IPL 2025: 5 players who turned out to be surprise packages

The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League was as action-packed as it could get. Several contests were thrilling to witness. From run fests to low-scoring thrillers, IPL 2025 offered a whole lot of entertainment to the cricket community. The buzz surrounding the 18th instalment of the marquee T20 league delivered on all fronts. Apart from the appeal of established players and high-profile signings, the recently concluded season provided a select few relatively unknown players who stood out with exceptional performances. Be it with bat or ball, these players delivered regularly. Through some impressive outings, these surprise packages came as refreshing names to look forward to shortly. Here are the five players who turned out to be surprise packages: 5. Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals) Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Source: X) After being acquired for INR 1.1 crore at the mega auction, a lot of eyeballs were already locked in on Vaibhav Suryavanshi. After all, he was the youngest player in the history of the IPL to bag a deal. Yet, there were uncertainties on how much RR would want to expose the youngster. The southpaw remained on the bench for RR's first seven games of the campaign. He was handed his debut in place of an injured Sanju Samson. The very first delivery Suryavanshi faced was dispatched for an extravagant maximum over the extra-cover fence. Suryavanshi's debut innings was a 20-ball 34-run cameo. Two games later, he became the youngest batter to register a ton in the IPL. The 14-year-old ended up with 252 runs in seven innings at a scorching strike rate of 206.55. 4. Vipraj Nigam (Delhi Capitals) Vipraj Nigam (Source: X) Commendable showings in the Uttar Pradesh T20 League and the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy in 2024 earned Vipraj Nigam an INR 50 lakh deal with DC. Not a lot was known in relation to Nigam other than his limited display for Lucknow Falcons and Uttar Pradesh. Unlike Suryavanshi, he was drafted straightaway into the mix by DC. Vipraj's IPL debut came in DC's first game of the season. He was bowled for only two overs, which cost 35 runs with a wicket to his name. It was his fireworks with the bat (39 off 15) which came to his side's rescue during a high-scoring run-chase. Vipraj grew as the season progressed. His quick-arm leg-spin seemed to be keeping quite a few batters struggling to pick him. Although it was not a wicket-heavy season for him, Vipraj surely is one to look out for. 3. Aniket Verma (Sunrisers Hyderabad) Aniket Verma (Source: X) The Uttar Pradesh-born Madhya Pradesh middle-order batter, Aniket Verma, had not played a single game at the senior representative level when he was acquired by SRH for his base price of INR 30 lakh at the mega auction ahead of IPL 2025. Other than his six innings with Bhopal Leopards in the Madhya Pradesh League in 2024, Aniket had played just one game for Madhya Pradesh in the SMAT. Aniket made the most of his first run in the IPL in the limited opportunities he got to feature in. He ended up the season with 236 runs at a strike rate of 166.19. More than 70% (12 fours and 20 sixes) of Aniket's tally came via boundaries. His 74 (41) against DC was a vital knock which rescued SRH from a horrific collapse up top to them posting a respectable total on the board. 2. Ayush Mhatre (Chennai Super Kings) Ayush Mhatre (Source: X) Ayush Mhatre came in as a mid-season injury replacement for full-time skipper, Ruturaj Gaikwad. Mhatre had originally gone unsold in the mega auction. There was significant noise surrounding Mhatre for the First-Class and List A season he had had in the buildup to the IPL. It is noteworthy to mention that he had not played a single 20-over game at the senior level before stepping into the CSK dressing room. As destiny would have it, the Mumbai-born youngster made his debut against Mumbai Indians at the Wankhede Stadium. Although CSK ended up losing that game, it was an eventful evening for Mhatre who cracked 32 off 15. The talented batter fell six short of a splendid ton against RCB in Bengaluru. His 48-ball 94 entailed nine fours and five sixes. 1. Digvesh Rathi (Lucknow Super Giants) Digvesh Rathi (Source: X) Digvesh Rathi created a stir owing to his exceptional performance for South Delhi Superstarz in the inaugural edition of the Delhi Premier League in 2024. He only made his T20 debut for Delhi after the leg-spinner was landed with LSG at the mega auction for his base price of INR 30 lakh. He entered the IPL with only two 20-over games under his belt. Digvesh's witty style of bowling and presence of mind during matches made him stand out from the rest. His unique approach to the popping crease and animated style of celebrating wickets made him a talking point in the tournament. Several prominent batters found it tough to get him away to the boundary. Digvesh ended IPL 2025 with 14 wickets in 13 games at an economy rate of 8.25.

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IPL 2025: 5 players who turned out to be surprise packages

IPL 2025 provided a select few relatively unknown players who stood out with exceptional performances.

4. Vipraj Nigam (Delhi Capitals)

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