Australia’s T20 skipper Mitchell Marsh has been cleared to play as a batter for the Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) in the upcoming Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025, after recovering from a back injury.
The 33-year-old all-rounder had been sidelined due to lower back pain and dysfunction, which forced him to miss Australia’s recent Champions Trophy campaign. Marsh had been ruled out of Australia’s ODI tour to Sri Lanka and the Champions Trophy after struggling with the injury, which led him to seek treatment from a back specialist in early February. After a period of rest and rehab, Marsh has returned to batting and received clearance to play as a batter for LSG.
Marsh, who was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for Rs 3.3 crore at the mega auction held in Jeddah, is set to join the team on March 18. This season marks his reunion with his former head coach, Justin Langer, who is entering his second season with LSG.
Although Marsh hasn’t played competitive cricket since January 7, his last appearance being in the Big Bash League (BBL) with the Perth Scorchers, he is expected to be a significant part of LSG’s lineup. He missed the final two matches of the BBL and was also absent during Australia’s tour of the UK in September. This upcoming IPL campaign will mark his return to action in the tournament after a troubled run with injuries in recent seasons, including a hamstring injury in the previous IPL season.
In other news, Australia’s pace trio—Mitchell Starc, Josh Hazlewood, and Pat Cummins—who also missed the Champions Trophy, are expected to be fit and available for the IPL season, strengthening Australia’s representation in the tournament.
Marsh’s IPL stint with LSG will be a key opportunity for him to return to form and play a pivotal role in the team’s batting lineup.
