The much-anticipated Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 kickstarts this week, on March 22, where the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders will take on Royal Challengers Bangalore. Since launching in 2008, the IPL has surged from a bold newcomer to a dominant force, its runaway success reshaping the global cricketing landscape. The tournament has catapulted a phalanx of talents into the spotlight, giving them a platform to showcase their skill and carve a legacy. As the league’s influence continues to expand, we take a moment to focus on nine of the most impactful players to grace the league.
AB de Villiers
AB de Villiers, often dubbed "Mr. 360," redefined batting in the IPL with his versatility and innovation. Playing primarily for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), he scored 5,162 runs in 184 matches at a strike rate of 151.68. His ability to play shots all around the ground made him a nightmare for bowlers. With 3 centuries and 40 fifties, his consistency and flair stand out. His 133 off 59 balls against Mumbai Indians in 2015, alongside Virat Kohli, remains iconic.
Virat Kohli
Virat Kohli is the IPL’s all-time leading run-scorer, amassing 8,004 runs in 252 matches for Royal Challengers Bangalore. His 2016 season is legendary—973 runs in 16 matches, including 4 centuries, the highest single-season tally in IPL history. He captained RCB to the 2016 final. He quit captaincy in 2022, and will play under Rajat Patidar this season. Beyond stats, Kohli’s fitness and leadership transformed RCB’s ethos. Despite not winning an IPL title, his longevity, adaptability, and run-scoring prowess make him one of the greatest IPL players ever.
Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle, the "Universe Boss," is synonymous with IPL dominance. Representing teams like RCB and Punjab Kings, he scored 4,965 runs in 142 matches at a strike rate of 148.96. His 175* off 66 balls against Pune Warriors in 2013 remains the highest individual score in IPL history, featuring a record 17 sixes. Gayle won back-to-back Orange Caps (2011-12, 2012-13), scoring 733 and 708 runs, respectively. With 6 centuries and 32 fifties, he redefined T20 power-hitting. His 357 sixes in the IPL are the most by any player, underlining his brute force. His larger-than-life presence and record-breaking feats solidify his IPL greatness.
David Warner
David Warner’s IPL legacy is built on consistency and leadership, amassing 6,565 runs in 184 matches at a strike rate of 139.76. Warner captained SRH to their only title in 2016, earning the Orange Cap with 848 runs in 2017. He has won the Orange Cap three times (2015, 2017, 2019), a record unmatched in IPL history. Known for aggressive starts and smart captaincy, he averages over 40, a rare feat for an opener.
MS Dhoni
MS Dhoni, the "Captain Cool," is the IPL’s most successful leader, guiding Chennai Super Kings (CSK) to 5 titles (2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, 2023). As a wicketkeeper-batter, he has scored 5,243 runs in 264 matches at a strike rate of 137.54. His finishing ability is legendary, with 2,185 runs in the death overs (16-20). He also holds the record for most dismissals as a keeper (188) in the IPL. Even in his 40s, his 2023 cameos (104 runs, strike rate 182.45) won games. Dhoni’s leadership and clutch performances define his IPL greatness.
Jasprit Bumrah
Jasprit Bumrah is the IPL’s premier fast bowler, terrorizing batsmen with his unorthodox action and precision. Playing for Mumbai Indians (MI), he has taken 165 wickets in 133 matches at an economy of 7.31. Bumrah, however, is set to miss the opening half of the IPL 2025, owing to injury.
Sunil Narine
Sunil Narine’s mystery spin and all-round brilliance make him an IPL icon. For Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), he has taken 180 wickets in 174 matches at an economy of 6.74, the best among bowlers with over 100 wickets. As an explosive batter, he scored 1534 runs. Narine’s adaptability—evolving from spinner to pinch-hitter—and consistency (economy under 6 in multiple seasons) set him apart. His dual threat makes him one of the IPL’s greatest.
Dwayne Bravo
Dwayne Bravo’s all-round prowess and death-bowling mastery shine in the IPL. Playing for MI, CSK, and Gujarat Titans, he has taken 183 wickets in 161 matches, the second-most in IPL history, at an economy of 8.38. A key part of CSK’s 4 title wins, Bravo’s 14 wickets in 2021 (economy 7.81) showed his longevity. His flair, fielding, and clutch performances make him an IPL great.
Lasith Malinga
Lasith Malinga, the IPL’s sling-action maestro, played for Mumbai Indians, claiming 170 wickets in 122 matches at an economy of 7.14. He won the Purple Cap in 2011 (28 wickets) and was instrumental in MI’s 4 titles. With 6 four-wicket hauls, his unplayable yorkers terrorized batsmen.
