Potential IPL 2025 Teams for Matt Henry

New Zealand pacer Matt Henry has once again proven his value on the international stage with a stellar performance in the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy. On March 2, 2025, Henry took five wickets for 42 runs in eight overs against India, restricting them to a total of 249 for 9 in 50 overs. Despite such performances, Henry went unsold in the 2025 IPL auction, where his base price was set at ₹2 crores. Here are three IPL teams where Matt Henry’s skills could have been a perfect fit:

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

CSK is one of the teams that could have benefited greatly from having Matt Henry in their squad. Known historically for their reliance on spin bowlers, CSK lacks proven new-ball pacers. Henry, having considerable experience on the international stage, could have provided the team with the much-needed new-ball strength. His ability to take key wickets upfront, as demonstrated by his recent performance against India where he dismissed Shubman Gill and Virat Kohli in the powerplay, highlights his potential value to the team.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Despite being in the LSG squad previously, Henry’s 2024 IPL season was less than stellar, with just one wicket in four matches. However, LSG’s current squad lacks experience in the pace department, and Henry’s international experience could have provided the needed balance. Given his recent form in the One Day International format, where he averaged 14.95 across eight ODIs in 2025, Henry could have helped stabilize their bowling lineup.

Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

KKR faced a setback with the departure of Mitchell Starc, who was a key figure in their bowling attack. Although Anrich Nortje was recruited as Starc’s replacement, his injury history poses a concern. A proven player like Henry could have added depth to their pace department, offering reliability and the ability to handle pressure situations effectively. His role as a wicket-taker and his capability to perform under challenging conditions would have been valuable to KKR’s campaign.

Despite his recent accomplishments and the potential to play a crucial role in any team, Matt Henry remains unsold. It raises questions about the strategies and requirements of IPL teams and underscores the unpredictability of the auction dynamics. His exclusion could indeed be a missed opportunity for these franchises.