Xavier Bartlett, the 26-year-old right-arm pacer from Adelaide, made a significant impact in his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for Punjab Kings (PBKS) against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) on April 15, 2025. The match took place at Mullanpur, Chandigarh, where PBKS faced a challenging outing, ultimately bowled out for just 111 runs in 15.3 overs. Despite the team’s struggles, Bartlett’s performance stood out, marking a promising start to his IPL career.
With PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer winning the toss, he opted to bat first against his former team. However, the decision did not pay off as PBKS lost wickets at regular intervals, leading to their early collapse. In the absence of injured players Marcus Stoinis and Lockie Ferguson, Bartlett was handed the new ball, and he seized the opportunity to showcase his skills.
Bartlett’s debut was highlighted by his impressive bowling, as he claimed his first IPL wicket in his very first over, dismissing KKR opener Quinton de Kock for just 2 runs. This early breakthrough not only boosted his confidence but also set the tone for his performance throughout the match. In addition to his bowling, Bartlett contributed 11 runs off 15 balls, helping his team reach a target of 112 runs.
Prior to joining PBKS, Bartlett made a name for himself in the Big Bash League (BBL) while playing for Brisbane Heat, where he emerged as one of the tournament’s leading wicket-takers. In the 2023-24 season, he took 20 wickets in 11 games, finishing as the top wicket-taker. His outstanding performance earned him a call-up to the Australian national team, where he made his ODI debut against the West Indies in February 2024 and followed it up with his T20I debut shortly after.
In his international career, Bartlett has already made a significant impact, claiming 11 wickets in just seven T20I matches at an impressive economy rate of 6.84. His ability to perform under pressure and take wickets at crucial moments has made him a valuable asset for both his franchise and the national team.
Bartlett’s journey to the IPL has been remarkable. He was signed by Punjab Kings for INR 80 lakh during the 2025 mega auction, a move that many believe could turn out to be a steal given his potential. Known for his ability to swing the ball late and his effective off-cutter, Bartlett has demonstrated his bowling prowess in various formats, making him a player to watch this season.
As the match progressed, it became evident that PBKS faced an uphill battle, with KKR’s bowlers putting them under relentless pressure. Despite a lackluster batting performance, the contributions from Bartlett were a silver lining for the franchise. His skills with the bat were also noted, as he has previously shown the ability to score runs when needed, including two half-centuries in first-class cricket.
After being ruled out of the County Championship for Kent due to a No Objection Certificate issue, Bartlett secured a spot in the T20 Blast competition for Kent Spitfires, where he continued to impress by becoming their top wicket-taker with 20 wickets at an average of 14.70. His consistent performances in domestic leagues have established him as a rising star in Australian cricket.
On the other hand, KKR, led by captain Ajinkya Rahane, aimed to capitalize on PBKS’s struggles. The team featured a strong lineup, including seasoned players like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, who were looking to secure a victory against their rivals. The match was particularly emotional for Iyer, who had previously led KKR to a title but was not retained by the team, making this clash a pivotal moment for him.
As the IPL season progresses, all eyes will be on Xavier Bartlett to see if he can maintain his form and continue to contribute to PBKS’s campaign. His debut performance has certainly set the stage for what could be an exciting season ahead.
In summary, Xavier Bartlett’s IPL debut showcased his talent and potential, even as Punjab Kings faced a challenging match against Kolkata Knight Riders. With his impressive track record in domestic cricket and a promising start in the IPL, Bartlett is a player to watch as the season unfolds.
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