IPL 2025: Key Players to Keep an Eye On
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Synopsis
As IPL 2025 kicks off, a host of cricketers will capture attention. From Noor Ahmad to Rishabh Pant, each player is poised to make significant impacts on their teams and potentially the national squad. This season promises exciting performances that could redefine careers.
Key Takeaways
- Noor Ahmad could shine at CSK with spin-friendly conditions.
- KL Rahul aims for a T20 comeback with Delhi Capitals.
- Shubman Gill needs strong performance to regain T20I selection.
- Ajinkya Rahane will lead KKR and look to maintain his T20 form.
- Rishabh Pant faces pressure to prove his worth at LSG.
- Bevon Jacobs aims to establish himself as a finisher for MI.
- Shreyas Iyer seeks to validate his leadership at Punjab Kings.
- Dhruv Jurel could be pivotal as a finisher for RR.
- Rasikh Salam returns from injury with hopes to shine for RCB.
- Ishan Kishan must adapt quickly at SRH to stay in the national conversation.
New Delhi, March 18 (NationPress) Just like every edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL), this season brings a fresh group of cricketers who will capture the spotlight. The IPL has established itself as a crucial stage where players can launch international careers or make a successful return to their national squads.
The mega auction for IPL 2025, which took place last year in Jeddah, has added excitement for the tournament commencing on March 22. IANS highlights the standout players to watch from each participating team in IPL 2025.
Noor Ahmad - Chennai Super Kings
Noor, a left-arm wrist-spinner from Afghanistan, has become a familiar face in franchise T20 leagues. He emerged as CSK's most expensive acquisition during last year’s mega auction for INR crore. CSK's determination to secure Noor was evident as they successfully outbid Mumbai Indians and Gujarat Titans, who held the Right to Match (RTM) card.
In his two IPL seasons with the Titans, Noor, 20, showcased his variety by claiming 24 wickets. However, his first season with CSK, where he is expected to complement Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, could be his breakout moment, especially if the pitches in Chepauk provide the necessary grip and turn.
KL Rahul - Delhi Capitals
Rahul enters IPL 2025 riding high after playing a crucial role in India’s victory at the 2025 Champions Trophy. While his position in the ODI and Test teams is secure, his immediate goal will be to reclaim his spot in the India T20I squad, particularly with the T20 World Cup on the horizon.
The Rahul of IPL 2018 was a dynamic stroke-maker who attacked bowlers fearlessly. In recent years, he has consistently scored runs, but his strike rate has sparked much debate. Moving from LSG to DC, and without the pressure of captaincy, offers Rahul a chance to redefine himself as a T20 batsman and return to the national side.
Shubman Gill - Gujarat Titans
After being the top run-scorer in IPL 2023 with 890 runs, Gill seemed to secure his place in the India T20I team. However, IPL 2024 fell short of those expectations, coinciding with Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli opening for India during their T20 World Cup-winning campaign.
Even with the retirements of Virat and Rohit from T20s, Gill has struggled to secure his position as Abhishek Sharma, Sanju Samson, and Yashasvi Jaiswal appear ahead in the selection order. An explosive performance in IPL 2025 is essential for Gill to regain his spot in India’s T20I plans and showcase his potential as a future leader.
Ajinkya Rahane - Kolkata Knight Riders
When Venkatesh Iyer was acquired by KKR for a staggering INR 23.75 crore in last year’s mega auction, many anticipated he would take over as captain following Shreyas Iyer’s move to Punjab Kings. However, KKR, the defending champions, appointed Rahane as their skipper for IPL 2025.
Alongside his captaincy, Rahane’s batting will be closely monitored. He was the top scorer in last year’s Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, accumulating 469 runs in nine matches, including five half-centuries, earning the Player of the Tournament title as Mumbai clinched victory. Fans and the KKR management hope he continues his excellent T20 form.
Rishabh Pant - Lucknow Super Giants
When Pant was not retained by Delhi Capitals prior to IPL 2025, many anticipated he would command a record price in the mega auction due to his explosive batting and wicketkeeping skills, especially after his successful comeback. It was no surprise when Lucknow Super Giants acquired him for a record-breaking INR 27 crore.
With such a hefty price tag, the stakes are incredibly high for Pant in IPL 2025. After the T20 World Cup win and series against Sri Lanka, he has not played in T20Is for India and missed ODIs against England and the Champions Trophy. With fierce competition in India’s T20I setup, Pant must demonstrate that he remains a formidable force in T20 cricket.
Bevon Jacobs - Mumbai Indians
Jacobs has scored 423 runs in 20 domestic T20 games in New Zealand at a strike rate of 148.42. When MI selected him as a surprising overseas pick during last year’s mega auction, many speculated about his capabilities. He is a middle-order batsman known for his powerful hitting, catching the attention of MI scouts.
Following his auction, Jacobs participated in the recent Super Smash season, amassing 263 runs in eight innings at a strike rate of 140.64, including a 90 off 56 against Northern Districts. It will be fascinating to see if Jacobs can step up as a finisher for MI in IPL 2025.
Shreyas Iyer - Punjab Kings
It’s rare for a captain who has previously won an IPL title to lead a new team the following season. Iyer captained Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL 2024 title but was not retained. After a competitive bidding process, Punjab Kings secured him.
Iyer has a point to prove—firstly, to demonstrate his leadership skills are genuine, as evidenced by his captaincy of Mumbai to victory in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Additionally, he aims for consistency with the bat to meet modern T20 standards and work his way back into the India T20I team after being the leading run-scorer in the Champions Trophy.
Dhruv Jurel - Rajasthan Royals
Since debuting as an impact player in IPL 2023, Jurel’s stock has risen significantly as a crucial player for the Rajasthan Royals. With his match-finishing abilities and poise in challenging situations, evidenced by 347 runs in 22 innings, he earned a spot in the India T20I setup.
Although he did not shine in the four T20Is he played, RR retained him for an impressive INR 14 crore. If Jurel excels as a finisher and keeper, especially with Sanju Samson recovering from finger surgery, IPL 2025 could be a pivotal moment in his T20 career.
Rasikh Salam - Royal Challengers Bengaluru
The fast bowler from Jammu & Kashmir caught attention when picked by Mumbai Indians in IPL 2018. However, a two-year ban for age fraud and a back injury nearly derailed his career. IPL 2024 saw Rasikh become a critical player for Delhi Capitals, taking nine wickets in eight matches.
Besides his domestic performances for J&K, Rasikh also played for India A in the Emerging Men’s T20 Asia Cup in Oman. With a potent back-of-the-hand slower ball and various deliveries to deceive batters during crucial overs, Royal Challengers Bengaluru will hope Rasikh delivers in IPL 2025.
Ishan Kishan - Sunrisers Hyderabad
After leaving the South Africa tour for personal reasons, Kishan has been absent from the Indian team setup. Although he returned to play for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2024, his performance was underwhelming, particularly at the top of the order.
After competing in all formats for Jharkhand in the recent domestic season and being part of the India A team for red-ball games in Australia, Kishan aims to regain selectors' attention with strong performances for Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2025. With Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head as openers, Kishan must adapt to a new role within a different framework to return to the Indian team ahead of next year’s T20 World Cup.
