Australian fast bowler Xavier Bartlett made his Indian Premier League (IPL) debut for Punjab Kings (PBKS) on Tuesday, stepping in for the injured Lockie Ferguson in their clash against Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Mullanpur, Chandigarh.
The 26-year-old was handed the new ball and made an immediate impact, dismissing KKR opener Quinton de Kock in his very first over to claim his maiden IPL wicket.
Bartlett, who gained attention through impressive performances for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL), has already stepped onto the international stage, debuting for Australia in both ODIs and T20Is.
In 48 BBL innings, Bartlett has bagged 60 wickets at an average of 22.6 and an economy rate of 8.49.
His standout season in BBL 2023/24 earned him a spot in Australia’s squad for the ODI series against the West Indies, where he delivered two four-wicket hauls in two matches, with an exceptional average and economy of 4.75.
His T20I record is equally impressive—11 wickets in seven matches at an average of 14.72.
Bartlett has a reputation for swinging the ball late and delivering lethal off-cutters at the death. He topped BBL’s death bowling charts over the last two editions with 17 wickets in that phase.
Aside from cricket, Bartlett is also a state-level medal-winning swimmer in Australia, with a focus on backstroke. His athletic roots run deep—his father, Kym Bartlett, played Australian Rules Football in South Australia’s state league.
