The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season will be remembered as one of the most unpredictable yet transformative editions in the league’s history. While Chennai Super Kings’ unexpected last-place finish shocked fans, Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s maiden title win ended an 18-year-long wait. However, beyond the headline moments, what truly defined this season was the rise of uncapped Indian talent, particularly among the younger crop.
With India set to defend their T20 World Cup title at home next year, several emerging stars from IPL 2025 have put their hands up for national selection. The upcoming T20I series against Bangladesh in August offers the perfect opportunity to integrate fresh faces into the senior setup. Here are five standout uncapped players who have made a strong case for an India call-up.
1. Digvesh Rathi – Lucknow Super Giants
In his first IPL season, 25-year-old leg-spinner Digvesh Rathi of the Lucknow Super Giants attracted attention. Displaying elements of mystery spin and control far beyond his experience, Rathi outshone even the seasoned Ravi Bishnoi in LSG’s underperforming bowling unit.
He claimed 14 wickets from 13 matches, maintaining an economy of 8.25 and an average of 30.64. His distinct gesture, which was evocative of Sunil Narine, and his self-assured “notebook” celebrations demonstrated his attitude under duress. With India seeking variety in their T20 spin arsenal, Rathi could be a valuable addition.
2. Vipraj Nigam – Delhi Capitals
Vipraj Nigam was a dynamic all-around player who added vitality and adaptability to the Delhi Capitals roster. The 20-year-old leg-spinner showcased his ability to contribute in all phases of the game. With 11 wickets and 280+ impactful runs at a strike rate close to 180, Nigam emerged as one of the most promising young stars.
He frequently altered his batting position and bowled in both the powerplay and death overs. Nigam’s aggressive mindset, especially against pace on the off-side, and his Rashid Khan-like all-round presence, make him an ideal fit for India’s middle and lower-middle order going forward.
3. Shashank Singh – Punjab Kings
At 33, Shashank Singh might not be the youngest name on this list, but his performances certainly warrant attention. Playing for Punjab Kings, Shashank operated predominantly in the middle order, balancing innings rescue and explosive finishing roles with great maturity.
Singh had another outstanding season after his incredible 2024 campaign (354 runs at a strike rate of 164.25), scoring 350 runs in 17 games at an average of 50 and a strike rate of 153.50. With India’s current middle-order options underperforming, Singh offers a consistent and experienced alternative.
4. Naman Dhir – Mumbai Indians
Often flying under the radar, Mumbai Indians Naman Dhir delivered crucial performances in high-pressure finishing roles. The 25-year-old showcased the ability to accelerate from ball one, scoring 252 runs in 16 games at an impressive strike rate of 182.60.
He also slotted into the top order when required, demonstrating flexibility. Dhir’s part-time off-spin adds further utility, aligning with India’s preference for multi-dimensional players in T20s.
5. Vaibhav Arora – Kolkata Knight Riders
Pacer Vaibhav Arora was one of the few bright spots in KKR’s title defense campaign. The 27-year-old right-arm quick excelled with the new ball, picking up early breakthroughs and even delivering at the death when needed.
Arora finished with an average of 25.29 and 17 wickets in just 12 games. Though he conceded runs at times, his knack for key dismissals stood out. With India looking to manage Jasprit Bumrah’s workload and searching for depth beyond Siraj and Shami, Arora’s skillset makes him a worthy contender for the national setup.
Final Thoughts
The IPL has consistently acted as a launchpad for emerging Indian talent, and the 2025 season was no different. These five players not only performed consistently but also exhibited the mental toughness and adaptability required at the international level. With a home T20 World Cup looming, integrating such fresh talent could prove pivotal in India’s quest to remain at the top of the T20 hierarchy.
