IPL 2025

Time of India

17 hours ago

A banker by profession , a sportsman by heart,one who eats, sleeps and breathes cricket. Mantra for life - Play each ball on merits & keep the scoreboard moving.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, which concluded on June 3, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) clinching their maiden title against Punjab Kings (PBKS), was a showcase of emerging talent. Among the standout performers were uncapped Indian players who made significant impacts, proving their potential to be future stars. In this article, I have picked my uncapped XII, backed by key statistics from the season to highlight why they form an exciting combination.
Top order: Explosive young guns
1. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)
At just 14 years old, Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest player to make waves in IPL history. Playing for Rajasthan Royals, his explosive batting was a revelation. In 7 innings, Vaibhav scored 252 runs at an average of 36.00 and a staggering strike rate of 206.50, including a century (101 off 38 balls) against Gujarat Titans and a fifty (57 off 33). His fearless approach, highlighted by a strike rate of more than 200 (highest in IPL 2025 for players facing at least 50 balls), made him a standout opener. Despite a duck against Mumbai Indians, his ability to dominate attacks marked him as a
prodigy.
2. Priyansh Arya (Punjab Kings)
Priyansh Arya, another dynamic opener, from Punjab Kings, was a run-machine at the top. Playing his first-ever IPL, he amassed 475 runs at a strike rate of 179.24 in 17 innings, including a sensational
century off 39 balls. His consistency and ability to accelerate made him a key figure in PBKS campaign, challenging some of the top batters for the Orange Cap. Arya's aggressive stroke play and
composure under pressure earned him a spot in this squad, forming a formidable opening pair with Suryavanshi.
3. Ayush Mhatre (Chennai Super Kings)
Ayush Mhatre, signed as a mid-season replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, emerged as a gem for Chennai Super Kings. Batting at the top, Mhatre impressed with his technique and flair,
providing much needed firepower to CSK's batting in the powerplay. He scored 240 runs in 7 innings at an outstanding strike rate of 188.97.
Middle order: Stability and firepower
4. Prabhsimran Singh – Wicketkeeper (Punjab Kings)
Prabhsimran Singh, the wicketkeeper-batter for Punjab Kings, brought dynamism to the side along with his opening partner Priyansh. Known for his aggressive batting, he amassed 549 runs at a strike rate of 160.52 in 17 innings. As a big-hitting keeper-batter he is a vital cog in this line-up, doubling as the team's gloveman.
5. Nehal Wadhera (Punjab Kings)
Nehal Wadhera, acquired by Punjab Kings for ₹4.20 crore, is a reliable middle-order batter. His ability to stabilize innings while accelerating when needed makes him a perfect foil at no.5 for the
big-hitters above and below him. Wadhera's versatility and clutch performances enabled him to score 369 runs in 15 innings at strike rate of 145.84.
6. Shashank Singh – Captain (Punjab Kings)
Shashank Singh continued to be a revelation for Punjab Kings, delivering match-winning knocks under pressure. His all-round batting prowess, combining power and finesse, made him a key
middle-order player. He scored 350 runs at a strike rate of 153.50 with 3 fifties which highlights his impact as a finisher and a dependable batter.
All-rounders and bowlers: The game-changers
7. Naman Dhir (Mumbai Indians)
Naman Dhir, Mumbai Indians' uncapped all-rounder, added depth to the line-up with his batting and occasional bowling. His aggressive approach and ability to contribute in multiple facets made him an
asset. He scored 252 runs in 12 innings at a strike rate of 182.60 which makes him an ideal number seven, offering flexibility as a finisher or stabilizer, if required.
8. Vipraj Nigam (Delhi Capitals)
Vipraj Nigam, a bowling all-rounder for Delhi Capitals, impressed with both bat and ball. His ability to contribute in crunch situations earned him recognition as a breakout star. He picked up 11 wickets at an economy rate of 9.12 with his leg-spin while contributing 142 runs in 8 innings at a strike rate of 179.74 lower down the order.
The bowling arsenal
9. Digvesh Rathi (Lucknow Super Giants)
Digvesh Rathi, the leg-spinner for Lucknow Super Giants, was a standout bowler, claiming 14 wickets in 13 matches at an average of 30.64 and an economy rate of 8.25. His signature celebrations
became a fan favourite, but his ability to outfox batters with clever variations was his true strength. Rathi's inclusion as the lead spinner in this XI underscores his impact as one of the best uncapped
bowlers in IPL 2025.
10. Anshul Kamboj (Chennai Super Kings)
Anshul Kamboj, CSK's right-arm pacer, had a decent campaign, taking 8 wickets in 8 matches at an average of 21.50, with a best of 3-13. His ability to bowl at different stages of the game made him a
versatile resource. Kamboj's pace and accuracy earn him a spot in this squad.
11. Yash Dayal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Yash Dayal, RCB's left-arm pacer, played a pivotal role in their title-winning campaign. He picked up 13 wickets at an average of 36.15, contributing to RCB's success in crucial matches. His ability to
bowl tight lines and take wickets in the middle overs made him a reliable option. Dayal's experience and skill make him the spearhead of this bowling attack.
Impact substitute: Ashwani Kumar (Mumbai Indians)
Ashwani Kumar, Mumbai Indians' left-arm pacer, was a revelation with the ball. In 7 matches, he took 11 wickets at an average of 21.09 with a best of 4-24 on debut. His ability to swing the ball and deliver in high-pressure situations made him a key component of MI's bowling attack. His inclusion as an impact sub adds depth to the bowling unit, ready to replace a batter or bowler as needed.
Why this XII stands out
This uncapped XII combines youthful exuberance with match-winning potential. The top order, led by Suryavanshi, Arya, and Mhatre, provides explosive starts, while Prabhsimran, Wadhera, and
Shashank offer stability and firepower in the middle. Dhir and Nigam add all-round depth, and the bowling attack—featuring Rathi's spin, Dayal's swing, Kamboj's versatility, and Kumar's pace —is well-rounded. With a blend of high strike rates, wicket-taking ability, and clutch performances, this team could rival any IPL side. This uncapped squad encapsulates the spirit of the tournament,
showcasing talent that could soon dominate Indian cricket. As these players continue to grow, their IPL 2025 performances will be remembered as the launchpad for their careers.
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