New roles, new heroes, new hope—The faces from IPL 2025 that could redefine India's T20 future
The IPL has always been more than just a league. It's a talent scanner, a stage, and a loud audition room for India's next cricket stars. As the 2025 edition ends, a new question surfaces—who's ready to wear the blue jersey next? Some players have not just knocked on the doors of national selection; they've nearly kicked them open.
He began at No. 3 and shifted to opener. Didn't flinch. Abishek Porel is the batter who blends into any role without fuss. Though his 301 runs this season may not scream for a T20I debut, his batting style—sharp, bright, and timing-based—is suited for tricky powerplay overs. And let's not forget his wicketkeeping skills. Lightning-stumping, diving catches—he has it all. With KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant in the mix, Porel may have to wait. But if opportunity knocks, he's ready.
Technical solidity mixed with innovation—that's Angkrish Raghuvanshi. KKR may have moved him up and down the order, even sending him at No. 9, but the 20-year-old delivered regardless. A quickfire 27* in a hopeless situation and a total of 300 runs at an average of 33.33 make him more than just a curiosity. Angkrish plays elegantly but can switch gears in a flash—something India's middle order could use when games get stuck.
Clutch players are hard to find. But Ashutosh Sharma isn't just a finisher—he's a saviour. Whether it was with Punjab Kings in 2024 or Delhi Capitals now, he's become the man to call when the chase seems lost. In IPL 2025, his 204 runs at a blistering strike rate of 163.75 tell their own story. A high score of 66* under pressure shows he thrives when others stumble. India's T20I middle order may be strong, but Ashutosh has made a serious case for a backup finisher with nerves of steel.
Ravi Bishnoi might've been the big name, but Digvesh Singh Rathi made heads turn in Lucknow's camp. Bought for just INR 30 lakh, Rathi has delivered where it matters—crucial breakthroughs and tight overs. 14 wickets from 13 games at an economy of 8.25 is no small feat for a debutant leggie. With India always looking for fresh spin options, Rathi might soon be on the radar, especially with Bishnoi's rough patch.
Not all heroes arrive with a bang. Some walk in when the top order collapses. Nehal Wadhera has mastered the art of steadying a sinking ship. Be it a tricky chase on a Bengaluru pitch or a massive target with wickets tumbling, he stood tall. His 369 runs in 16 innings came with an average of 30.75 and a strike rate close to 146. A left-hander who can adapt to any position in the order—Wadhera might be the Swiss Army knife India didn't know it needed.
Rare is the cricketer who can spin the ball with guile and also smash it with intent. Vipraj Nigam is one of those unicorns. He is just 20, but playing with the maturity of a veteran, he has quietly built a reputation. Eleven wickets with his leg-spin and a cameo of 39* off 15 to chase down 210—Nigam has shown glimpses of being India's next T20I all-rounder. With a batting strike rate of nearly 180, he doesn't just survive under pressure. He flips the game.
