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Sanju Samson and Yashasvi Jaiswal for RR (Source:@mufaddal_vohra/X.com)
Australia are up against England in a crucial Champions Trophy encounter in Lahore and though the Kangaroos lost early wickets in the massive run-chase of 352, Matthew Short with his steady batting is taking his team forward. He does not boast of a great ODI record, but Aussies are still backing him because of the kind of performances he has delivered in T20 cricket.
After Champions Trophy, Indian Premier League will take the centrestage and Matthew Short who went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, could be a good replacement player for various franchises. Short has close to 3000 runs in T20s at an average of 26.62 with a strike-rate of 146.16 and has two centuries and 18 fifties as well.
Also, he is a handy off-break bowler which makes him a good T20 package and here are three teams that can opt for Matthew Short in IPL 2025.
1. Rajasthan Royals
Rajasthan Royals made some big changes ahead of IPL 2025, and one of them was to let go their star opener, Jos Buttler. They are likely to go with Yashasvi Jaiswal and Sanju Samson at the top of the order, but both of them are injured currently. If they do not get fit till IPL 2025 or if their injury resurfaces during the season, they would need a quality opening batter as replacement, and Matthew Short could prove to be a handy option.
Reasons To Include Matthew Short In RR
- Injury To Sanju Samson
- Injury To Yashasvi Jaiswal
- Dearth Of Quality Overseas Batters
Short's style of play is also similar to the aggressive approach that Samson and Yashasvi adopt and it makes him a perfect replacement. Also, RR have very few overseas batting options at their disposal, and there is still a debate over RR's number 3 in IPL 2025 and Short could be called into play at that position if the management feel short of batting resources and someone gets injured.
2. Punjab Kings
Punjab Kings has made wholesale changes to their team for IPL 2025 and have put together a strong squad full of multi-dimensional players. However, they look short of opening options and that is where it seems that they have got their calculations wrong. Thus, if someone gets injured, Punjab Kings might look to fit in an opener and Short with good T20 record and impressive performances in Big Bash.
Matthew Short's Performance In BBL 2024-25
| Criterion | Data |
|---|---|
| Innings | 7 |
| Runs | 236 |
| Average | 33.71 |
| Strike-Rate | 171.01 |
In the 2024-25 Big Bash Season, Matthew Short scored 236 runs in seven innings at an average of 33.71 and a stunning strike-rate of 171.01 with one hundred and one fifty. Also, the presence of Ricky Ponting as head coach could prompt Punjab Kings to look at an Australian and Short with his all-round skills could make a cut.
3. Lucknow Super Giants
The third team which could rope in for Matthew Short is LSG. There is doubt over participation of Mitchell Marsh in IPL 2025 due to back injury and Short could be a good replacement for him. Mitchell Marsh was likely to open for LSG, and if he does not make it, Short can fit perfectly into that role.
Reasons To Include Matt Short In LSG
- Injury To Mitchell Marsh
- Utility Of Off-Breaks On Lucknow Pitch
Also, LSG will play their seven matches on slow and low pitches that will offer help to the spinners. So, Matthew Short's off-breaks could be very handy on those pitches and it could be a blessing in disguise for LSG if he replaces Mitchell Marsh for IPL 2025.
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 "Aashay Chopade")
