Meet IPL 2025’s underrated stars like Shreyas Iyer and Sai Kishore, shining bright despite less hype. Learn their impact!
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The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has been a rollercoaster of jaw-dropping performances, nail-biting finishes, and breakout stars stealing the show.
However, amidst the hype around big names like Rohit Sharma, Virat Kohli, and Jasprit Bumrah, there is a group of players quietly making massive impacts without the spotlight they deserve.
These unsung heroes are the backbone of their teams, delivering match-defining moments while flying under the radar.
So, who are these underrated gems of IPL 2025, and why are they not getting the praise they have earned?
Let us explore the stories of Shreyas Iyer, Sai Kishore, Ryan Rickelton, Naman Dhir, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi, players who are rewriting the script in their way.
Why Some Players Stay Underrated In The IPL
The IPL is a star-studded stage where marquee players often hog the limelight.
Think about it: when you have global icons like Andre Russell or Suryakumar Yadav on your team, it is easy for others to get overshadowed.
Media buzz tends to focus on century-makers or wicket-takers with flashy celebrations, leaving consistent performers in the shadows.
Add to that the pressure of playing in high-profile franchises like Mumbai Indians or Kolkata Knight Riders, where expectations are sky-high, and it is no surprise some players do not get their due.
However, in IPL 2025, these underrated stars have been turning heads with their grit, skill, and game-changing contributions.
Let us meet them.
Underrated Players Of IPL 2025
Based on recent performances, stats, and buzz from the cricket community, we have handpicked five players who embody the spirit of being underrated yet indispensable.
Below, we list their contributions, stats, and why they deserve more recognition.
1. Shreyas Iyer (Punjab Kings)
Shreyas Iyer is no stranger to cricket fans, but in IPL 2025, he has been a quiet force leading Punjab Kings with both bat and brains.
After captaining Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title in 2024, Iyer was surprisingly released and snapped up by Punjab Kings for a hefty ₹26.75 crore.
His leadership has been a game-changer, guiding Punjab to the IPL 2025 final with a sensational 87* off 41 balls against Mumbai Indians in Qualifier 2.
However, despite his consistent performances across formats, such as the Ranji Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, and Champions Trophy, his name rarely dominates headlines.
Iyer’s IPL 2025 stats speak for themselves: 488 runs in 13 innings at an average of 48.8 and a strike rate of 172.44, including five fifties and 29 sixes.
His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed makes him a vital cog, but his flashier teammates like Glenn Maxwell or Marcus Stoinis often outshine him.
Social media chatter has called him “the most underrated leader,” and we could not agree more.
His calm demeanor and knack for big knocks in clutch moments deserve far more applause.
2. Sai Kishore (Gujarat Titans)
Sai Kishore is the bowler who does not rely on theatrics but delivers when it matters most.
Playing for the Gujarat Titans, this left-arm spinner has been a silent assassin in IPL 2025, picking up 12 wickets in 8 matches with an impressive average of 16.33 and an economy rate of 8.22.
His ability to choke runs and break partnerships in the middle overs has been crucial for Gujarat, yet he rarely makes it to the highlight reels.
Why is he underrated?
Sai Kishore does not have the star power of Rashid Khan or the viral moments of other bowlers.
However, his consistency and knack for delivering in tough situations, like dismissing key batters in powerplays, make him a standout.
Gujarat Titans’ squad, packed with heavyweights like Jos Buttler and Shubman Gill, often steals the focus, leaving Sai Kishore’s contributions underappreciated.
3. Ryan Rickelton (Mumbai Indians)
South African wicketkeeper-batsman Ryan Rickelton has been a revelation for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025, yet he is barely mentioned in the same breath as Rohit Sharma or Suryakumar Yadav.
Scoring 273 runs in 10 matches at an average of 30.33 and a strike rate of 152.51, Rickelton has provided Mumbai with solid starts, including two crucial fifties.
His fearless stroke play and ability to find gaps have been vital in setting up big totals, but MI’s star-studded lineup often overshadows him.
Rickelton’s eight sixes and reliable glovework behind the stumps add to his value, but the Mumbai Indians’ spotlight tends to stay on their big guns.
His performances, especially in high-pressure chases, show he is more than a supporting act.
If he keeps this up, do not be surprised if he becomes a household name soon.
4. Naman Dhir (Mumbai Indians)
Another Mumbai Indians gem, Naman Dhir, has carved a niche as a deadly finisher in IPL 2025.
With a jaw-dropping strike rate of 182.60 overall and 191.40 in the death overs, Dhir has smashed 13 sixes, making him one of the most explosive lower-order batters in the league.
His 37 off fewer than 20 balls in Qualifier 2 against Punjab Kings was a testament to his clutch hitting, even if Mumbai fell short.
So why isn’t Dhir a bigger name? Playing alongside giants like Hardik Pandya and Jasprit Bumrah means his contributions often take a backseat.
However, his ability to turn games in the final overs makes him a secret weapon Mumbai relies on.
Fans and analysts are starting to notice, but he is still far from getting the recognition he deserves.
5. Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Kolkata Knight Riders)
At just 19, Angkrish Raghuvanshi is already making waves for Kolkata Knight Riders, but his name rarely trends like Sunil Narine or Andre Russell.
With a powerplay strike rate of 176.70 and an average of 33.33, Raghuvanshi has been a spark in KKR’s top order.
His aggressive batting, honed under coach Abhishek Nayar, was evident in IPL 2024, and he has carried that form into 2025, smashing six sixes and delivering when it counts.
Raghuvanshi’s youth and lack of international exposure mean he is often overlooked, but his fearless approach and ability to dominate bowlers in the powerplay make him a future star.
KKR’s star-heavy lineup means he does not always get the spotlight, but his performances are laying the foundation for a breakout career.
Performance Snapshot: IPL 2025 Stats
To give you a clearer picture, here is a table summarizing the key stats of these underrated players in IPL 2025:
| Player | Team | Matches | R – W | Average | Strike Rate | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shreyas Iyer | Punjab Kings | 13 | 488 runs | 48.8 | 172.44 | 5 fifties, 29 sixes, led PBKS to the final |
| Sai Kishore | Gujarat Titans | 8 | 12 wickets | 16.33 | 8.22 (economy) | Crucial breakthroughs, tight bowling |
| Ryan Rickelton | Mumbai Indians | 10 | 273 runs | 30.33 | 152.51 | 2 fifties, 8 sixes, solid starts |
| Naman Dhir | Mumbai Indians | – | – | – | 182.60 | 13 sixes, 191.40 death overs SR |
| Angkrish Raghuvanshi | Kolkata Knight Riders | – | – | 33.33 | 176.70 | 6 sixes, powerplay dominance |
Note: Some stats for Naman Dhir were not fully detailed but inferred from qualitative data.
Why These Players Fly Under The Radar
It is not just about stats; it is about context.
Here is a deeper look at why these players are underrated:
- Team Dynamics: Playing in star-packed teams like the Mumbai Indians, Punjab Kings, or KKR means sharing the spotlight with global icons. For example, Iyer’s Punjab’s big buys, like Yuzvendra Chahal, often eclipsed Iyer’s leadership, while Raghuvanshi competed with Narine’s flair.
- Media Focus: The IPL thrives on viral moments, think massive sixes or fiery celebrations. Players like Sai Kishore, who focus on consistency over flashiness, do not generate the same buzz.
- Role-Specific Challenges: Finishers like Naman Dhir or top-order anchors like Rickelton often play supporting roles that do not grab headlines, even if they are match-defining.
- Youth and Exposure: Youngsters like Raghuvanshi are still building their reputation, making it harder to stand out in a league dominated by established stars.
Despite these challenges, their performances are forcing fans and analysts to take notice.
Social media posts have started calling out Iyer’s snub from India’s England tour squad, while Rickelton and Dhir are gaining traction as Mumbai’s hidden weapons.
Team Impact: How They Shape Their Franchises
Let us break down how these players are making a difference for their teams:
| Team | Underrated Players | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Punjab Kings | Shreyas Iyer | Led team to IPL final, consistent run-scorer, strategic captaincy |
| Gujarat Titans | Sai Kishore | Middle-overs control, key wickets, supports star bowlers |
| Mumbai Indians | Ryan Rickelton, Naman Dhir | Solid top-order starts, explosive finishing, clutch performances |
| Kolkata Knight Riders | Angkrish Raghuvanshi | Powerplay aggression sets the tone for the middle order |
Punjab Kings, in particular, seems to be a hub for underrated talent, with players like Nehal Wadhera and Priyansh Arya also mentioned in discussions.
This suggests the franchise’s depth is often overlooked, with Iyer leading the charge.
Looking Ahead: Will They Break Out?
The IPL is a platform where one stellar season can turn an underrated player into a superstar.
Shreyas Iyer’s leadership and batting prowess are already pushing him into the elite category, while Sai Kishore’s consistency could earn him a national call-up.
Ryan Rickelton and Naman Dhir are proving Mumbai Indians’ faith in them was no fluke, and young Angkrish Raghuvanshi is a name to watch for years to come.
As IPL 2025 progresses, these players will likely force themselves into the spotlight, whether the media is ready.
Fans are starting to take notice, too.
Social media is buzzing with praise for Iyer’s redemption arc from losing his BCCI contract in 2024 to leading Punjab to the IPL final.
Raghuvanshi’s inclusion in the IPL Emerging Player poll shows his potential is recognized, and Dhir’s six-hitting ability is turning heads.
The question is not whether these players will break out but when.
Conclusion: Celebrate The Unsung Heroes
IPL 2025 has been a season of surprises, and players like Shreyas Iyer, Sai Kishore, Ryan Rickelton, Naman Dhir, and Angkrish Raghuvanshi are at the heart of it.
They may not have the loudest cheers or the flashiest headlines, but their contributions are undeniable.
From Iyer’s match-winning knocks to Sai Kishore’s tight bowling spells, these players are the glue holding their teams together.
So, watch these unsung heroes next time you watch an IPL match.
They make the difference when it counts.
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Trivia Time: A Fun Fact About Shreyas Iyer
Did you know? Shreyas Iyer became the first Indian captain to lead two different IPL teams (Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings) to the IPL finals in consecutive seasons (2024 and 2025). Talk about a leader who delivers!
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