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MS Dhoni's CSK And...? 3 IPL 2025 Teams That Can Sign Ibrahim Zadran As Replacement Player

Jatin

3 IPL teams which can sign Ibrahim Zadran [Source: @pegaeditz7, @drivexpull/x.com]3 IPL teams which can sign Ibrahim Zadran [Source: @pegaeditz7, @drivexpull/x.com]

The IPL 2025 is aproaching rapidly and while teams are getting ready for the two-month-long battle, there is still room for last-minute changes. One name that has suddenly sparked a lot of debate is Ibrahim Zadran.

The Afghan opener, fresh off a stunning century against England in the Champions Trophy 2025, remains unsold from the IPL auction and fans can’t help but wonder: how did no team pick him?

T20 cricket is a game of fine margins. Injuries, form slumps and tactical tweaks can force teams to rethink their combinations even after the auction. And right now, some IPL teams are dealing with injury headaches at the top of the order.

If franchises are looking for a solid, fearless opener who can take down quality attacks, Ibrahim Zadran could be their man. Here are three teams that should be eyeing him as a replacement signing.

1. Chennai Super Kings

Why Zadran is an ideal fit for CSK?

  • CSK’s top order is built on stability and experience, but Devon Conway’s recurring injuries are a worrying sign. The Kiwi batter has struggled for fluency since returning from injury, and his performances in the Champions Trophy 2025 haven’t exactly inspired confidence. 
  • With scores of 10 and 30 in his first two games, it’s safe to say he isn’t at his best. Furthermore, there is a chance of him getting injured considering his recent track record and that's where Zadran comes in.
  • Imagine  Zadran walking out with Ruturaj Gaikwad in the powerplay. While Rutu plays the anchor’s role, Zadran can go hard at the bowlers, ensuring CSK doesn’t fall behind in the first six overs.
  • He’s got the shots, the temperament, and the hunger to prove a point. If Conway struggles or breaks down again, CSK will need a quality backup and Zadran is tailor-made for that role.



2. Lucknow Super Giants

Why Zadran is an ideal fit for LSG?

  • Lucknow Super Giants pulled off a smart buy in Mitchell Marsh at the auction, securing him for INR 3.40 crore. But the injury curse has struck again as the Aussie all-rounder has suffered a back injury which ruled him out of Champions Trophy 2025 and put his IPL participation in serious doubt.
  • Marsh was expected to open the innings for LSG and his absence leaves a gap at the top. Enter Ibrahim Zadran: a proper top-order batter with the ability to anchor and accelerate when needed. 
  • More importantly, he’s an excellent player of spin, which is a crucial skill for Lucknow’s slow, gripping tracks.
  • With Rishabh Pant set to lead LSG, having Zadran as an opener would allow the LSG batting unit to maintain its balance and firepower.

3. Rajasthan Royals

Why Zadran is an ideal fit for RR?

  • Rajasthan Royals has one of the strongest batting line-ups in the IPL but there’s a big issue: they don’t have a backup opener to support Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal. 
  • If either of them gets injured or needs to be shuffled in the batting order, they don’t have an immediate solution. Here’s where Zadran can be a game-changer. 
  • If either gets injured, Zadran can open and provide the perfect balance. Even if they stick with their current combination, having Zadran as a backup opener is a luxury that could prove extremely vital in a long, physically demanding IPL season. 
  • Injuries are as common as dot balls in a Test match and having a reliable replacement ready can make all the difference.