While the spotlight in IPL 2025 has largely been on superstars like Virat Kohli, Hardik Pandya, and Jos Buttler, several lesser-known names have been quietly making game-changing contributions. These underrated players aren’t always in the limelight — but they’re the ones delivering when it matters most.
Top 10 Underrated Performers in IPL 2025
Here’s our curated list of the Top 10 underrated performers in IPL 2025 that every cricket fan and fantasy player should be watching closely.
1. Abhishek Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
- Role: Left-hand opener
- Why He Stands Out: Abhishek has consistently provided brisk starts, often outscoring his more celebrated partners. His strike rate over 160 in the powerplay has been crucial for SRH.
- 2025 Stats: 325 runs in 8 matches, SR 162.7
2. Mukesh Kumar (Delhi Capitals)
- Role: Death-overs specialist
- Why He Stands Out: While DC hasn’t had the best season, Mukesh’s calm under pressure and ability to bowl pinpoint yorkers has kept them in games.
- 2025 Stats: 12 wickets in 7 games, economy 7.5
3. Tilak Varma (Mumbai Indians)
- Role: Middle-order anchor
- Why He Stands Out: He’s the glue in MI’s batting order, often stabilizing innings after early collapses. His temperament and shot selection are beyond his years.
- 2025 Stats: 278 runs in 9 matches, avg 39.7
4. Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore (Gujarat Titans)
- Role: Left-arm spinner
- Why He Stands Out: Sai Kishore has outbowled more experienced spinners with his control, especially in middle overs.
- 2025 Stats: 11 wickets, economy 6.9
5. Shashank Singh (Punjab Kings)
- Role: Finisher
- Why He Stands Out: With a knack for hitting sixes at the death, Shashank has rescued PBKS from multiple tricky situations.
- 2025 Stats: 192 runs, SR 174, avg 38.4
6. Tushar Deshpande (Chennai Super Kings)
- Role: New-ball bowler
- Why He Stands Out: After a tough 2023 season, Deshpande has bounced back with controlled swing bowling in the powerplay.
- 2025 Stats: 10 wickets in 8 matches, economy 7.2
7. Nehal Wadhera (Mumbai Indians)
- Role: Lower middle-order batsman
- Why He Stands Out: Not always part of the XI, but when called upon, Nehal has added crucial 30s and 40s with flair and maturity.
- 2025 Stats: 145 runs in 5 innings, avg 36.2
8. Mayank Markande (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
- Role: Leg-spinner
- Why He Stands Out: The underrated wrist-spinner has created breakthroughs consistently, especially when the game drags.
- 2025 Stats: 9 wickets, economy 7.1
9. Manav Suthar (Rajasthan Royals)
- Role: Uncapped left-arm orthodox spinner
- Why He Stands Out: Among the IPL’s least-talked-about bowlers, Suthar’s control and subtle variations have kept batters guessing.
- 2025 Stats: 7 wickets in 5 matches
10. Jitesh Sharma (Punjab Kings)
- Role: Wicketkeeper-batsman
- Why He Stands Out: Fast hands behind the stumps and a fearless batting approach make Jitesh a must-watch. His cameos are often match-defining.
- 2025 Stats: 186 runs, 11 dismissals
It’s Time to Look Beyond the Superstars
IPL 2025 is proving that cricket is a team sport — and these unsung heroes are the ones turning the tide for their franchises. If you’re building a fantasy team or simply looking for players who could be future stars, keep these names on your radar.
Which underrated player has impressed you the most this season? Let us know in the comments below