3 Champions Trophy Performers Who Can Enter IPL 2025 Squads As Replacements

Debashis Sarangi

Michael Bracewell has played for RCB in the past [Source: @IPL/X]Michael Bracewell has played for RCB in the past [Source: @IPL/X]

The much-anticipated ICC Champions Trophy recently marked its conclusion, with India lifting the title following their emphatic win over New Zealand in the final. However, despite the mega event's conclusion, cricket fans must not worry, as the IPL 2025 is knocking at the doors. 

With the IPL season nearing, eyes are on several international players who might get a wildcard entry into the league following their exceptional performance in the Champions Trophy. 

1. Ben Duckett (Base Price - 2 Cr)

Criterion
Runs
Average/SR
Overall since 2024188540.97/96.61
In Champions Trophy22775.67/108.61

(Duckett's recent stats in international cricket)

  • England's explosive opener Ben Duckett has showcased exemplary form in international cricket of late. As evidenced by the above stats, Duckett is England's top-scorer across formats. 
  • The southpaw recently exhibited excellent form in the Champions Trophy, amassing 227 runs at an average of 75.67 and a strike rate of 108.61. 
  • Duckett has 5159 T20 runs to his name, and he had a base price of INR 2 Crores. Considering his red-hot batting form, IPL franchises whose top-order batters are struggling with injury (for example, LSG's Mitchell Marsh), might have a look at Ben Duckett if the need for a replacement arises. 

2. Matt Henry (Base Price - 2 Cr)

Criterion
Wickets
Average/SR
In T20s17823.70/17.1
In Champions Trophy1016.70/18.80

(Matt Henry's stats)

  • New Zealand's prominent fast bowler Matt Henry had a base price of INR 2 Crores and went unsold in last year's mega auction. 
  • The seam bowler oozed his class in the Champions Trophy, scalping ten wickets in four matches at a superb average of 16.70. 
  • More importantly, he bagged a clinical five-wicket haul against India, the eventual champions of the competition. The IPL franchises generally keep an eye on those players who perform against India. 
  • In such a scenario, it won't be surprising if Henry could join one of the IPL franchises like GT or RCB, as these two teams are concerned by injuries to their fast bowlers (Gerald Coetzee from GT and Josh Hazlewood from RCB). 

3. Michael Bracewell (Base Price - 1.5 Cr)

  • New Zealand's experienced all-rounder Michael Bracewell was one of the top performers for his team in the Champions Trophy. 
  • Besides scoring 82 runs, including a blistering fifty in the final, Bracewell bagged eight wickets at an average of 25.13 and an economy of 4.10. 
  • In T20, every team needs multi-dimensional players like Bracewell, who can change the course of the match with his all-round prowess. 
  • So, if an IPL team needs a replacement for an all-rounder, it might consider roping in Bracewell into the squad for the 2025 season.