Injured players whose absence proved costly for teams throughout IPL history

#7 IPL 2016

Steve Smith belonged to the quartet of Rising Pune Supergiant's overseas stars to miss out on the IPL 2016

Rising Pune Supergiant was one of the teams making their debut this season. It turned out to be their worst as all the big names from their side were heading back home with some injury or the other. They were easily the most affected by fitness issues.

Pietersen was discussed earlier and he was joined by South Africa captain Faf du Plessis (finger injury), Australia captain Steve Smith (wrist injury) and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh (side strain).

The quartet took their flights out of India in quick succession and by the time Pune could find replacements, it was too late.

So even if MS Dhoni was captaining the side, they were unable to lift their performance and as a result, finished seventh out of 8 teams.