overs with an economy of 12.0 in KKR’s opening game against Mumbai Indians (MI) and followed with the figures of 0/31 in the two overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad, has been struggling with consistency and control, espcially against the explosive batting line-ups. Although he has been backed by the KKR team management, he has to regain his form before it gets too late in order to gain confidence of the team.
KL Rahul
KL Rahul, who plays for Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL, had a poor and inconsistent start to his campaign in 2026. While he is one of the few surprises to get featured in this unwanted list of flops, he has only got a run to his name in the two innings he has played for DC. Being a senior member of the side, boasting of his vast experience not only in the IPL but also in international cricket, KL is often looked to anchor the innings and build partnerships, but neither of it has been seen yet.
Cameron Green
Coming into IPL 2026 as the most expensive overseas player in IPL history after being bought by KKR, Green hasn’t lived upto his price tag. Although it is very early to judge his performance, but it majorly comes after being denied to bowl due to a back injury he is recovering from. This has not only hindered KKR’s hopes of using him as an all-rounder, but primarily taking the field as a batter, his contributions have been minimal.
In KKR’s 6-wicket defeat against MI, Green scored 18 off 10 deliveries, but returned to the pavilion after a run a ball 2 in a bizarre mix-up against SRH. Although the Knight Riders have got a sigh of relief with green resuming bowling in the nets, they will hope that the Australian all-rounder justifies his price tag after a disappointing start in IPL 2026.
5 Players who have flopped after first week of IPL 2026 Inside Sport India.
Hence then, the article about 5 players who have flopped after first week of ipl 2026 was published today ( ) and is available on Inside sport ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( 5 Players who have flopped after first week of IPL 2026 )
Also on site :