Punjab Kings (PBKS) seem to be struggling on the field today against the mega clash with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), but the struggle isn't only limited to the fields; the Kiwi quick player Lockie Ferguson had injured himself against the Sunrisers Hyderabad match, and now he has been replaced with Xavier Bartlett.
According to PBKS coach James Hope, the player is out indefinitely. Despite this, for PBKS, the season has been decent this year. But who is Xavier Bartlett?
Xavier Bartlett is a 26-year-old fast bowler from Australia. He is going to make his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut. PBKS had acquired the pacer for just Rs 80 lakh at the mega auction.
PBKS had roped in the pacer for just Rs 80 lakhs at the mega auction. Bartlett is 6.2 feet tall and consistently bowls in the 130s. The pacer is known for his change of pace and can bowl in the powerplay and swing the ball up front.
Bartlett made a name for himself in the Big Bash League (BBL), where he plays for the Brisbane Heat. He was the highest wicket taken in the BBL 2023-24 season, taking 20 wickets at 14.70.
Additionally, with 80 wickets to his name in 64 matches, his overall numbers are also impressive. Apart from this, he also played 7 T20Is and 2 ODIs for Australia.
In February 2024, he made his international debut.