As the countdown to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 mega auction begins, the final trimmed list of 574 players has intensified discussions around team strategies. Among these, 208 overseas players will compete for 70 slots across 10 franchises. Australian players have once again captured significant attention, with 37 names from the initial 76 registrations making it to the final shortlist.

Australian players: A force to reckon with

Australian cricketers have been pivotal in the IPL’s success, and the 2025 auction is no exception. Among the 37 shortlisted Australians, Josh Hazlewood is one of the standout names. Known for his clinical accuracy, sharp bouncers, and ability to handle high-pressure situations, Hazlewood’s services are bound to trigger a bidding war. His performances in the IPL and international cricket have cemented his reputation as a match-winner who can dominate in both the powerplay and death overs.

Fast bowlers are expected to be the most sought-after category in this auction. With teams looking to bolster their pace arsenals, Hazlewood stands tall as one of the prime contenders. His ability to consistently hit the right lengths, coupled with his experience in subcontinental conditions, makes him a highly desirable asset.

Josh Hazlewood’s IPL journey

Hazlewood made his IPL debut in 2020 and has established himself as a reliable pacer over the years. In his IPL career so far, he has played 27 matches, taking 35 wickets at an impressive average of 23.14. His economy rate of 8.06 demonstrates his ability to contain runs even in the shortest format. Hazlewood’s standout performance came with figures of 4/25, showcasing his knack for delivering match-winning spells.

In the IPL 2023 auction, the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured Hazlewood for a significant amount of INR 7.75 crore, reflecting their trust in his abilities to spearhead their bowling attack. However, his performance in the season was impacted by injuries. His last IPL appearance was at the Wankhede Stadium in May 2023, where he ended with figures of 0/32. Despite an off-day, his overall contributions remain valuable, particularly in high-stakes matches.

IPL 2025: 3 Teams that can target Josh Hazlewood in the mega auction

1. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

• Why CSK Needs Him: Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have always valued consistency and experience. Hazlewood, who played for them earlier, knows the franchise’s culture and the leadership style, making him a natural fit.
• Potential Role: CSK could use Hazlewood as their powerplay enforcer while also employing him at the death to support Matheesha Pathirana. With also Deepak Chahar prone to injuries and not a confirmed buy this time, Hazlewood’s reliability offers much-needed stability.
• Impact: His ability to extract bounce and swing could be vital in home conditions at Chepauk, where discipline is key for bowlers.

2. Mumbai Indians (MI)

• Why MI Needs Him: Mumbai Indians (MI)known for building strong pace attacks, might see Hazlewood as the perfect complement to their existing setup. Pairing him with jasprit bumrah would create a fearsome duo capable of dismantling any batting lineup.
• Potential Role: Hazlewood can be MI’s go-to bowler in high-pressure moments, providing crucial breakthroughs in the powerplay while anchoring the middle overs.
• Impact: His ability to maintain control and deliver under pressure aligns perfectly with MI’s championship-winning ethos.

3. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

• Why LSG Needs Him: LSG struggled to find consistent death bowlers last season. Hazlewood’s precision and ability to handle pressure make him an ideal candidate to fill this gap.
• Potential Role: As a leader of the pace attack, Hazlewood can mentor young pacers like Mohsin Khan and Mayank Yadav while ensuring LSG has a reliable bowling option in crunch situations.
• Impact: His inclusion could address LSG’s death-bowling woes and strengthen their chances of making a deeper playoff run.