Which Indian Batters Could Have A Breakthrough Season In IPL 2025?

Well before IPL 2024, Abhishek Sharma was a force to be reckoned with in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy but the left-hander struggled to replicate the same form in the IPL, averaging just 22.9 across his first six seasons, striking at a decent 137.4. 

Yet as it would turn out, Abhishek would end up enjoying one of the most extraordinary breakthrough seasons in the competition’s history in IPL 2024, smashing 484 runs at an average of 32.27 and an utterly ludicrous strike rate of 204.2. With two T20I tons to his name in the past year, it’s fair to say that Abhishek has not looked back since then.

Not just Abhishek, IPL 2024 also saw Riyan Parag breakthrough at the biggest stage. Like Abhishek, Parag, too, struggled to break through at the IPL despite bossing the lower levels: he averaged 16 after 44 IPL innings. However, things turned around for good in IPL 2024, where he struck a groundbreaking 572 runs, the third-most runs in a season by an uncapped player. 

Which Indian batters could follow Abhishek and Parag’s path and end up enjoying a career-changing breakthrough season in IPL 2025?

Prabhsimran Singh - Punjab Kings

Across six seasons and 34 matches, Prabhsimran Singh has shown plenty of spark in the IPL but has struggled to hit *that* next level. 

He showed serious improvement in both IPL 2023 and IPL 2024, scoring over 300 runs in both seasons, but he did not quite dominate the way he is capable of. There were a couple of good knocks, a couple of flashes of brilliance and that was about it. 

But IPL 2025 could finally prove to be the tournament where Prabhsimran truly moves to that next level and establishes himself as an elite uncapped player. He is 24, understands his own game better than ever and is also slowly approaching his peak as a batter. 

We’ve seen just how good a T20 batter he is, in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy - he averages 40 and strikes at 145 for Punjab - and there’s a good chance IPL 2025 might finally see the ‘Punjab’ version of Prabhsimran turn up for the Punjab Kings. 

Ayush Badoni - Lucknow Super Giants

Ayush Badoni, 25, has had three full IPL seasons under his belt now, but he’s not exploded as a batter. There have been some truly outstanding knocks which have showcased his talent, but Badoni, across all three seasons he’s played thus far, has left plenty of runs out in the middle. 

That could end up changing in IPL 2025, particularly if he gets a fixed role somewhere in the top five. 

Again, Badoni has a fantastic SMAT record for Delhi - 37 avg and 135 SR - and we saw in the Delhi Premier League (DPL) last year just how much of a freak he can be in the shortest format. Across 9 games in DPL 2024, Badoni smashed 522 runs at an average of 58 and a remarkable strike rate of 225. You don’t rack up such insane numbers if you don’t have crazy potential.

We might just end up seeing Badoni fully realise his potential in IPL 2025.

Abdul Samad - Lucknow Super Giants

Five seasons back, it felt like it was going to be a matter of months before Abdul Samad made his T20I debut. He struck the ball remarkably cleanly in his maiden season back in 2020, and there he hit 111 runs off the 65 balls he faced, primarily operating as a finisher. He had the gift of effortless power, and he took down the best of bowlers.

However, things have since not gone according to plan for Samad, who has struggled to consistently feature in IPL matches, let alone break through. 

The right-hander played only 2 and 9 games, respectively, in IPL 2022 & IPL 2023, and had a below-average showing in IPL 2024, where he averaged 18.2 for SRH. 

But things might just end up clicking this time around for the 23-year-old, who has all the tools to be an elite hitter in the IPL. The fact that LSG still shelled INR 4.20 cr for him, despite years of ordinary returns, is proof of the faith his side has in his talent and potential. 

Abishek Porel - Delhi Capitals

22-year-old Abishek Porel leveled up big time in IPL 2024 and seized his opportunity in the injured David Warner’s absence, hammering 327 runs at a strike rate of 159.5 in his first ‘full’ season, showcasing his talent. The outstanding season led to Delhi Capitals (DC) retaining him for IPL 2025.

Well, the upcoming season might just see Porel level up further and have one of the finest seasons by a young player in the competition’s history.

The young left-hander’s career trajectory certainly suggests he might do something special. He followed up IPL 2024 with outstanding Vijay Hazare and SMAT campaigns for Bengal. 

While he smashed 335 runs at 41.88 and 158.8 in SMAT, he amassed 317 runs at 52.83 and 106 in the VHT. He also represented India ‘C’ in the Duleep Trophy, where he averaged 41.75 against the country’s best bowlers.

With guaranteed freedom batting in the top three at DC, Porel might just prove to be the ultimate surprise package this upcoming season.

Dhruv Jurel - Rajasthan Royals

IPL 2023 - Yashasvi Jaiswal

IPL 2024 - Riyan Parag

IPL 2025 - Dhruv Jurel?

The last 12 months have been life-changing for Dhruv Jurel, who apart from representing India in both Tests and T20Is, got retained by RR for a whopping 14 crore. The Royals certainly believe he is a 14 crore player - will we see that become reality in IPL 2025?

Jurel, again, has not had the best of IPL & T20 careers to date, but he is bound to get more responsibility come IPL 2025. There will be more consistent opportunities in the top five, maybe even top four, and that could prove to be the trigger for him to break through in the competition. 

The 24-year-old has already shown that he thrives under pressure, so the 14 cr price tag might end up working in Jurel’s favour in the upcoming season.

Which other young Indian batters might end up impressing in IPL 2025

Nehal Wadhera - Punjab Kings

Mahipal Lomror - Gujarat Titans

Angkrish Raghuvanshi - Kolkata Knight Riders