They didn't just break out—they broke through. From promising talents to trophy winners, these young stars peaked when it mattered most
The IPL is known for making stars overnight. However, only a few youngsters shine so brightly that they walk away with the 'Emerging Player' trophy and the title medal. It's a rare feat—flourishing under pressure and helping your team go all the way. Most breakout stars have memorable seasons. But some have historic ones. They announce themselves on the big stage and finish on top. These players didn't just have good tournaments—they had dream campaigns. Let's look back at the rare names who made the double impact—emerging as champions.
Before he became 'Hitman', before the centuries rained in ODIs, Rohit Sharma was a 22-year-old with the talent to burn. Playing for Deccan Chargers in 2009, he wasn't the star attraction yet—but he was building his case fast. That season, played in South Africa, Rohit scored 362 runs in 16 matches. His strike rate was a handy 114.92, but his value came in holding innings together and finishing them off with flair.
Surprisingly, Rohit also chipped in with the ball—taking 11 wickets with his off-spin. He even took a stunning hat-trick that season—against the Mumbai Indians, no less.In the final against Royal Challengers Bangalore, he contributed 24 crucial runs and bowled an over, conceding 9. That match sealed Deccan's first and only IPL title.
Today, Rohit stands tall as India's captain, MI's all-time top scorer, and the player with the most IPL titles—six. But it all began with a young boy lifting the trophy in 2009, holding both the bat and ball with maturity beyond his years.
In 2016, a young left-arm pacer from Bangladesh changed how IPL teams thought about death bowling. Mustafizur Rahman, only 20, arrived at Sunrisers Hyderabad with his now-famous off-cutters and an ice-cool temperament. He ended the season with 17 wickets in 16 matches—impressive, but even more so was his economy: just 6.90 runs per over.
David Warner trusted him in tight moments. The final was no different. Bowling four high-pressure overs against RCB's stacked line-up, Mustafizur dismissed Shane Watson and helped SRH clinch their maiden title. His control and craft were rare for someone so new to this level.
He remains the only overseas player to win the Emerging Player award—a testament to his impact in just one season. Injuries have slowed him down since, but that 2016 season was nothing short of sensational. The Fizz didn't just emerge—he exploded.
Ruturaj Gaikwad's start in the IPL was far from perfect. In 2020, he struggled with form and confidence. But when 2021 arrived, he flipped the script. Opening for Chennai Super Kings, Gaikwad turned into their most reliable batter. Over 16 matches, he racked up 635 runs at an average of 45+, including four fifties and a magnificent century.
He wasn't just piling runs—he was pacing innings perfectly, giving CSK solid starts and finishing strong when needed. In the final against Kolkata Knight Riders, he chipped in with 32 off 27 balls, helping Chennai post a daunting total. His presence at the top was calm and assured—something rare for a 24-year-old.
Gaikwad became the first player to win the Orange Cap and Emerging Player awards in the same IPL season. That year marked the dawn of a new CSK era—where Gaikwad, now captain in 2025, is expected to lead from the front. But 2021 remains his coming-of-age moment, where he emerged—not just as a player, but as a champion.
