Best replacement players in IPL history

In the IPL, where injuries and withdrawals are unavoidable over its two-month bracket, replacement players often come out to become surprising game-changers. Over the years, franchises have brought in several players who weren’t even in the original plans but went on to guide their team’s fortunes.

These replacement signings are typically last-minute, brought in due to injury setbacks or player withdrawals. And yet, some of them make such an impact that they not only turn around a team’s campaign but also earn long-term contracts.  In the ongoing 2025 season, several teams have already signed multiple replacements. Even franchises knocked out of the playoffs are using this opportunity to assess future talent. Young players have stepped up with match-winning knocks and spells, taking the opportunity with both hands and contributing.

Here are the Top 10 replacement signings in IPL history:

10. Matheesa Pathirana (IN); Adam Milne (OUT) for Chennai Super Kings in 2022

Sri Lanka's Matheesha Pathirana was signed by Chennai Super Kings as a replacement for Adam Milne during IPL 2022, and few expected the 19-year-old could become a long-term asset. Milne, ruled out with a hamstring injury, opened the position for Pathirana, whose unorthodox slingy action instantly drew similarities to Lasith Malinga.

Coming off the U-19 World Cup, where he picked up seven wickets, Pathirana’s pace and yorkers caught the attention. Though his IPL 2022 stint was restricted to just two matches, but became a long-term asset. CSK had already monitored him since 2021, initially bringing him in as a reserve. In 2023, he became an important ember in CSK’s bowling setup, picking 19 wickets in 12 matches with a best of 3/15. His ability to deliver under pressure, particularly in the death overs, made him a fan favorite. Retained ahead of the 2025 season, Pathirana leads CSK’s pace attack and is a long-term prospect of the side.