Josh Inglis Likely To Be Ruled Out From IPL 2025
Josh Inglis, the Australian wicketkeeper-batter has incurred what may be a season-ending calf injury, a fact that has created a dilemma for the management of Punjab Kings and the fans themselves. The franchise paid for Rs 2.60 crore at the auction for this player, touted to be the very backbone of solidity to that pack of batting and possessing yet another source of assurance behind the stumps, on his performance. The calf injury has ruled him out of the ongoing series while raising fears he could miss the IPL depending on the timeframe for that return.
Inglis’s injury is a serious blow to Punjab Kings because he has performed this year scoring two T20I centuries. His explosive batting in the top order and crafty glove work were expected to enrich the team’s strategy. The team will now have to look for a replacement for him that might fill his shoes or impart some other flair to the team.
Among the names being looked at is Ben Duckett of England, known for his attacking play from the opening slot. An excellent fit for Punjab Kings, Duckett has proven himself in T20s and Tests. Being a lefty adds another dimension to the batting order, and he can even keep wickets if need be. He was, however, left out of the auction and would serve the team very well with experience in pressure situations.
A separate consideration is Josh Philippe, an Australian batter accustomed to the demands of the IPL circuit. Possessing a knack for lightning-fast starts, Philippe would also provide cover as a wicket-keeper. Of note is Philippe’s splendid showing in T20 leagues like the Big Bash, sporting a fast scoring rate, quite consistent with how Punjab Kings like to play their game. Philippe’s career stats of 2,710 runs in 116 T20 matches at a strike rate of 134.09 make him a compelling choice for the role. His inclusion would also maintain an Australian angle in the squad, which might come in handy on the ground because of other players’ knowledge of his type of play.
Named as third on the list is Josh Brown, a player renowned in circles of domestic Australian cricket for finely executed batting. Although new to international competition, Brown has proven to be able to win matches because of his aggressive style. He boasts a quick scoring rate in the Big Bash League, which is precisely what Punjab require to replace the firepower aboard that Inglis would have provided.
With a long history of some incisive picks in their player acquisitions by the franchise, Punjab Kings will need time on their hands if they wish to work either with one of these players or switch onto the other options. They have a very small purse left in the auction and this could inhibit them from going after big-name replacements, but using smart buys, as often seen in the IPL, always turns out providing worthwhile campaigns.
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Punjab Kings will certainly miss Inglis, but if they can utilise one of these players in a way that does work to their advantage, then IPL 2025 might still be amenable for them. The next few weeks will be highly crucial as the team tries to slip into adaptation to this unwelcome situation.
