Five big stars coming into IPL 2026 after poor seasons

Over the years the Indian Premier League has seen many players come and go. Some have left lasting impacts, some have been forgotten over time, and some have had equal spells of success and failures. The IPL does not just give platforms to players that are expected to break out. It also is a ground for redemption and revival. Poor seasons can be undone with success in the following years. 

Players, even the most high-profile, will always have the platform to rise from the ashes by putting their past performances behind. The 2026 IPL also sees a lot of players coming in after poor outings previously. Be it at a new team after a poor season for an old team, looking to right the wrongs of the previous season, or returning after an extended break, these stories are what make the IPL what it is.

Here are 5 big stars coming back to IPL after poor past seasons

5. Quinton de Kock (Mumbai Indians)

Quinton de Kock is an IPL veteran. It is uncharacteristic of the Protea wicketkeeper-batter to have a poor season, but his 2025 with the Kolkata Knight Riders was a dismal one. With 152 runs in eight games, he struggled for runs and form. He returns in 2025 to the Mumbai Indians, a team where he was instrumental in winning two IPL titles, in 2019 and 2020.

De Kock made his return to the South African team in the white-ball formats and is now back playing like the enigmatic batter that he was. MI fans will now be expecting him to recreate the numbers of 2019/20 and for De Kock, the goal is to put the previous season behind him.