T20 cricket has a cruel sense of irony. One night, you’re unsold at an IPL auction with a ₹75 lakh base price. Next, you’re staring down Jos Buttler in a Super Over with a packed SA20 crowd holding its breath. That was Richard Gleeson on January 1, 2026, and the contrast could not have been louder.
Gleeson’s Super Over against Joburg Super Kings & the Super Giants from Durban was much more than simply bowling an over under extreme pressure. After Joburg Super Kings put up 205/4, it is unbelievable that Durban Super Giants were able to get to 205/8, thereby forcing the game into a Super Over thriller. He also played his part earlier in the day with 3/41, so this was far more than a cameo performance in the Super Over.
For a format obsessed with death-over specialists, the obvious question follows: how did the IPL let this slip?
When Execution Beats Reputation
Gleeson’s over did not have flair, it had precision. Gleeson went at maximum speed and attacked the stumps. The faster ball was not an experiment, but an attack on the stumps rather than going for the wide yorker that might just get through. When you’re facing batters who are capable of big hitting (Evan Jones & Jos Buttler), this is a very strategic decision. Gleeson also didn’t throw the slow ball out of the blue; he first threw fast balls to force the batter to commit their mind before throwing the slow ball. This is what high-IQ bowlers do in T20 cricket – the kind of bowlers that franchises will pay millions to recruit each year.
Mumbai Indians: Insurance for a Fragile Backend
Mumbai Indians boast Jasprit Bumrah and Trent Boult, arguably the gold standard for T20 pace bowling. But the issue isn’t quality, it’s contingency. Bumrah’s injury history and Boult’s dip in form during the Abu Dhabi T10 and SA20 2026 expose a thin safety net. MI were heavily dependent on Bumrah at the death in recent seasons.
Gleeson, who already served as an MI replacement during the IPL 2025 playoffs, fits their philosophy seamlessly. His yorkers mirror Bumrah’s method, while his slower balls echo Boult’s variations. As a backup, he wouldn’t weaken MI’s bowling identity; he would preserve it.
Punjab Kings: The Missing Partner for Arshdeep
The Punjab Kings made it to the 2025 IPL Final, but their Death Bowling continues to be an ongoing concern. Arshdeep Singh has had an excellent season; however, as in most successful T20 teams, the game requires pairs, not just one-man shows. As for PBKS’ backup options – Marco Jansen, Lockie Ferguson, and Ben Dwarshuis each have question marks surrounding them regarding consistency, injuries, etc., as well as being powerplay-biased.
Gleeson’s steep bounce and hard lengths would suit Mullanpur’s surfaces, and his yorker accuracy would take pressure off Arshdeep in the final overs. For a team that often loses games by slim margins, that kind of reliability is priceless.
Chennai Super Kings: Solving the Pathirana Void
CSK’s decision to release Matheesha Pathirana without buying him back left a visible crack in their death-over armor. Khaleel Ahmed and Matt Henry excel with the new ball, but finishing overs remains a specialist job. Nathan Ellis currently shoulders that responsibility alone.
On Chepauk’s slower pitches, Gleeson’s ability to hit the blockhole and roll his fingers over the ball would be devastating. CSK have historically thrived by backing bowlers who think their way through overs from Bravo to Deepak Chahar. Gleeson fits that cerebral lineage.
Key Takeaway
Richard Gleeson wasn’t overlooked; he was underestimated.
FAQs
- What made Richard Gleeson’s Super Over special?
His pinpoint yorkers, smart slower-ball usage, and calm execution under extreme pressure.
- Why did IPL 2026 teams overlook Gleeson?
Age bias and an overemphasis on raw pace likely overshadowed his proven death-over skills.
- How could Gleeson fit into IPL conditions?
His accuracy and variations suit both high-scoring venues and slower tracks like Chepauk.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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