The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been unpredictable, and IPL 2025 is no different. While big names get massive bids in the auction, some talented players are often bought at low prices but later turn out to be match-winners. This season, a few underrated players have caught everyone’s attention with their outstanding performances.
Shardul Thakur Shines for Lucknow Super Giants
Shardul Thakur has become the talk of the town after his incredible performance against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Initially, no franchise bid for him in the IPL 2025 auction, but Lucknow Super Giants picked him as a replacement for the injured Mohsin Khan. In his very first match, Thakur turned the game around, taking four crucial wickets and leading his team to a stunning four-wicket victory over Hyderabad.
His outstanding all-round skills have impressed everyone, and reports suggest that Lucknow Super Giants might offer him a contract worth ₹2 crores in the upcoming seasons. His performance has left everyone wondering why he was overlooked in the auction.
Rinku Singh: From an Underrated Buy to a Star Performer
Rinku Singh’s journey in the IPL has been nothing short of inspiring. He was retained by Kolkata Knight Riders for ₹13 crores in 2025, but there was a time when he was bought for just ₹55-80 lakhs between 2019 and 2021.
The turning point in his career came in 2023 when he hit five sixes in a single over, securing a historic win for KKR against Gujarat Titans. Since then, Rinku has been a consistent performer and a key part of KKR’s batting lineup. His ability to finish games under pressure has made him one of the most valuable players in the league today.
A Kiwi took flight in Chennai tonight 🔥#IPLonJioCinema #TATAIPL #IPL2024 #CSKvGT #RachinRavindra pic.twitter.com/Bk6E1V7G12
— JioCinema (@JioCinema) March 26, 2024
Rachin Ravindra Proves His Worth for CSK
Another player who was initially underestimated in the auction but later proved his value is Rachin Ravindra. The Chennai Super Kings (CSK) all-rounder was bought for just ₹1.8 crores in 2024 but was retained for ₹4 crores this season after his incredible performances.
Ravindra recently played a crucial knock of 65* runs against Mumbai Indians, leading CSK to their first win of IPL 2025. His ability to perform under pressure has made him a key player for CSK, and he is expected to achieve even greater heights in the tournament.
Ashutosh Sharma’s Rise in IPL 2025
Ashutosh Sharma is another name that has surprised many this season. He was purchased by Punjab Kings for just ₹20 lakhs in IPL 2024. While his team struggled last year, his individual performances stood out. Seeing his potential, Delhi Capitals signed him for ₹3.8 crores this season.
In a recent match, Ashutosh Sharma played a breathtaking innings against Lucknow Super Giants, showcasing his incredible batting skills. His journey from an unnoticed player to a match-winner is truly inspiring for young cricketers.
Ajinkya Rahane Gets a Second Chance with KKR
Ajinkya Rahane’s career saw a surprising twist in IPL 2025. Initially, no team bid for him in the auction, leaving him unsold. However, Kolkata Knight Riders later decided to buy him for ₹1.2 crores and even appointed him as their captain.
Rahane, known for his calm and composed batting, has been a reliable player for various franchises over the years. His leadership skills and experience are expected to play a crucial role for KKR this season. The decision to bring him back into the squad might turn out to be a masterstroke.
Final Thoughts
IPL 2025 has once again shown that cricket is not just about big names and high-price tags. Players like Shardul Thakur, Rinku Singh, Rachin Ravindra, Ashutosh Sharma, and Ajinkya Rahane have proved that talent and determination matter more than price tags. As the tournament progresses, fans can expect more thrilling performances from these underdogs who have now become game-changers for their respective teams.
