Less than a week from now, the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) will kick off with a blockbuster clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore, setting the stage for another thrilling season. The IPL has long been a proving ground for emerging talent, with players, irrespective of their age, seizing the spotlight to showcase their skills and carve out reputations. While seasoned stars continue to deliver, it’s the rise of the next generation that injects fresh excitement into the tournament. Here's a list of nine such rising stars poised to dominate IPL 2025, each bringing a blend of flair, resilience, and potential to their franchises.

From Riyan Parag to Abhishek Sharma: 9 Emerging Stars To Watch Out For in IPL 2025

Abhishek Sharma - Sunrisers Hyderabad

Abhishek Sharma has been playing the IPL for six years now, but it was only last year he managed to break off the shackles and justify the hype around it. It was arguably the most destructive IPL season by a young Indian opener, where he amassed 484 runs at an astounding strike rate of 204.21. He hit as many as 36 sixes in 16 matches, a testament to his explosive play. He also went on to play for the Indian team and scored his maiden T20I century. His record reflects a rapid rise, evolving from a promising youngster to a pivotal player, making him one to watch.

Yashasvi Jaiswal - Rajasthan Royals

Yashasvi Jaiswal has grown into one of the most reliable opening batters in the tournament in the last two seasons, and he was retained by Rajasthan Royals for a whopping ₹18 crore, making him the most expensive player in the squad. In IPL 2024, he scored 435 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 155.91, including a century and two fifties. His ability to anchor innings and accelerate when needed showcases his maturity beyond his years. He has the potential to dominate the upcoming edition of the IPL, though to open without Jos Buttler, who was released by the franchise, might be a bit disconcerting in the beginning.

Mayank Yadav - Lucknow Super Giants

Mayank Yadav, the pace sensation for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), burst onto the 2024 IPL season, with his impressive speed, showcasing his ability to bowl at a speed of around 150kph consistently. Although his campaign was hampered by injuries, Yadav secured seven wickets in just three matches and earned consecutive Player-of-the-Match honours. His capacity to disrupt top batsmen, including Glenn Maxwell and Jonny Bairstow, with his fierce pace highlights his exceptional talent. If he can maintain his fitness, Yadav's ability to deliver explosive bowling could transform LSG's attack.

Rachin Ravindra - Chennai Super Kings

Rachin Ravindra, the New Zealand batter, will continue with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) for IPL 2025 after a rather modest debut with them in 2024, where he scored 222 runs in 10 matches. Though it's still early days in the IPL for the left-handed batter, he has shown amazing potential in the international circuit, first in the 2023 ODI World Cup and then recently in the Champions Trophy. His elegant left-handed batting and useful left-arm spin make him a versatile asset for Chennai.

Jake Fraser-McGurk - Delhi Capitals

Jake Fraser-McGurk is an Australian dynamo renowned for his power-hitting, and he was acquired by Delhi Capitals in the mega auction for ₹9 crore. Last season, he smashed 330 runs in seven matches at a strike rate of 234.04, including four fifties. His fearless approach, dismantling bowlers with audacious shots, marks him as a T20 prodigy. With DC having a seasoned player like KL Rahul as another opener, Fraser-McGurk will have full freedom to go all guns blazing.

Phil Salt - Royal Challengers Bangalore

Phil Salt, the English wicketkeeper-batsman, was acquired by Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) for ₹11.50 crore in the mega auction for IPL 2025. He played a crucial role in driving Kolkata Knight Riders to IPL title last season, where he he scored 435 runs in 12 matches at a strike rate of 182.00, including four fifties. His aggressive opening style and ability to take on both pace and spin make him a vital cog for RCB.

Riyan Parag - Rajasthan Royals

Rajasthan Royals' Riyan Parag, silenced his critics with an impeccable batting last year, scoring 573 runs in 15 matches at a strike rate of 149.21, including four half-centuries. Batting in the No. 4 slot, he showcased his power-hitting with 18 sixes and demonstrated commendable maturity on the field. His capability to finish matches coupled with his leg-spin bowling makes him an emerging prospect not only for IPL but also for international teams.

Josh Inglish - Punjab Kings

Josh Inglis will make his IPL debut with Punjab Kings, after being acquired for ₹2.6 crore in the mega auction. What makes him a player to watch out for is his impeccable T20I credentials. He has amassed 706 runs in 29 T20Is for Australia at a strike rate of 156.88, including two centuries.

Harshit Rana - Kolkata Knight Riders

After a breakthrough IPL 2024, where he took 19 wickets in 13 matches, all eyes will be on Harshit Rana, who was retained by Kolkata Knight Riders. His ability to bowl fast and bowl hard length, coupled with his vicious off-cutter, makes him a difficult proposition for the batter. Buoyed by the international debut, Rana would like to continue where he left off.