Australian Cricket Icons Ready for Full IPL 2025 Season Amid Fitness Comebacks
Apr, 8 2025
The IPL 2025 season is set to be an exciting prospect for cricket fans, especially with the return of several high-profile Australian players. Pat Cummins, Mitchell Starc, and Josh Hazlewood, each battling back from various injuries, are ready to showcase their talents fully in this much-anticipated league. Meanwhile, Mitchell Marsh, dealing with a persistent back issue, will focus solely on his batting skills this season.
Pat Cummins: Leadership at Sunrisers Hyderabad
Pat Cummins, a key figure for Sunrisers Hyderabad, will be at the helm, despite missing out on the Champions Trophy. He recently celebrated the birth of his second child and is recovering from an ankle injury. As a strategic leader, Cummins made a notable impact with 18 wickets in IPL 2024. His return aligns with hopes of replicating both his bowling prowess and leadership successes. Sunrisers fans will look to Cummins to inspire the team to new heights.
Star Players Return and New Beginnings
Mitchell Starc, formerly with Kolkata Knight Riders, has been snapped up by Delhi Capitals for an eye-catching AUD$2.15 million. Known for his explosive left-arm pace, Starc is overcoming an ankle niggle and aims to strengthen Delhi's fast-bowling lineup. His base price for IPL 2025 was a solid 2 crore INR, reflecting his high value.
Josh Hazlewood, meanwhile, will don the Royal Challengers Bangalore jersey once again. Given his history with calf strains and hip troubles, Hazlewood's return is eagerly anticipated. In IPL 2022, he claimed 20 wickets, showcasing his capability. His price tag of AUD$2.29 million underlines his significance to RCB.
Mitchell Marsh’s involvement will be restricted as Lucknow Super Giants have brought him on board for Rs 3.4 crore with the understanding that he will function as a batter. As he works his way back to full fitness, Marsh is eyeing the T20 World Cup, hoping for a successful batting stint.
Punjab Kings are making waves with an impressive Australian lineup, including names like Xavier Bartlett and Aaron Hardie. The team's strength is complemented by Nathan Ellis at Chennai Super Kings and Adam Zampa at Sunrisers Hyderabad. Ellis, in particular, is expected to see more action after his performances in the Champions Trophy.
The IPL 2025 season opener on March 22 promises to set the stage as RCB goes head-to-head with KKR—a thrilling start for fans and players alike. Australian cricket authorities are keeping a close watch on player workloads, especially for Hazlewood and Starc, with an eye on important fixtures, such as the World Test Championship final coming up in June.