Australian all-rounder Mitchell Owen, renowned for his explosive batting in the Big Bash League (BBL), faced a challenging start to his Indian Premier League (IPL) career. Making his debut for Punjab Kings (PBKS) against Rajasthan Royals (RR) at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Owen was dismissed for a two-ball duck, marking a forgettable beginning to his IPL journey.
Early Career and Rise in Domestic Cricket
Hailing from Tasmania, Owen began his cricketing journey as a lower-order batsman and medium-pace bowler. His potential became evident during the 2024–25 Big Bash League (BBL) season, where he reinvented himself as a top-order batter.
In the BBL 2024–25 final, Owen delivered a historic performance, scoring 108 runs off just 42 balls, including 11 sixes and six fours. This innings equaled the record for the fastest century in BBL history and led the Hobart Hurricanes to their maiden title .
International T20 Leagues and Performance
Owen’s BBL success caught the attention of international franchises. He signed with Peshawar Zalmi in the Pakistan Super League (PSL), where he continued his impressive form, scoring 101 runs across six innings with a striking rate nearing 200.
His performances also led to a stint with the Paarl Royals in South Africa’s SA20 league, further showcasing his adaptability and prowess in various conditions.
IPL 2025: Joining Punjab Kings
In May 2025, Punjab Kings signed Owen as a replacement for the injured Glenn Maxwell, who was ruled out due to a fractured finger . Coach Ricky Ponting, familiar with Owen’s capabilities from his role with the Hobart Hurricanes, endorsed the signing, highlighting Owen’s versatility and explosive batting.
Owen’s inclusion added depth to the Punjab Kings’ lineup, offering both aggressive batting and handy medium-pace bowling as they aimed for a strong finish in the IPL 2025 season.
IPL Debut and Future Prospects
Owen made his IPL debut against the Rajasthan Royals on May 18, 2025. In the match against RR, PBKS captain Shreyas Iyer won the toss and elected to bat first. Owen was slotted into the batting lineup, aiming to replicate his BBL success. However, facing South African pacer Kwena Maphaka, Owen attempted an aggressive shot early in his innings. Unfortunately, he mistimed the shot, resulting in a top-edge that was comfortably caught by RR skipper Sanju Samson, leading to Owen’s dismissal for a duck run off two balls.
Despite the setback, his prior performances suggest a promising future in the league. With a T20 strike rate exceeding 180 and two centuries to his name, Owen’s aggressive style and all-round abilities position him as a valuable asset for any team. His journey from domestic cricket to the international stage exemplifies the potential for emerging talents to make significant impacts.
Historical Context: Australians with Ducks on IPL Debut
Owen’s dismissal places him among a select group of Australian cricketers who have scored ducks on their IPL debut. This list includes:
- Ben Laughlin: Dismissed for a duck playing for Chennai Super Kings against Mumbai Indians in 2013.
- Ashton Turner: Registered a duck for Rajasthan Royals against Punjab Kings in 2019.
- Jhye Richardson: Scored a duck for Punjab Kings against Rajasthan Royals in 2021.
Owen becomes the fourth Australian to join this list, highlighting the challenges even seasoned players can face in the IPL.
Conclusion
Mitchell Owen’s rapid rise in the cricketing world underscores the importance of domestic leagues in nurturing talent. While his IPL debut may not have gone as planned, his track record indicates a bright future ahead. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he continues to develop and make his mark in international cricket.
Authoritative Sources: ESPN Cricinfo, Sportskeeda, Inside Sport India
