With the start of the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season just around the corner on March 22, the anticipation continues to build among fans and franchises alike. Notably, the season sees the involvement of 15 Australian players, each bringing their unique storylines as they compete for glory on the cricketing circuit.
One of the teams generating significant attention is the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), especially as they face quite the pace crisis prior to their first match. Fast bowlers Akash Deep, Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, and Mayank Yadav are currently plagued by injuries, stirring up concerns for the team as they prepare. While Mohsin Khan is physically present with the squad, the fitness statuses of the others are anything but clear.
Mayank Yadav, one of the promising talents retained before the auction, is undergoing rehabilitation at the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) Centre of Excellence. Fellow bowler Akash Deep is also leaning on the resources available at the Bengaluru facility, dealing with back issues sustained during the Border-Gavaskar Trophy held earlier this year. Management believes he may miss the initial matches of the season due to these complications.
On the more positive side, Avesh Khan has regained fitness but has yet to formally join the squad, leaving the team dynamics nebulous. Recent reports detail Mohsin’s calf niggle from practice, which highlights the precariousness of the situation.
To bolster their options, LSG is considering signing backup players Shardul Thakur and Shivam Mavi, both of whom had previously gone unsold at the recent mega auction. They have been active during practice sessions but decisions on replacements must be made carefully as the team can’t afford to make missteps with such big competition looming.
Adding to the narrative, LSG has opted for predominantly Indian pacers, leaving only Shamar Joseph as the lone overseas seam option. The Squads’ ability to manage the pace department properly will play a significant role under captain Rishabh Pant, especially as acclimatization becomes increasingly necessary with the season heating up.
Meanwhile, the Australian contingent is facing no known injury issues as they gear up for the IPL. Pat Cummins, leading Sunrisers Hyderabad, has declared himself fit to play, following prior absences due to family commitments and ankle issues. Despite taking a 12.2% pay cut to stay, he will be earning AUD$3.7 million this season. Cummins gained praise for his leadership last season, showcasing the respect he commands within the team.
Travis Head, another integral player for Sunrisers, was retained for AUD$1.2 million, coming off notable performances during recent matches. His contributions will be watched closely, anticipating their potential impact on future World Test Championship (WTC) fixtures.
Among rising stars, Jake Fraser-McGurk returns after acclaim last season, shattering records at high strike rates. Now, having been repurchased by Delhi Capitals for AUD$1.65 million, he has much to prove. There are concerns, though, about how he will perform entering this season after periods of struggles off the field.
Pushing dynamic narratives, Shreyas Iyer hopes to solidify his position batting at number three for the Punjab Kings. Describing himself as the “silent hero” during last season’s success, he aims to make waves as he transitions from captaincy to player, with former teammate Ricky Ponting mentoring him closely. They share mutual respect, with Iyer expressing excitement at collaborating again.
Iyer’s ambitions are clear: “We already know IPL is integral to Indian cricket... if I want to mark myself at some position, it would be number three.” He openly discusses confidence derived from working with Ponting, who has previously termed Iyer as one of the best players he has engaged with.
Ponting emphasized the significance of winning at home, noting, “if you are not winning at home, you are not winning the IPL,” emphasizing the heightened pressure for underperforming teams like Punjab Kings, who will face Gujarat Titans come March 25.
With the opening matches fast approaching, all eyes are on these teams as they look to establish themselves effectively and compete not just within their franchises, but with broader aspirations built on expected performances. Player injuries, franchise strategies, and the contributions of international stars will likely dictate outcomes across matchdays, setting the stage for what could be one of the most dynamic IPL seasons yet. Will the Lucknow Super Giants weather the storm of pace injuries? Can Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting’s synergy lead Punjab Kings to success? The answers await as this thrilling season of cricket begins.
