Who Are India's Next Cricket Superstars? – Part 2

Welcome to the second edition of this series! First of all, thank you to everyone who read the first part and shared their feedback. The response was far better than I expected, and it has motivated me to continue searching for talented players from regional leagues across the country.

I'll try my best to keep this series consistent, although there may be days when I miss a post or two as keeping track of multiple tournaments can be challenging. That said, the goal remains the same: to discover and highlight cricketers who are making an impact outside the spotlight of the IPL and international cricket.

Just like in the first edition, I've picked out a few players from the ongoing leagues who caught my attention with their performances. Let's take a closer look at who they are, what they've achieved, and why they could be names worth remembering for the future.

1) Women's T20 Mumbai League

• Hurley Gala: 

The inaugural season of the Women's T20 Mumbai League got off to an exciting start, and one player who really caught my attention was Hurley Gala. The young fast-bowling all-rounder played a crucial innings when her team needed it the most, scoring 45 runs off just 22 balls while wickets were falling around her.

Hurley is no stranger to the spotlight. She has represented India at the Under-19 level and was also picked up by Gujarat Giants in the WPL, although she didn't get an opportunity to feature in a match. Watching her bat, it's easy to see why she is highly rated. She possesses the ability to clear the boundary with ease and can shift the momentum of a game in a matter of overs.

At a time when Indian women's cricket is constantly looking for quality pace-bowling all-rounders, Hurley Gala certainly looks like a player with a bright future ahead of her. If she continues to develop and perform consistently, she could become a valuable asset for India in the years to come.

2) T20 Mumbai League

• Nutan Goel: 

Of course, Nutan Goel was always going to find a place in this edition of the blog. What an innings it was from the young all-rounder. Chasing a massive target of 210, he almost single-handedly kept Triumph Knights Mumbai in the contest with a brilliant knock of 93 runs off 56 balls.

There was some controversy surrounding his innings after he was given not out on what many felt was a fair catch, but that shouldn't take away from the quality of his performance. At a time when wickets were falling around him, Nutan showed composure, intent, and the ability to take on the bowlers under pressure.

What makes him even more interesting is his skill set as a fast-bowling all-rounder. Players who can contribute with both bat and ball are always in demand, especially in T20 cricket. If he continues to produce performances like this, an IPL opportunity might not be too far away.

3) Vidharbha Premier League

• Abhishek Agarwal: 

Wow, what an innings that was from Abhishek Agarwal. It was pure carnage from the batter, who remained unbeaten on 63 off just 19 balls and played a crucial role in helping his team post a massive total of 261.

While several players contributed to the innings and helped build such a daunting score, it was Abhishek who stood out the most for me. The way he attacked the bowlers and found boundaries with ease completely shifted the momentum in his team's favour. Scoring at that rate is impressive on any day, but doing it while staying unbeaten made the knock even more special.

Performances like these are exactly why T20 leagues are so exciting. One explosive innings can turn a good total into a match-winning one, and Abhishek's knock was a perfect example of that.

• Siddhesh Wath: 

Chasing a mammoth target of 261 was never going to be easy, but Siddhesh made it look possible for a while with a brilliant knock of 78 runs off just 33 balls. Although his team eventually fell short of the target, his innings was one of the biggest positives from the match.

What impressed me the most was the intent he showed despite the required run rate constantly climbing. Rather than playing for personal milestones, he kept attacking and gave his team a fighting chance in a near-impossible chase. Performances like these often go unnoticed because they come in a losing cause, but they can be just as valuable as a match-winning innings.

The fact that he is also a wicketkeeper only adds to his value. Wicketkeeper-batters who can score quickly are always in demand in modern T20 cricket, and if Siddhesh continues to produce innings like this, he could attract plenty of attention in the near future.

4) Baroda Premier League

• Jaypal Chad: 

I'll be honest, this was a new name for me. I hadn't heard much about him before, and even while looking into his recent performances, I couldn't find a lot of information. But after watching his spell and some of the highlights, it's easy to see why he caught my attention.

The tall fast bowler produced a superb spell, finishing with figures of 5/25 from his four overs. What stood out was his ability to vary his pace and use his height effectively. He consistently made life difficult for the batters by mixing up his lengths and extracting extra bounce from the surface.

From the limited footage I watched, he looks like the kind of bowler who could be very effective in longer formats as well. There's something about his action, control, and use of height that gives off the impression of a bowler built for red-ball cricket. It will be interesting to see how he develops, but based on this performance alone, he's certainly a player worth keeping an eye on.

That brings us to the end of the second edition of this series. Once again, I came across a few exciting players who made me stop, watch, and learn more about them. Some were familiar names, while others were completely new to me, which is exactly what makes this series so interesting.

From today onwards, even more regional leagues are getting underway across the country. While that's great news for Indian cricket, it also means there will be a lot more matches and players to keep track of. I'll try my best to cover as many leagues and standout performances as possible, but it may not always be possible to watch everything. As for women's cricket, I'll be focusing primarily on the Women's T20 Mumbai League for now.

As always, your suggestions are more than welcome. If you spot a player having a standout season or a performance that deserves attention, let me know in the comments section or send me a DM on Instagram. Don't forget to mention the player's name, team, league, and performance if possible.

Let's make this series ours. If a player you recommend gets featured in a future edition, I'll make sure to mention and credit you for the suggestion. Together, we can discover and celebrate the next generation of cricket stars before everyone else starts talking about them.

Thank You,

Advait Kadam

Cricket Analyst

Who Are India's Next Cricket Superstars?

The IPL may be over, and most cricket fans will now shift their attention to international cricket. However, the cricketing calendar doesn't stop here. Several regional T20 leagues across India are just getting underway, providing a platform for young players to showcase their talent.

These tournaments often serve as a hunting ground for IPL scouts, helping franchises identify the next generation of stars. In this series, we will spotlight some of the standout performers from these leagues, take a closer look at their performances, and explore why they could be names to watch in the future.

1) T20 Mumbai League 

• Shashwat Jagtap: The 23-year-old Mumbai batter announced his arrival in the T20 Mumbai League in style. Chasing a target of 190, Jagtap smashed a sensational century off just 50 balls and played a major role in his team's victory. What stood out the most was the composure he showed during the chase. Despite the challenging target, he looked completely in control and never seemed under pressure. His form in the Navi Mumbai Premier League wasn't particularly impressive, but he has started this tournament with plenty of confidence. If he can maintain this momentum, he could be one of the players to watch as the league progresses.

• Sumeir Zaveri: Another young batter who caught the eye was Sumeir Zaveri. Opening the innings alongside Shashwat Jagtap, he played a blistering knock of 80 runs off just 36 deliveries, striking at an incredible rate of 222.2. I hadn't seen much of him before this innings, but he looked extremely impressive. From the very beginning, he played with confidence and kept the pressure on the bowlers throughout his stay at the crease. If he can continue batting in the same manner, I wouldn't be surprised to see him produce a few more match-winning performances as the league progresses.

2) Vidharbha Premier League

• Tushar Kadu: Another youngster who impressed me was 19-year-old Tushar Kadu from Vidarbha. I haven't seen much of him before, but he certainly made an impact with his performance. Kadu smashed 87 runs off just 26 balls at an astonishing strike rate of 334.62, putting the opposition bowlers under pressure from the very start. He also shared a crucial 124-run partnership with Neco Master Blasters captain Adhyayan Daga, a stand that laid the foundation for a massive total of 220. If this innings is anything to go by, Kadu is definitely a player worth keeping an eye on as the tournament progresses.

• Yash Kadam: Yash Kadam is a player I have been following for quite some time now. The off-spinning all-rounder from Vidarbha has already shown his quality in red-ball cricket and has been a consistent performer for the team in the Ranji Trophy. However, seeing him make an impact in the T20 format has been particularly impressive. Kadam delivered a crucial spell, finishing with figures of 3/31 from his four overs. More importantly, two of his wickets were those of Adhyayan Daga and Tushar Kadu, who were well set and looked capable of taking the game away. At one stage, it seemed as though Neco Master Blasters could push their total beyond 250, but Kadam's timely breakthroughs helped pull things back and restrict them to 220. Performances like these highlight why he continues to be one of the most exciting young prospects from Vidarbha.

3) Baroda T20 League

• Safvan Patel: A left-arm medium pacer from Baroda, Safvan Patel is someone I wasn't very familiar with before this performance. I closely follow Mumbai, Maharashtra, and Vidarbha cricket, but I don't get to watch a lot of regional cricket from other states, so he was a relatively new name to me. After his impressive outing, I went back and watched a few clips of his bowling and was quite impressed. He seems to have good control over his line and length and looks like a bowler who can consistently trouble batters. One interesting thing I came across was an old video of him bowling left-arm wrist spin (chinaman). Interestingly, he now operates as a medium pacer, which made me curious about his journey and the reason behind the switch.

 If anyone reading this knows more about his story, do let me know in the comments section. As for his performance, Patel was outstanding, finishing with figures of 5/25 from his four overs and playing a major role in his team's success.

• Ninad Rathva: Ninad Rathva is a classy left-handed all-rounder who caught my attention after I watched some of his clips online. From what I have seen, he looks like a cricketer with genuine all-round ability and plenty of talent. He showcased his batting quality yesterday with a brilliant knock of 56 runs off just 28 balls. What made the innings even more impressive was the fact that batting wasn't easy on the surface. While most batters struggled to time the ball and clear the boundary, Rathva managed to hit six sixes during his innings. In fact, no other batter in the match hit more than two sixes, which highlights just how dominant his knock was. If he continues performing like this, he could be one of the standout players to watch in the tournament.

That wraps up the first edition of this series. The aim is simple: to discover and highlight talented cricketers who are making an impact in regional leagues across the country. There is so much cricket happening outside the IPL, and sometimes the next big talent emerges from a tournament that most fans aren't even following.

I would also love your help in keeping this series alive. If you come across a standout performance from any player in an ongoing regional league, let me know in the comments section or send me a DM on Instagram. If possible, mention the player's name, the league, the team they play for, and the performance that caught your attention. I'll do my best to watch them and feature them in future editions of this series.

Let's make this series ours. If a player you recommend gets featured in a future edition, I'll make sure to mention and credit you for the suggestion. Together, we can shine a light on talented cricketers who deserve more attention.

Thank You,

Advait Kadam

Cricket Analyst

Has IPL Become Entertainment Over Technique?

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has done a lot for Indian cricket since it began in 2008. Over the years, the tournament has grown massively and is now one of the biggest cricket leagues in the world. From discovering young talent to changing the way T20 cricket is played, the IPL has completely changed Indian cricket in many ways.

But at the same time, it also raises an important question: has this change actually helped the Indian team in international cricket, or has the game become more about entertainment than technique? With batting-friendly pitches and high-scoring matches becoming common, it’s worth discussing whether the IPL is truly preparing players for tougher international conditions.

• Batting Friendly Pitches

Over the last few years, IPL pitches have become heavily batting-friendly. Scores like 200 or even 250 no longer feel safe, which says a lot about how much the game has changed. More often than not, pitch curators are expected to prepare surfaces that favour batters and produce high-scoring matches because that is what attracts viewers and creates excitement.

But the real question is, are these pitches actually helping batters improve?

In my opinion, not really. Many batters today rely more on power-hitting than proper technique because the conditions allow them to play freely without much fear. On flat pitches with short boundaries, even mistimed shots can go for six. As a result, some players look unstoppable in the IPL but struggle badly when they step into international cricket, where pitches offer movement, bounce, or spin.

This not only affects the Indian team but also hurts the confidence of players who dominate the IPL and then fail at the international level. The transition becomes much harder because international cricket demands adaptability, patience, and technique; things that are not always tested on batting-friendly IPL pitches.

So in the end, who is really benefiting from these kinds of pitches? The players, Indian cricket, or simply the business side of the tournament?

• Impact Player Rule

The Impact Player rule is honestly one of the most unnecessary rules introduced in the IPL. Even many current and former cricketers have spoken against it. Instead of improving the game, it feels like the rule is slowly pushing bowlers out of relevance.

Think about it, even if a bowling side manages to pick up wickets early, the batting team can simply bring in another specialist batter as an Impact Player. That means teams are effectively playing with eight or sometimes even nine proper batters. In a format that is already heavily tilted towards batting, this rule just makes life even harder for bowlers.

What makes it worse is the effect it has on all-rounders. Players like Shivam Dube, Riyan Parag, and Abhishek Sharma used to contribute with both bat and ball, which added balance to the game. Now, teams often use them mainly as batters because they can always substitute another player later. Seeing part-time bowlers or batting all-rounders complete their full role has become much rarer.

Cricket has always been about balance between bat and ball, but rules like this make the format feel too one-sided. The BCCI really needs to reconsider whether this rule is helping the game or simply making matches more batter-friendly for entertainment purposes.

At the end of the day, the IPL has definitely changed Indian cricket in many positive ways, but it also brings up some real concerns that we can’t ignore. The game is becoming more and more batter-friendly, and while that makes it exciting for fans, it sometimes feels like the real balance of cricket is getting lost.

Rules like the Impact Player and consistently flat pitches might be helping entertainment, but they also raise questions about how prepared players really are for international cricket, where conditions are completely different.

Maybe the point isn’t to criticize the IPL, but to ask whether we are moving too far in one direction. Because in the long run, great cricket has always been about balance, between bat and ball, between entertainment and skill.

Thank You,

Advait Kadam

Cricket Analyst

Vikash Ambwani: An Alpine Skier Carrying India’s Winter Olympics Ambition

Winter sports remain on the fringes of India’s sporting culture, especially in regions that never experience snowfall. Yet, against geography, infrastructure gaps, and financial constraints, Vikash Ambwani, an alpine skier from Kota, Rajasthan, is working toward a place at the 2026 Winter Olympics. His journey highlights not just individual determination, but the broader challenges and opportunities facing India’s winter sports ecosystem.

Alpine skiing is among the most demanding Olympic disciplines. It requires consistent access to snow, advanced technical coaching, specialised equipment, and regular participation in international competitions governed by the International Ski Federation (FIS). For athletes from traditional winter-sport nations, these systems are embedded. For an Indian athlete from a non-snow region, they must be built from scratch.

Breaking Barriers From a Non-Traditional Background

Coming from Kota—a city better known for academic coaching than athletic pathways—Vikash’s entry into alpine skiing was far from conventional. With limited domestic facilities, meaningful progression demanded training abroad. This exposure allowed him to compete in FIS-sanctioned races, gain crucial ranking points, and measure himself against global benchmarks.

However, sustained international training comes at a significant cost. Travel, accommodation, race entry fees, coaching, and equipment together create a financial burden that few Indian winter athletes can independently sustain. Despite these obstacles, Vikash has continued to pursue consistent competition, a non-negotiable requirement for Olympic qualification.

The Financial Reality of India’s Winter Sports

Unlike mainstream Olympic sports in India, winter disciplines receive minimal institutional funding. Infrastructure is limited to a handful of locations in states such as Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, and Jammu & Kashmir, and even there, competitive opportunities remain scarce. As a result, Indian skiers often rely on personal resources, family support, and sporadic sponsorships to remain active internationally.

This funding gap directly impacts performance. In alpine skiing, Olympic eligibility is determined by FIS points earned across multiple international starts. Missing even a single competitive season can undo years of progress.

Why Vikash Ambwani’s Journey Matters

This is not a story seeking sympathy—it is a case for setting precedent.

Supporting Vikash Ambwani is not merely about backing one athlete. It represents a larger shift toward investing in potential before it converts into medals. Since 2020, the number of Indian athletes registered in FIS alpine skiing has grown steadily, increasing by nearly 20 percent annually. Vikash now stands at a pivotal moment where this growth can become visible and credible on the global stage.

By international standards, his immediate requirement is modest. An estimated ₹5 lakh would fund roughly half of his crucial training and competition phase between December 2025 and January 2026 at Sweden’s Duved Ski Resort. This window is decisive for Olympic qualification, as every training day and race start directly influences FIS rankings. The funding would cover training access, race entries, accommodation, and logistical costs during this critical period.

Globally, alpine skiing operates within a mature, highly structured, and data-driven ecosystem centred in Europe. Even during periods of disruption, the sport has demonstrated resilience. International studies on snow and mountain tourism note that while global skier participation fell sharply during the 2020–21 COVID season, countries with adaptive sporting systems—such as Switzerland and the United States—successfully preserved athlete development pathways. In this context, Vikash’s campaign represents participation in an established, globally televised industry rather than a niche experiment.

A Measurable Opportunity for Partners

For sponsors and partners, the returns are clear and trackable. FIS competitions receive international broadcast coverage through platforms such as Eurosport, Discovery+, and CBS. Brand visibility includes placement on official competition jackets and consistent digital exposure through Vikash’s growing audience of over 10,000 followers across Instagram (@iamvikasambwani), LinkedIn, and YouTube.

In a global industry where even traditional winter-sport nations continue to invest heavily to maintain participation and renew talent pipelines, this level of support is not aspirational—it is essential. It represents the minimum commitment required to stay competitive on the Olympic pathway.

Looking Ahead

Vikash Ambwani’s pursuit of the 2026 Winter Olympics goes beyond personal ambition. It reflects a generation of Indian athletes choosing unconventional sports and demanding systems that allow them to compete globally. His progress could help redefine how winter sports are perceived, supported, and developed in India.

Backing athletes like Vikash is not about chasing instant results—it is about ensuring that when India speaks of Olympic ambition, it does so with preparation, presence, and credibility.

IPL 2025: The Unsung Heroes – Part 3

Welcome to Part 3 of this little series. No fancy intros here. Just a reminder: not all heroes wear orange caps or take hat-tricks in finals. Some just do their job quietly — and do it well enough to shift momentum. That’s exactly what this list is about.

This season, while the big names hogged the limelight, these guys did the heavy lifting when no one was watching. Time to give them their due.

1. Anshul Kamboj: CSK didn’t have the greatest of seasons. Let’s just say the trophy was never really in sight. But amidst all the chaos, Anshul Kamboj showed up. No hype, no drama. Just solid spells.

He kept his economy under 8 — that alone tells you he was holding it down while others were leaking runs. Bowling average? 21. That’s serious value. Alongside Khaleel, he was the only one who gave fans something to cheer for.

2. Jitesh Sharma: “Don’t worry, Jitesh Sharma is here.” Iconic. And accurate.

This season, Jitesh did a bit of everything for RCB. Cameos in chases. Clean glove work. DRS calls that turned games. But the best bit? The belief. You could see it in how he carried himself.

Dinesh Karthik’s presence clearly helped. But Jitesh made his own name this season — loud and clear.

3. Shashank Singh: Picked by accident. Delivered like a pro. Shashank Singh didn’t just silence the critics — he made people rewatch his innings for the bat swing alone.

He had that rare finishing vibe — like, if he’s on strike and you need 70 in 4 overs, it’s still on. He almost pulled off the final, too. Fell short, yes. But only just.

4. Digvesh Rathi: Everyone talks about Bishnoi in that team, but this guy? Digvesh Rathi was a gem this season. Sure, his “notebook” celebration was meme-worthy, but the real story was with the ball.

He bowled hard lengths, smart spells, and didn’t let batters breathe. In fact, only Narine was close when it came to consistent length bowling. Quietly effective. Deadly in the middle overs.

5. Abdul Samad: You probably didn’t see this coming. But look again — Samad had a crazy strike rate (176!) and made the most of his new role at LSG.

After a few hit-or-miss years at SRH, he finally found a team that trusted him at the death. And he paid that faith back. He’s just 23, but this season felt like a proper reboot for him.

You don’t always need to be on the front page to be valuable. In a tournament like the IPL, filled with glamour and pressure, it’s often the less celebrated names who do the quiet hard work, game after game. That’s exactly what these five players did.

They weren’t the most talked-about. They weren’t topping fantasy leagues. But they turned up when it mattered, kept their heads down, and let their performances speak. Whether it was a tight over, a sharp stumping, or a fearless finish, they contributed in ways that changed matches, even if only a few noticed.

And honestly, this is why I love cricket. It’s not just about centuries or viral moments — it’s also about the grit, the comebacks, and the lesser-known stories that make the game richer.

So here’s a small salute to Anshul, Jitesh, Shashank, Digvesh, and Samad — for reminding us that not all impact is visible, and not all legends need to be famous.

If you’ve got someone else in mind who deserves a mention, tell me. Part 4 is on the way, and maybe your pick will be the next name we highlight. Let’s keep appreciating the game — and the players — beyond the headlines.

Thank You,

Advait Kadam

Cricket Analyst

IPL 2025: The Unsung Heroes – Part 2

In my last blog, I spoke about a few players who didn’t get much limelight but were absolutely vital to their team’s performance. They weren’t the headline-makers, but without them, many matches could’ve had very different outcomes. Today, I’m back with Part 2—because there are more of these silent warriors who deserve our applause.

Let’s give these underrated players the credit they’ve earned.

1. Angkrish Raghuvanshi: Angkrish has been a quiet force for KKR. He doesn’t have a fixed batting spot—KKR sends him wherever needed. Most players struggle without role clarity, but Angkrish thrives on unpredictability. Whether it's No. 5 or 7, he walks in and delivers. What stood out this season was his consistency. He scored over 300 runs, without even batting in the top four. That’s rare. He’s not a name that trends on social media, but he’s a name his captain will write down first on the team sheet.

2. Vipraj Nigam: Here’s a 20-year-old all-rounder from Uttar Pradesh who made heads turn in his debut season. In his very first match, DC were chasing 209, and their top order had collapsed. Vipraj walked in and played like he belonged. I still remember that knock—it wasn’t just fearless, it was smart cricket. His strike rate this season? 179. And he didn’t just shine with the bat. He picked up 11 wickets and bowled tough overs in crunch moments. DC might not have had the best campaign, but Vipraj was one of their few bright spots.

3. Ashutosh Sharma: Ashutosh, Vipraj’s teammate, also deserves a big mention. In that same opening match, after Vipraj laid the platform, Ashutosh applied the finishing touch. Calm, composed, and explosive when needed. What surprises me most is that PBKS didn’t retain him after last season. Imagine him finishing innings alongside Shashank Singh—it could’ve been box-office stuff. Still, I’m glad he found a place at DC and proved why he belongs at this level. India’s bench of finishers is quietly growing—and Ashutosh is part of that pack.

4. Ashwani Kumar: If there’s one thing Mumbai Indians never run out of, it’s young talent. Ashwani Kumar, a left-arm quick with real control and pace, was one of their silent heroes this year. He bowled key spells under pressure and never looked rattled. Even in the Eliminator, he stood out with his accuracy and calmness. What I like most about him is his focus. He doesn’t try to do too much—just sticks to his strengths. And with someone like Paras Mhambrey mentoring him, I’m sure he’ll only get better from here.

5. Sai Kishore: He’s been dominating domestic cricket for a while now, but it’s nice to see Sai Kishore finally getting his dues in the IPL. As Tamil Nadu’s Ranji captain, he brings leadership and maturity to the field. This season, he picked up 19 wickets—many of them in key phases—and kept things tight every time he was thrown the ball. In an era where every batter wants to clear the ropes, watching a finger spinner bowl with such control is refreshing. He doesn’t celebrate wildly. He doesn’t sledge. He just does his job and walks back. That’s class.

The IPL is a mix of glitz, chaos, and fierce competition. While the superstars often steal the show, these players—the unsung heroes—keep the machine running. They don’t always get the awards or the ads, but they’re just as important as anyone else on the team. They’re the kind of cricketers who stay till the end of practice sessions, who quietly analyze their mistakes, and who never stop grinding.

I’ll be back with Part 3 tomorrow.
If there’s someone you think deserves to be here, drop their name in the comments. Let’s not wait for fame to tell their story—let’s do it ourselves.

Thank You,

Advait Kadam

Cricket Analyst

IPL 2025: The Unsung Heroes – Part 1

IPL 2025 has come to an end after over two months of nonstop action and thrill. While the spotlight was on young stars like Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, Ayush Mhatre, Urvil Patel, and Sai Sudarshan, there were several others who made solid contributions quietly. They didn’t always grab headlines, but their performances mattered just as much.

This article is about those players—the ones who gave their all without much hype. And honestly, they deserve just as much appreciation as anyone else.

1. Vijaykumar Vyshak: A 28-year-old fast bowler from Karnataka, Vyshak made the most of the few chances he got. He featured in just five games for Punjab Kings but left a strong impression in every one of them. In his very first appearance, coming in as an Impact Player, he delivered a sharp spell. The final was no different—cool head, accurate bowling, and total control. He’s clearly someone who can deliver whenever called upon. A bright future surely awaits him.

2. Naman Dhir: He’s 25, from Punjab, and found a spot in the mighty Mumbai Indians lineup—a team full of stars. That alone says something. MI discovered him through the Sher-E-Punjab T20 League, and although he usually bats up the order, he was slotted in at No. 7. Despite the shift, he made a huge impact as a finisher, ending the season with a strike rate of 182.60. He brought back memories of a young Hardik Pandya. The hunger, the intent—it’s all there.

3. Aniket Verma: Another fresh face, this time from Madhya Pradesh—a state that's quietly becoming a talent hub. With Nitish Kumar Reddy out of form, Sunrisers Hyderabad needed someone to step up, and Aniket did just that. In his debut season, he scored 236 runs at a strike rate of 166.19. It wasn't just the runs but the way he handled pressure and adapted that stood out. You can tell he belongs here.

4. Ayush Badoni: Ayush has been around since 2022, but this year was different. This time, he played consistently well. For Lucknow Super Giants, whose middle order looked shaky at times, Ayush became the anchor. He finished the season with over 300 runs and a strike rate around 150. With most of LSG's runs coming from the top three, his role in steadying the innings lower down was absolutely vital.

5. Devdutt Padikkal: He’s a different beast when he plays for RCB. After a forgettable phase with Rajasthan Royals, Devdutt returned to RCB this year and looked comfortable from the get-go. He didn’t get a lot of games toward the end because of an injury, but in the matches he did play, he chipped in with meaningful contributions. RCB’s long-awaited title win had many heroes, and Padikkal was quietly one of them.

Not every hero makes headlines, and not every game-changer ends up on highlight reels. Yet, without these players, their teams wouldn’t function the same way. These five didn’t always steal the limelight, but their value was immense. They stepped up when needed, adapted to unfamiliar roles, and gave it their all—even when no one was watching closely.

In every tournament, it's easy to praise the big names. But sometimes, it's those working silently in the background who truly hold things together. These players are a reminder of how deep the talent runs in Indian cricket and how even small contributions can lead to big results.

Part 2 will highlight more of these silent warriors who made IPL 2025 special.

Who do you think should be featured in the next part?
Drop your suggestions in the comments or DM me—your pick might just be included in Part 2!

Thank You,

Advait Kadam

Cricket Analyst