The Indian Premier League (IPL) is not only cricket’s most glamorous tournament but also one of the most competitive. Each year, despite a player auction showcasing immense talent, several skilled cricketers fail to secure contracts. For fast bowlers, the unpredictability of injuries during the season often opens up opportunities for replacements. With IPL 2025 just around the corner, we take a closer look at three unsold pacers who could still make a late impact as replacements in the tournament.
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Gus Atkinson
English fast bowler Gus Atkinson has quickly emerged as one of the most exciting pace talents in world cricket. Having made his T20I debut in 2023 with a stellar performance of 4 for 20, Atkinson announced himself as a force to be reckoned with. In Test cricket, his debut at Lord’s was nothing short of historic, where he recorded the best-ever figures for an English bowler on debut by taking 12 wickets in the match.
What sets Atkinson apart is his raw pace, the ability to extract movement off the pitch, and his knack for unsettling batsmen with bounce. Additionally, he is a capable lower-order hitter, which adds to his appeal as an all-round package.
While Atkinson hasn’t played much T20 cricket recently, his skill set is tailor-made for the IPL. With India hosting a white-ball series in the lead-up to the IPL, Atkinson has the opportunity to showcase his abilities and keep himself in contention as a replacement option. Franchises looking for a fiery pacer who can swing games in their favor might find Atkinson hard to overlook.
Mustafizur Rahman
Bangladesh’s Mustafizur Rahman, often referred to as “The Fizz,” has been a consistent performer in the IPL over the years. Though he isn’t in his prime, his vast experience and specialized skills make him a dependable option for any team in need of a left-arm pacer. In IPL 2024, Rahman played nine games for Chennai Super Kings, picking up 14 wickets at an economy rate of 9.26.
In the ongoing Bangladesh Premier League (BPL), Mustafizur has continued to deliver, claiming nine wickets in as many matches at an impressive economy of 8.08 runs per over. His ability to bowl under pressure, particularly in the death overs, is a valuable asset for any side.
What makes Mustafizur even more attractive is the rarity of left-arm pacers in the IPL. Teams often seek bowlers with variations, and Mustafizur’s expertise in executing slower deliveries and yorkers makes him a prime candidate for a mid-season call-up. Should injuries strike any franchise, Rahman could easily slot in as a reliable option.
Umesh Yadav
Indian fast bowler Umesh Yadav, a seasoned IPL campaigner, is another strong contender for a replacement role. Despite being unsold in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Yadav’s experience of 144 wickets in 148 games makes him a compelling choice. While his recent seasons have been underwhelming, Yadav possesses the ability to swing the ball effectively and dismantle top orders with the new ball.
Yadav has voiced his disappointment about being overlooked in the auction but remains a viable option for teams in need of an Indian pacer. With Indian pace-bowling options in the unsold pool being limited, Umesh’s vast experience and ability to exploit favorable conditions make him an attractive replacement choice.
For teams with seam-friendly home pitches or those looking for a powerplay enforcer, Yadav’s expertise could come in handy. His inclusion would also provide valuable depth and leadership to the bowling unit.
Conclusion
The IPL has a long history of unsold players making a significant impact as replacements, and IPL 2025 could be no different. Gus Atkinson, Mustafizur Rahman, and Umesh Yadav each bring unique strengths to the table and could be vital assets for franchises looking to bolster their pace attack mid-season. With injuries an inevitable part of a high-intensity tournament like the IPL, these bowlers may find themselves in the spotlight once again, proving their worth when the opportunity arises.
By staying fit and ready, these pacers could turn their disappointment at the auction into a triumphant comeback story, showcasing why they are still some of the most sought-after talents in the cricketing world.
