The countdown to IPL 2025 has begun, with the high-voltage tournament set to kick off on March 22, 2025, featuring a blockbuster clash between Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens.
While franchises gear up for their final preparations, several teams are facing a major headache — injury concerns surrounding key players. From star pacers to crucial all-rounders, multiple teams are sweating over the availability of their top performers.
Here’s a detailed look at five key players facing injury concerns ahead of IPL 2025, and how their absence could affect their teams’ campaigns.
1. Josh Hazlewood (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Injury Concern: Side strain and recurring fitness issues
Auction Price: INR 12.5 crore
Status: Doubtful for early matches
Expert Insight:
Josh Hazlewood, a crucial part of RCB’s pace attack, has been struggling with persistent injury setbacks. After playing just two Tests in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2025, Hazlewood was ruled out with a side strain. His fitness woes also saw him miss Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy 2025.
Impact on RCB:
Without Hazlewood, RCB could struggle with their death bowling options, especially on batting-friendly tracks like Chinnaswamy Stadium.
2. Anrich Nortje (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Injury Concern: Back injury
Auction Price: INR 6.5 crore
Status: Highly Doubtful
Expert Insight:
KKR’s high-profile pace acquisition, Anrich Nortje, was expected to spearhead their bowling attack. However, Nortje’s injury troubles resurfaced during the SA20 2025, ruling him out of the Champions Trophy 2025 as well. A back injury has kept the speedster out of action, and his availability for IPL 2025 remains uncertain.
Impact on KKR:
KKR’s pace bowling depth could be tested significantly if Nortje is unavailable, putting added pressure on their domestic seamers and other overseas quicks.
3. Gerald Coetzee (Gujarat Titans)
Injury Concern: Groin strain and hamstring issues
Auction Price: INR 2.4 crore
Status: Doubtful for initial matches
Expert Insight:
Another South African fast bowler under injury clouds is Gerald Coetzee, picked by Gujarat Titans (GT) for IPL 2025. Coetzee was recovering from a hamstring injury but reported groin discomfort upon resuming bowling practice. He subsequently missed the ODI tri-series in Pakistan and the Champions Trophy 2025.
Impact on Gujarat Titans:
GT’s pace attack will need to rely heavily on Mohammed Shami and Alzarri Joseph if Coetzee’s recovery timeline extends into the IPL.
4. Mitchell Marsh (Lucknow Super Giants)
Injury Concern: Lower back injury
Auction Price: INR 3.4 crore
Status: Doubtful for full season
Expert Insight:
A mainstay in the Australian white-ball setup, Marsh featured in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2025 but missed the final Test due to a lower back injury. His attempts to return in the BBL 2025 were cut short after just one match, and the injury also ruled him out of the Champions Trophy 2025.
Impact on Lucknow Super Giants:
LSG heavily relies on Marsh’s all-round abilities, especially in the middle order and as a powerplay enforcer with the ball. His absence could force a major reshuffle in their playing XI.
5. Jacob Bethell (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Injury Concern: Hamstring injury
Auction Price: INR 2.6 crore
Status: Race against time to be fit
Expert Insight:
RCB’s promising English all-rounder, Jacob Bethell, made a sensational debut for England with a half-century in the India tour 2025 before a hamstring injury ruled him out. He also missed the Champions Trophy 2025, raising doubts about his match fitness for IPL 2025.
Impact on RCB:
With Bethell’s all-round prowess offering balance to the side, RCB may have to look for backup options if he doesn’t recover in time.
Why These Injuries Matter for IPL 2025 Teams
- Squad Balance: Injuries to overseas stars can disturb team combinations.
- Auction Strategy Impact: Franchises invested heavily in these players at the mega auction.
- Uncertain Replacements: Late injuries mean limited options for quality replacements.
IPL 2025 Injury Tracker: Stay Updated
Injuries are part and parcel of cricket, but their timing just ahead of IPL 2025 could make or break campaigns for teams like RCB, KKR, LSG, and GT. Fans and franchises will be closely monitoring these players’ recovery timelines over the next few weeks.
What’s Next? Join the Conversation!
Who do you think will be the biggest miss in IPL 2025?
Share your thoughts in the comments and follow us for real-time injury updates, team news, and exclusive insights ahead of IPL 2025.
