Ben Duckett, the explosive England opener, did not attract any buyers in the Indian Premier League (IPL) auction. However, his dynamic left-handed batting style could have been a valuable addition to teams lacking explosiveness at the top of the order.
In the current T20 landscape, batters who can take advantage of fielding restrictions in the first six overs are highly sought after. Duckett, a mainstay in the England Test side, has yet to solidify his place in the T20 squad but showcased his potential during the third T20I against India in Rajkot with an aggressive display that put pressure on the Indian bowlers.
His impactful performance helped England post a competitive total, ultimately leading them to victory. Duckett’s ability to take on any bowler, combined with his wide range of shots, could make him a standout performer in the IPL as well.
Duckett is expected to play a key role for England in the upcoming T20Is against India, and his explosive starts will be crucial for England to bounce back and secure their first series win against India after four consecutive losses. If he maintains consistency, Duckett may still have a chance to join the IPL as a replacement player.
Let’s explore three IPL teams where Ben Duckett could have been a perfect fit in IPL 2025:
# 1. Punjab Kings
Duckett’s prowess in making the powerplay count could have benefited the Punjab Kings in the IPL. With Prabhsimran Singh’s explosive batting at the top, Duckett’s addition could have provided stability and firepower in the opening partnership. His aggressive approach could have emulated the success of SRH’s opening duo in the last IPL.
If Duckett had not gone unsold in the auction, his partnership with Prabhsimran could have significantly impacted Punjab’s performance. In case of injuries, PBKS might consider acquiring Duckett.
# 2. Lucknow Super Giants
Although Duckett remained unsold in the 2025 IPL auction, his performance in the third T20I opened up the possibility of him being a replacement player. Lucknow Super Giants could have been an ideal team for Duckett, given their need for a strong opening combination.
With Duckett’s aggressive batting style, he could have made a big impact in the powerplay overs and provided a boost to the new franchise. In case of injuries, LSG may have looked towards Duckett as a potential replacement.
# 3. Chennai Super Kings
Duckett’s inclusion in the Chennai Super Kings squad could have provided depth and versatility, especially if their regular opener Devon Conway is unable to participate due to injury. Duckett’s addition at the top of the order could offer a different dynamic to the team and complement the existing batting lineup.
If Conway misses the initial games due to injury, CSK might consider Duckett as a suitable replacement to maintain their winning momentum.
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Edited by Vaishnavi Iyer
