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.Â
