Rising Indian talent to watch out for in IPL 2025 | Cricket News – The Times of India

As the IPL 2025 season approaches, the excitement isn’t just about the familiar superstars, it’s also about the fresh wave of Indian talent ready to set the stage on fire. Every season, the league brings to light new heroes, young cricketers who grab the spotlight with fearless batting, breathtaking spells, and game-changing performances. This year is no different.
TOI picks the hopefuls who are primed to make their mark in the showpiece T20 extravaganza.
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Musheer Khan (Punjab Kings)
Musheer, a 20-year-old all-rounder, joined Punjab Kings for Rs 30 lakh, bringing versatility to the table with his right-hand top-order batting and left-arm spin. The younger brother of Sarfaraz Khan, Musheer shot to limelight in the 2024 U-19 World Cup. He began his Ranji Trophy career with a bang, hitting a double-century for Mumbai last year. His T20 numbers are modest but growing. Punjab Kings, under new captain Shreyas Iyer and coach Ricky Ponting, aim to rebuild and Musheer’s adaptability could see him slot into the middle-order or serve as a fifth bowling option on spin-friendly pitches. His multiple skills make him a sleeper pick for IPL 2025, especially if PBKS lean on youth to turn their fortunes around.
Robin Minz (Mumbai Indians)
Known for his explosive batting style, Minz can change the course of a game within a few overs. The left-handed wicketkeeperbatsman was acquired by Mumbai Indians at the IPL 2025 auction at a steal deal of Rs 65 lakh. MI’s scouting network identified his potential early on, and the franchise is optimistic about his impact in the upcoming season. With Ishan Kishan not there in the MI set-up this time, Minz’ power game aligns with MI’s tradition of big hitters and can be a like-forlike replacement for Kishan. The 22-year-old has played just two first-class matches up till now, but his exploits in agegroup tournaments for Jharkhand have marked him as a player with a high ceiling.
C Andre Siddarth (Chennai Super Kings)
Andre Siddarth, 18, has made heads turn in the domestic circuit, earning high praise from several quarters. In a podcast, former India offspinner R Ashwin couldn’t stop gushing about Siddarth. His consistent performances in the Tamil Nadu Premier League caught the attention of CSK talent scouts who brought him into their fold. Under Ruturaj Gaikwad’s captaincy and MS Dhoni’s mentorship, Siddarth could thrive in CSK’s supportive environment. While he might not get immediate game time given CSK’s strong batting lineup, his domestic performances suggest he’s ready to step up if called upon. His knack for playing spin could see him thrive on Chepauk’s turning tracks.
Sameer Rizvi (Delhi Capitals)
A dynamic batsman known for his quick-scoring ability, Rizvi is a potential match-winner for the Capitals. The 21-yearold’s breakthrough moment came during the Uttar Pradesh T20 League in 2023, where he made headlines by scoring an impressive 455 runs in just nine innings at a staggering strike-rate of 188.80. He hit 35 sixes and scored the fastest century (off just 47 balls) of the tournament. This remarkable form led to a fierce bidding war during the 2024 IPL auction, culminating in CSK securing his services for a substantial Rs 8.4 crore. Although his debut season saw limited success with only 51 runs in five innings, his potential remained undiminished. As he transitions to IPL 2025 with the Capitals after being acquired for Rs 95 lakh, Rizvi’s explosive batting style could see him play a crucial role for DC this season.
Anshul Kamboj (Chennai Super Kings)
A promising right-arm pacer and allrounder from Haryana, Kamboj was signed by CSK for Rs 3.40 crore during the IPL 2025 auction – a significant increase from his base price of Rs 20 lakh. Standing at 6 feet 2 inches, the 24-year-old can swing the new ball both ways. His height allows him to extract extra bounce from the pitch, posing a significant challenge for the batters. A historic moment came in Kamboj’s career came in Nov 2024, when he made headlines by becoming the third bowler in the history of Ranji Trophy to take all 10 wickets in an innings. He achieved the feat during Haryana’s match against Kerala in Rohtak registering figures of 10/49 in 30.1 overs. Additionally, his lower-order hitting ability adds depth to the batting lineup.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)
The 13-year-old cricketing prodigy from Bihar took Indian cricket by storm when he was picked by Rajasthan Royals for Rs 1.10 crore at the IPL mega auction in Nov last year. Suryavanshi made headlines as the youngest player ever in IPL history, sparking both excitement and scepticism. His meteoric rise includes remarkable feats like a 58-ball century for India U-19 against Australia U-19, the fastest by an Indian in youth Tests, and a blistering 71 off 42 balls in the Vijay Hazare Trophy. Vaibhav’s journey began in Tajpur village, part of Samastipur district in Bihar, where his father Sanjeev, a farmer, nurtured his talent with backyard practice. By age 9, he joined a cricket academy in Samastipur, and at 12, he debuted in the Ranji Trophy, becoming the second youngest player to participate in the tournament. An attacking lefthanded batsman, Vaibhav’s inclusion could depend on injuries or tactical shifts, possibly as an Impact Player.