As IPL 2025 heats up in its final league stage, teams are not only battling each other but also the injury bug. Several franchises have suffered significant player setbacks, forcing urgent mid-season replacements. These developments have reshaped team dynamics, altered playoff equations, and created opportunities for fresh talent to step up. Below is a comprehensive look at the key injuries in IPL 2025, the players ruled out, their replacements, and what it means for their teams going forward.
Glenn Maxwell (Punjab Kings)
- Injury: Fractured finger during training
- Status: Ruled out for the remainder of the season
- Replacement: Mitch Owen (Australia)
Maxwell’s absence is a massive blow to Punjab Kings’ middle-order strength and leadership core. His ability to finish games and contribute with the ball will be missed. Mitch Owen, a promising all-rounder from Australia, will need to adapt quickly to IPL intensity.
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings)
- Injury: Hairline fracture in the elbow
- Status: Ruled out for the season
- Replacement: Ayush Mhatre
With Ruturaj ruled out, CSK lose a reliable top-order anchor and one of their best Indian batters. Ayush Mhatre, although talented, lacks the experience Gaikwad brings to pressure situations.
Gurjapneet Singh (Chennai Super Kings)
- Injury: Undisclosed
- Status: Ruled out for the season
- Replacement: Dewald Brevis
CSK have bolstered their middle order by bringing in South African power-hitter Dewald Brevis, hoping to strengthen their finishing options.
Adam Zampa (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
- Injury: Recurring shoulder injury
- Status: Ruled out for the season
- Replacement: Ravichandran Smaran
Zampa’s departure hurts SRH’s middle-overs control. His replacement, Smaran, is largely untested in high-pressure games, making this a risky transition.
Mohsin Khan (Lucknow Super Giants)
- Injury: ACL tear
- Status: Ruled out for the season
- Replacement: Shardul Thakur
Mohsin’s pace and left-arm angle were vital for LSG. Shardul brings experience and batting depth but lacks Mohsin’s death-over sharpness.
Umran Malik (Kolkata Knight Riders)
- Injury: Undisclosed
- Status: Ruled out for the season
- Replacement: Chetan Sakariya
KKR lose express pace with Umran Malik’s injury. Sakariya offers swing and control but may struggle on flatter surfaces where KKR often defend scores.
Lizaad Williams (Mumbai Indians)
- Injury: Knee injury
- Status: Ruled out for the season
- Replacement: Corbin Bosch
Williams’ injury weakens MI’s pace depth. Corbin Bosch, a South African all-rounder, joins to bring a balance of medium pace and lower-order hitting.
Vignesh Puthur (Mumbai Indians)
- Injury: Shin bone injury
- Status: Ruled out for the season
- Replacement: Raghu Sharma
Though not a mainstay, Puthur’s injury adds to Mumbai’s rotation headaches. Raghu Sharma joins as a backup option, expected to fill in as needed.
Glenn Phillips (Gujarat Titans)
- Injury: Groin injury
- Status: Ruled out for the season
- Replacement: Dasun Shanaka
Phillips’ dynamic finishing will be missed by GT. They have turned to Sri Lanka’s Dasun Shanaka for experience and late-over acceleration.
Brydon Carse (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
- Injury: Toe injury
- Status: Ruled out for the season
- Replacement: Wiaan Mulder
Another blow to SRH’s bowling plans, Carse’s pace and bounce were key weapons. Mulder brings seam and batting value but lacks IPL familiarity.
IPL 2025 Injury Replacement Rules: Key Changes
For the 2025 season, the IPL governing body updated its injury replacement regulations to ensure better squad flexibility:
- Replacement Deadline: Teams may replace injured players up to their 12th league match, an extension from the previous 7-match rule.
- Eligibility Requirements: Only players listed in the Registered Available Player Pool (RAPP) are eligible for mid-season signings.
- Salary Cap Implications: Replacement player fees do not count toward the team’s salary cap for the current season but will count if retained next season.
- Medical Certification: A BCCI-appointed medical panel must confirm that the injury is season-ending before a replacement is approved.
These rules allow franchises to adapt more fluidly to unforeseen injuries, though limitations remain regarding timing and talent availability.
Conclusion: Injuries May Define the Final Stretch of IPL 2025
The injury toll in IPL 2025 has had a tangible impact on several teams, with key players like Glenn Maxwell, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Adam Zampa sidelined at pivotal stages. As the playoff race intensifies, depth and smart recruitment will determine who can stay competitive. Replacement players will have the opportunity to become game-changers—but whether they succeed under pressure remains to be seen.
