Swashbuckling Australian all-rounder Mitchell Owen is making his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut on Sunday in Jaipur. In his debut match, Owen got out to a two-ball duck. The 23-year-old has been roped in by the Punjab Kings as an injury replacement for Glenn Maxwell, who was ruled out of IPL 2025 after fracturing a finger.The powerful middle-order batter burst onto the scene with his performances in the Big Bash League (BBL). In the last season, Owen scored 452 runs from 11 innings at an average of 45.20 and an explosive strike rate of 203.60. He played a crucial role in Hobart Hurricanes‘ title-winning campaign. In the final, he smashed 108 off 42 balls and was named Player of the Match.“That is some of the most brutal hitting we’ve ever seen in the Big Bash – if not in the world of T20 cricket,” Michael Hussey told Fox Cricket post-match.Mark Waugh has described the Tasmanian cricketer as next in line for an Australian call-up.“The Australian selectors would have to be taking notice of Mitch Owen’s batting in this tournament,” Waugh said. “At the T20 level, it’s as good hitting as I’ve seen in a long time. He also fields well and can bowl. He’s crunched anything in his arc, whether it be spin or pace.”It remains to be seen where Owen will bat in Punjab’s line-up.

Who’s that IPL player?Former Australia captain and Punjab Kings head coach Ricky Ponting has backed Owen to replace the injured Mitch Marsh in Australia’s Champions Trophy squad, highlighting his impressive performances and all-round potential.“He’s a very exciting player and a complete package. He can bat in various positions and bowl handy medium pace. I’m really excited to have him in the squad,” Ponting said.