The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has thrown the spotlight on several young, uncapped Indian players who have grabbed their moments and delivered impactful performances. (Full Coverage | Points Table | Cricket News)
From fearless stroke-makers to crafty bowlers, these breakout talents have brought fresh energy to the tournament and impressed with their skill, composure and game awareness. Here's a look at six such rising stars who have lit up IPL 2025 so far:
1. Vignesh Puthur (Mumbai Indians)
Plucked from obscurity by Mumbai Indians’ keen scouting team, 24-year-old Vignesh Puthur had never played a domestic game before making his IPL debut against Chennai Super Kings. But the left-arm wrist-spinner made an instant mark, picking up 3 for 32 in four overs and dismissing big names like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Shivam Dube.
Puthur’s clever variations and fearless approach caught the eye, earning him praise in the MI dressing room from none other than team owner Nita Ambani.
2. Vipraj Nigam (Delhi Capitals)
Delhi Capitals unearthed a gem in 20-year-old Vipraj Nigam, who played a match-winning cameo in the tournament opener. Walking in during a collapse, he smashed 39 off just 15 balls with five boundaries and two sixes to turn the tide.
His 55-run stand with Ashutosh Sharma came off just 22 balls and helped Delhi seal a dramatic win. Nigam’s composure and explosive finishing skills have instantly made him a player to watch this season. In five matches so far, he has scored 54 runs and seven wickets, including the big wicket of Virat Kohli.
3. Digvesh Rathi (Lucknow Super Giants)
Left-arm spinner Digvesh Rathi has been a revelation for Lucknow Super Giants, bagging nine wickets in seven games at an economy of 7.42. He was the Player of the Match for his spell of 1 for 21 in a high-scoring encounter against Mumbai Indians.
Picked up for just Rs 30 lakh, Digvesh’s control, flight and discipline in the middle overs have made him one of the season’s most promising bowling finds.
4. Ashwani Kumar (Mumbai Indians)
Ashwani Kumar’s debut for Mumbai Indians turned into a dream outing when he claimed 4 for 24 against defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders. The medium-pacer, who credited his pre-match energy boost to a banana, tore through KKR’s lineup to set up MI’s first win of the season.
His control, deceptive pace, and temperament under pressure stood out as he led a collective MI bowling masterclass.
5. Priyansh Arya (Punjab Kings)
One of the most talked-about young batters this season, Priyansh Arya stunned CSK with a 43-ball 102--fastest by an uncapped Indian, taking the attack to some of the best bowlers in the tournament. Despite being dropped on the second ball of the innings, Arya went on to dominate, showcasing a fearless range of strokes including a slog-sweep off R Ashwin and a lofted six over long-off.
Arya’s clean striking and cricketing smarts are already drawing comparisons with the league’s elite batters.
6. Aniket Verma (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Explosive batter Aniket Verma has been a bright spark in SRH’s lineup. After a promising 35 against LSG, he followed it up with a blistering 74 off 41 balls against Delhi Capitals, smashing 5 fours and 6 sixes. The 23-year-old from Madhya Pradesh had impressed in the MP Premier League and U-23 cricket, and now looks set to cement his place in SRH’s top order.
His raw power and natural stroke-play make him a dangerous customer on any surface.
