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
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