IPL Replacement Players List: The IPL 2025 season threw up surprises with injuries and last-minute replacements, giving new faces a chance to shine. Franchises like CSK, RCB, MI, LSG, SRH, and PBKS saw their mid-season signings turn into key performers. Some of these players now look set to be retained ahead of the IPL 2026 mega auction.
IPL Replacement Players List: Ayush Mhatre (CSK)
When Chennai Super Kings (CSK) lost Ruturaj Gaikwad, they introduced 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre. Although CSK was last in the points table, Mhatre’s aggressive batting impressed.
240 runs in 7 matches for an average of 34.28 and a strike rate of 188.97 at just 17 years of age left MS Dhoni impressed. CSK are likely to hold on to him as a future opening partner for Gaikwad.
IPL Replacement Players List: Mayank Agarwal (RCB)
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) went to Mayank Agarwal following Devdutt Padikkal’s injury. Although Mayank featured in just four games, he added 95 vital runs, enabling RCB to lift the IPL 2025 title.
With his experience and versatility, RCB will most likely keep Mayank as a reliable top-order choice.
IPL Replacement Players List: Dewald Brevis (CSK)
CSK also summoned Dewald Brevis to fill the place of Gurjapneet Singh, and the 22-year-old didn’t let them down. Scoring 225 runs in 6 games at a mean of 37.50 with a strike rate of 180.00, Brevis brought the pizzazz CSK was missing.
The young South African is likely to be retained as a middle-order batter in 2026.
IPL Replacement Players List: Shardul Thakur (LSG)
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) drafted Shardul Thakur as a replacement for Mohsin Khan, and he lived up to his price of ₹2 crore by picking 13 wickets in 10 games.
LSG would be keen to retain Thakur for bowling depth and established all-round ability.
IPL Replacement Players List: Corbin Bosch (MI)
Mumbai Indians (MI) recruited Corbin Bosch following Lizaad Williams’ injury. Bosch played only three games but chipped in with bat and ball, supporting MI to make it to the playoffs.
He is such a versatile player that MI would want him to stay back.
IPL Replacement Players List: Urvil Patel (CSK)
CSK’s Urvil Patel was the replacement for Vansh Bedi, who played three games but left a mark with 68 runs at a strike rate of 212.50.
His attacking approach and finishing can make CSK retain him for IPL 2026.
IPL Replacement Players List: Harsh Dubey (SRH)
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) acquired Harsh Dubey during the mid-season. In three matches, Dubey took five wickets with an economy of 9.80.
Dubey’s death bowling skill and batting contribution make him a retention option for SRH.
IPL Replacement Players List: Mitchell Owen (PBKS)
Punjab Kings (PBKS) signed Mitchell Owen as a replacement for Glenn Maxwell. Though he appeared in just one IPL game, Owen’s big-hitting and all-round capabilities in other tournaments like the BBL make him a probable retention target.
IPL Replacement Players List: From Replacements to Retention Stars
IPL 2025 showed how overnight chances can alter careers. From young talents such as Ayush Mhatre to experienced campaigners such as Shardul Thakur, these stand-by players might find themselves as part of the core member group of their franchises entering IPL 2026 and leading the future of their respective teams.
Disclaimer: This article provides information and analysis on IPL 2025 replacement players who are likely to be retained by their franchises before the IPL 2026 auction. The retention predictions are based on player performances, team needs, and expert opinions, and may not reflect the final decisions made by the franchises.
