Bracewell knocks on IPL doors despite going unsold, thanks to stellar show in Champions Trophy
New Zealand's Michael Bracewell has delivered a standout performance in the ICC Champions Trophy, registering the best-ever bowling figures by a Kiwi spinner in the tournament's history. The off-spinner achieved this remarkable feat during his superb outing in the ongoing group match against Bangladesh in Rawalpindi.
Bracewell's figures of 4/26 not only secured his place in the record books but also marked the fourth-best bowling performance by any New Zealand bowler in Champions Trophy history. The top three spots in this elite list are occupied by cricketing legends: Jacob Oram (5/36 vs USA, The Oval, 2004), Shayne O'Connor (5/46 vs Pakistan, Nairobi, 2000), and Shane Bond (4/21 vs Bangladesh, Colombo, 2002).
Bracewell's stellar performance in Rawalpindi has further elevated his status. The off-spinner's brilliant effort saw him dismissing key Bangladeshi batters including Tanzid Hasan, Towhid Hridoy, Mushfiqur Rahim, and Mahmudullah, as New Zealand set the pace in the match. His exceptional display with the ball also improved his personal best in One-Day Internationals, surpassing his previous best of 4/36 against Sri Lanka in Pallekele last year.
Bracewell's IPL 2025 prospects: A likely move amid injury setbacks
Adding another layer of intrigue to his rising profile is the possibility of Bracewell joining the IPL for the 2025 season. Despite going unsold in the previous year's mega auction, the Kiwi all-rounder could find himself in high demand, with several IPL franchises potentially seeking his services as a replacement for injured players.
In particular, the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are reportedly eyeing Bracewell following significant injury setbacks to key players. Anrich Nortje’s back injury and Andre Russell’s ongoing fitness concerns have left KKR's bowling department in need of reinforcement, making Bracewell an appealing option.
Meanwhile, Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) could also be a landing spot for the versatile all-rounder. RCB has been plagued by injury woes, with Josh Hazlewood still recovering from a side injury and Jacob Bethell ruled out due to a hamstring problem. Bracewell, who offers both useful cameos with the bat and a skillful spin bowling option, could provide much-needed balance and depth to RCB's squad.
Additionally, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), who have been hit by an unfortunate injury to Mitchell Marsh, could also be interested in Bracewell’s services. After the release of Marcus Stoinis, LSG's all-rounder department has been left weakened, and with no off-spin option in their squad, Bracewell would be a valuable asset to their line-up.
Bracewell’s dominance in the Champions Trophy
On the field, Bracewell has been instrumental in dismantling the Bangladesh batting order. His skillful variations and guile were key in rattling the Tigers, and his contribution has been a standout in an already competitive tournament. With the Champions Trophy progressing, Bracewell's performances with both bat and ball have made him one of the tournament’s most exciting players to watch.
As the 2025 IPL season draws nearer, the demand for players like Bracewell—who can contribute across multiple disciplines—continues to rise. With his recent displays in the Champions Trophy, it seems almost inevitable that the all-rounder will be snapped up by one of the IPL's top franchises. His ability to turn a match with both the bat and ball makes him a valuable prospect, and the buzz surrounding his potential IPL debut could be one of the season's most talked-about stories.
As Bracewell continues to impress in international cricket, his versatility and skill set will no doubt keep the cricketing world on its toes, awaiting what comes next for the rising Kiwi star.