Table of Contents
With the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 coming up, some franchises are facing the threat of player unavailability in the shape of injuries and withdrawals. Among the most important players who can be made available as an alternative is New Zealand all-rounder James Neesham. With his ability to score runs and take wickets, Neesham can prove to be a valuable signing for any franchise that wants to make last-minute team adjustments. Let’s have a look at some franchises that can sign him and how he can be incorporated into the team.
3 franchises who can sign James Neesham as a replacement player in IPL 2025
Lucknow Super Giants
The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are in a weak position with two of their biggest players, Mitchell Marsh and Mayank Yadav, uncertain to play at the beginning of the season as they are injured. Marsh has recently returned from a lower-back injury but will be available only as a batter, greatly impacting the balance of the team. Mayank, their promising young pacer with huge potential, is also uncertain about playing, and LSG will miss both their pace attack and their all-rounder options.
Neesham could be the ideal replacement for LSG as he adds experience and flexibility to the side. He has featured in a number of T20 leagues around the world and has proved that he can perform under pressure. His aggressive batting skill and the skill to take wickets with the ball can make him a very valuable asset, especially in high-scoring matches. Neesham’s fielding skill enhances his profile, and thus he would be a balanced pick for the Super Giants.
Delhi Capitals
The Delhi Capitals (DC) also had to make replacements after the sudden pull-out of Harry Brook from IPL 2025. Brook, who was picked up for INR 6.5 crore, decided to miss the tournament to fulfill his commitments with the England team. His pull-out creates a gap in Delhi’s middle order batting line-up, where he was likely to play a key role.
Neesham would be a decent choice for the Capitals with his capability to steady the innings and pick up the pace when the need arises. Although not a like-for-like replacement of Brook in style, his all-round potential can assist DC in making sure they do not lack balance in the side. With high-class batting in the team, KL Rahul and Faf du Plessis, Neesham’s experience might be useful in chasing down games or coming in during challenging chases. Additionally, his potential to chip in with those important overs would take the pressure off the core bowling unit.
Also READ: Reason why Mayank Yadav will miss the first half of IPL 2025
Punjab Kings
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are in disarray with Lockie Ferguson. He got ruled out of the Champions Trophy 2025, and now his fitness for IPL 2025 remains uncertain. The loss of Ferguson would be a huge blow to Punjab’s pace department, and therefore, it is critical that the side looks for backup. While Neesham is not like-for-like with Ferguson, he may still prove to be an excellent choice for the side as an all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball.
Neesham’s addition to the Punjab Kings side can be advantageous to the team in more than one way. Not only will he provide solidity in the middle order, but his medium-pacing can prove useful in specific situations. Punjab has usually not been able to finish off matches over the past few years in the IPL, and the addition of a veteran player like Neesham can fill that gap. His ability to send the ball out of the park with death overs and pick crucial wickets makes him an attractive player for the franchise.
Why Neesham?
Notably, Neesham is familiar to the IPL, having represented Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, and Delhi in the past. While he has not been a consistent member of the playing eleven at all times, his franchise cricket in other competitions is a reflection of his adaptability and match-winning potential. His experience with New Zealand, especially in pressure tournaments, is a reflection of his ability to play in high-pressure games.
The other advantage of signing Neesham is his leadership skills and presence in the dressing room. He has been the focal point of New Zealand’s white-ball squad, leading inexperienced players on a regular basis and playing a key role in the tight games. His experience and calmness would be a big asset to any IPL franchise looking to strengthen its squad for the long and arduous season.
