Matthew Breetzke (LSG): Below-Average Phase Splits Across the Board Limit His Case
Matthew Breetzke is an overseas top-order batter who does not make LSG's optimal XII. His regressed WAR/M of 0.14 puts him well behind the four overseas players who earn slots. The numbers are below average across every phase: 124 SR in the PP, 109 in the middle, and 166 at the death.
Why He Misses the XII
Breetzke's batting WAR/M of 0.13 across 881 balls does not compete with Marsh (0.54), Pooran (0.42), Inglis (0.38), or Markram (0.35). As an overseas player, he needs to significantly outperform the alternatives to justify a slot. He does not.
His PP SR of 124 across 445 balls is the biggest issue. For a player profiled as a top-order opener, powerplay production is the primary job requirement, and he underperforms it substantially.
Matchup Profile
| Phase | vs Pace | vs Spin |
|---|---|---|
| Powerplay | 115 (331b) | 150 (114b) |
| Middle | 115 (114b) | 107 (243b) |
| Death | 170 (77b) | 156 (27b) |
He handles spin better than pace in the PP (150 vs 115), which is an unusual profile. Most openers thrive against pace. His middle-overs spin-hitting at 107 is weak.
What This Means for IPL 2026
Breetzke is a deep overseas reserve. His projected WAR/M of 0.14 and xImpact of 49 suggest limited impact if called upon. He enters the conversation only if multiple overseas players are unavailable simultaneously.