As the IPL 2025 season resumes, franchises are facing key squad changes, with several overseas players ruled out due to injuries or national commitments. Teams have swiftly made replacements to ensure their squads remain competitive during the crucial phase of the tournament.
IPL 2025 Resumption: Player Replacements Across Teams
- Punjab Kings (PBKS) – New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson has been brought in as a replacement for his countryman Lockie Ferguson, who suffered an injury and will not be available for the rest of the tournament.
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – With Mayank Yadav sidelined due to an injury, young New Zealand pacer William O’Rourke has stepped in to reinforce LSG’s bowling attack.
- Mumbai Indians (MI) – Dynamic wicket-keeper batter Jonny Bairstow replaces his countryman Will Jacks, who will miss the playoffs of the IPL due to national commitments for England’s ODI series against the West Indies. Jonny would join the squad only if MI makes it to the playoffs.
- Delhi Capitals (DC) – Left-arm pacer Mustafizur Rahman takes over for Jake Fraser-McGurk, who has opted out due to personal reasons and will not return for the rest of the tournament. However, BCB is yet to give NOC to the former, and he has yet to join the squad. Not only Jake Fraser-McGurk, but the likes of Donovan Ferreira, Faf du Plessis, and Mitchell Starc won’t return for the remainder of IPL 2025.
- Gujarat Titans (GT) – Jos Buttler will continue playing for GT in the league stages but will depart for international duty. Sri Lankan wicket-keeper batter Kusal Mendis will join the squad in the playoffs, ensuring a seamless transition.
Also Read: IPL 2025 Playoffs Qualification: What Each of the 7 Remaining Teams Must Do After Restart
Major Overseas Absentees
Apart from injury replacements, several overseas stars have decided not to return due to international duties:
- Sam Curran, Jamie Overton, and Jofra Archer have opted out due to England’s upcoming ODI series against the West Indies.
- Pat Cummins and Travis Head will directly join SRH’s squad in Lucknow, ensuring their participation in the team’s upcoming fixtures.
Impact on Teams & Tournament Dynamics
These overseas player changes bring significant shifts in squad balance, particularly affecting bowling depth and batting firepower. Teams will need to strategize carefully, adapting their approach based on the available personnel. With some franchises losing key all-rounders and pace bowlers, younger talents and fresh recruits will have the opportunity to step up.
The IPL 2025 playoffs race intensifies, with these adjustments possibly influencing team dynamics, selection choices, and match outcomes. Fans can expect franchises to modify their strategies, optimizing their lineups based on player form, fitness, and tournament conditions.
As the league heads into its final stretch, all eyes will be on how replacements perform under pressure, ensuring that their respective franchises remain competitive. Stay tuned for more action as the IPL 2025 drama unfolds!
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