Sun Feb 02 16:00:00 UTC 2025: **IPL Surprise: Unsold Duckett Still a Hot Commodity for Mid-Season Call-Up**

Jeddah, Saudi Arabia – English T20 star Ben Duckett’s surprising omission from the IPL 2025 auction hasn’t dimmed his appeal. Following impressive performances in the ongoing T20I series against India, including scores of 51 off 28 and 39 off 19, several IPL franchises are reportedly eyeing him as a potential mid-season replacement.

Duckett’s explosive batting style makes him an attractive option, especially given the inherent injury risk in the two-and-a-half-month tournament. Three teams, in particular, stand out as potential suitors.

The Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), despite their record-breaking acquisition of Rishabh Pant, have only six overseas players, leaving two spots open. The absence of a dedicated opener and concerns over the fitness of David Miller, who’s already missed SA20 games due to injury, make Duckett a strong candidate for LSG.

Similarly, the Rajasthan Royals (RR), having released Jos Buttler before the auction, now lack an aggressive overseas top-order batter. Their limited budget at the auction resulted in only six overseas signings, leaving room for Duckett should injury strike their squad.

Finally, the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), while boasting a formidable squad, lack depth in their batting backups. An injury to opening batsman Travis Head would leave a significant gap, making Duckett a valuable replacement given his similar aggressive style and SRH’s availability of an overseas slot.

While unsold at the auction, Ben Duckett’s recent form suggests he remains a highly sought-after player, poised to potentially make a significant impact on the IPL 2025 season as a mid-season acquisition.

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