IPL 2025: 3 Teams That Can Sign Michael Bracewell As a Replacement Player

New Zealand all-rounder Michael Bracewell entered the IPL 2025 mega auction with a base price of ₹1.5 crore but unfortunately went unsold. Despite this, he has been delivering impressive performances in white-ball cricket.

His recent four-wicket haul against Bangladesh in the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 not only dismantled the opposition but also earned him the record for the best bowling figures by a New Zealand player in the tournament’s history.

Given his recent form, Bracewell remains a strong candidate for an IPL team if injuries force any franchises to look for replacements.

Here are three IPL teams that could sign Michael Bracewell as an injury replacement:

1. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) have suffered a setback ahead of IPL 2025, with Australian all-rounder Mitchell Marsh picking up an injury. If Marsh is ruled out, the team might turn to Bracewell as a replacement.

Although Bracewell is not a like-for-like replacement for Marsh, his off-spin could be highly effective on the spin-friendly pitches of Lucknow. Additionally, he can contribute valuable runs with the bat lower down the order.

2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are dealing with multiple injury concerns, as both Jacob Bethell and Josh Hazlewood are doubtful for IPL 2025. If either of them is ruled out, RCB could consider signing Bracewell, given his all-round abilities.

Bracewell previously played for RCB in IPL 2023 as a replacement player. While he may not be a direct replacement for Bethell or Hazlewood, his off-spin and ability to contribute with the bat could provide balance to the squad. RCB are still chasing their maiden IPL title, and adding a player like Bracewell could strengthen their lineup.

3. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) had a remarkable comeback in IPL 2024, finishing as runners-up under Pat Cummins’ leadership. However, one area they struggled with was their performance on slow and low pitches due to the lack of a quality off-spinner.

Bracewell’s inclusion would solve two major concerns for SRH – providing an off-spin option and adding a reliable all-rounder to their lower order. If SRH had picked Bracewell in the auction, they might have been favorites to go one step further and clinch their second IPL title.