The Indian Premier League (IPL) represents the pinnacle of T20 cricket, capturing fans worldwide with a mix of talent, strategy, and spectacle. The IPL began in 2008 and has grown into a billion-dollar league with ten teams representing different Indian cities. The 2025 season is the 18th season of this top-flight league. It will be held from March 22 to May 25. The event will begin with the defending champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, hosting Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The season takes a standard format where each team plays 14 matches before the playoffs. The playoffs include two qualifier games and one eliminator game before the final.
As fans gear up for yet another exciting season, several players have been standout ones to keep an eye out for. This guide includes some of the top prospects to look out for in IPL 2025.
Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants)
Rishabh Pant is considered to be one of the most powerful wicketkeeper-batsmen in T20 cricket. He was bought at a record fee of ₹27 crore in the auction. Pant’s powerful batting and stabilizing of innings are of great benefit to Lucknow Super Giants. His past IPL records have shown that he has the ability to win games with his big hitting and smart shots. Being a captain, he will also need to guide a team which is hungry to win its first title.
Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Virat Kohli is a cricket legend and extremely important to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s success. Known for his consistent play and target-chasing ability, Kohli’s experience and leadership will be key as RCB aims to win its maiden IPL title. His recent performance is a testament to the fact that he is set to be one of the top scorers in the league. With a strong unit supporting him, Kohli’s play could make or break RCB’s campaign this year.
Jos Buttler (Rajasthan Royals)
Jos Buttler is also a player performing well this season. He is one of the top T20 openers, and his ability to score rapidly can assist the Rajasthan Royals in batting strongly. His combination with young player Yashasvi Jaiswal will be important as they attempt to begin games strongly. Buttler’s ability to perform well under pressure is a reason to watch him closely.
Andre Russell (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Andre Russell is the first name that comes to mind while talking about big-hitting and match-winning performances. The West Indies member has the ability to win matches single-handedly with his powerful hitting and useful bowling. With KKR chasing another title, Russell’s fitness and form will be key. His ability to handle pressure makes him one of the most enjoyable players to watch in the league.
Shreyas Iyer (Delhi Capitals)
Shreyas Iyer is a consistent IPL player and will be crucial for Delhi Capitals this year. He has overcome an injury, and his batting and leadership qualities are very crucial as he seeks to assist his team during difficult moments. His innings-building capability and also being able to play aggressively at times make him a crucial player for DC.
Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals)
All are waiting anxiously for Jofra Archer’s return to the IPL after his injury. Archer is a fast bowler and can perform in important stages of the match. His return boosts the Rajasthan bowling team, and he is a key player in their strategy to win this year.
Glenn Maxwell (Punjab Kings)
Glenn Maxwell is well known for his attacking batting and his all-round abilities. Punjab Kings picked him wisely at the auction to strengthen their middle order. Maxwell can score runs at a brisk rate and also take wickets, which makes him a game-changer who can win matches for Punjab.
Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals)
The inclusion of Mitchell Starc in the Delhi Capitals’ squad strengthens their bowling line-up considerably. He is great at delivering yorkers and getting wickets, which makes him a big impact player at pivotal moments. His experience playing international cricket will be of great help as DC aims to improve its standing this time around.
The IPL 2025 promises to be a mix of well-known players and young guns raring to make an impression in the tournament. These cricketers, including Rishabh Pant, Virat Kohli, Jos Buttler, Andre Russell, Shreyas Iyer, Jofra Archer, Glenn Maxwell, and Mitchell Starc, will be entertaining their fans through their play. The teams will contest for wins from March 22 to May 25, and cricket fans worldwide will be watching these players with interest throughout the season. Every game brings fresh challenges and possibilities for these players. IPL 2025 will be delivering the high-quality cricket action that fans of this top-level competition are awaiting. Find the best IPL betting offers in case you are interested in betting on any of the players above.