IPL Auction 2025: Can Gurjapneet Singh add 'Fizz' to Chennai Super Kings bowling attack?

Tamil Nadu pacer works on yorker & slower ones to recreate Mustafizur magic

CHENNAI: After the release of Mustafizur Rahman ahead of the IPL 2025 mega auction, Chennai Super Kings were on the lookout for a bowler in the mould of the Bangladesh left-arm pacer. Mustafizur, popularly known as Fizz, was effective in all phases and remained a weapon for captain Ruturaj Gaikwad till he was available in the last IPL.

The departure of Mustafizur, who picked up 14 wickets from nine matches, understandably left a hole in the Super Kings bowling pack as they failed to make the last-four stage of the tournament. While England allrounder Sam Curran can perform a similar role, Tamil Nadu left-arm fast bowler Gurjapneet Singh provides a domestic option.

At the auction in Jeddah, CSK showed keen interest in recruiting Gurjapneet, a pacer who has displayed his versatility in the Tamil Nadu Premier League. The 26-year-old was eventually sold for Rs 2.2 crore.

After earning his maiden IPL contract, Gurjapneet, a capable new-ball bowler and one who can mix deliveries up in the end overs, said that he will continue to sharpen his white-ball skills. His ability to bowl cutters and yorkers gives a similar profile to that of Fizz.

"I have been working on the basics and fitness. I am working on skills like yorkers and slower ones. Whatever is needed in T20 cricket, I am focusing on them. Fitness is another area that needs to be looked into and I am trying to manage all of that to be good in the business," Gurjapneet, a regular for TN in domestic tournaments, told TOI from Indore.

"It is going to be interesting playing with the experienced players. I am going to learn so many new things from them," said Gurjapneet, no stranger to the CSK set-up after having donned the role of a net bowler for a few years.

Gurjapneet considers the IPL call-up a reward for the bold decisions he has taken and hard work he has put in. He had moved from Ambala to Chennai as a teenager to continue his cricketing journey and came through the ranks in TN cricket. "From where I was to where I am, I have done so many things in life. I am happy with the result because I have reached a platform to get recognised," said Gurjapneet.