The IPL has consistently been a breeding ground for Indian cricketing talent
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is more than just a tournament. It is a stage where young talents announce their arrival and become international superstars. Over the years, the IPL has been a significant factor in shaping the careers of several Indian cricketers, propelling them to the national team. As the 2025 IPL approaches, let's look at some of the biggest names who owe their success to the league and have become irreplaceable in Team India.
Jasprit Bumrah's journey to success was not a quick one. The pacer from Gujarat diligently honed his skills in domestic cricket before catching the eye of Mumbai Indians in 2013. It wasn’t until 2016 that he became a regular in their squad, a testament to his perseverance and dedication. That season, he took 15 wickets and started showing glimpses of his brilliance.
Bumrah’s unorthodox action and lethal yorkers made him a nightmare for batters. His IPL heroics earned him a national call-up in 2016, and he has never looked back. Now, he is India's go-to bowler across formats. With over 205 Test wickets and consistent match-winning spells, he is considered one of the best fast bowlers in the world.
Hardik Pandya’s IPL journey began in 2015 when Mumbai Indians took a chance on a young all-rounder from Gujarat. It didn’t take long for him to make an impact. His fearless batting and handy bowling made him a crucial asset for MI. He played a key role in multiple IPL title wins and soon found himself in India’s limited-overs squad in 2016.
Over the years, Hardik established himself as India's premier fast-bowling all-rounder. Despite injuries and fluctuations in form, he remained an integral part of the team. His leadership skills also came to the fore when he captained India to the 2024 T20 World Cup title. With over 2500 IPL runs and nearly 100 international wickets, Pandya is a true match-winner.
Abhishek Sharma’s rise has been nothing short of remarkable. The Punjab cricketer was always considered a promising talent, but IPL 2024 was where he truly exploded. Playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, he became the highest six-hitter of the season with 42 maximums. His fearless batting at the top of the order made him an instant star.
His IPL success paved the way for his T20I debut. After a shaky start, he announced himself with a breathtaking century. His 135 off 54 balls against England in a T20I series was proof of his potential. With a strike rate above 190 in T20Is, Abhishek is now a key part of India's plans for the future.
Suryakumar Yadav’s journey to international cricket wasn’t easy. He spent years performing in domestic cricket and the IPL before finally getting a national call-up in 2021. His second stint with Mumbai Indians from 2018 onwards changed everything. He became their batting mainstay, guiding them to multiple title wins.
Known for his innovative shot-making and composure under pressure, the current India T20I skipper became a crucial player for India’s T20I team. He played a major role in India’s 2024 T20 World Cup triumph, showcasing his ability to handle big-match situations. With over 3500 IPL runs and 2500 T20I runs, Suryakumar continues to be India’s Mr. Reliable in the shortest format.
Sanju Samson’s talent was never in doubt. From his early days with Rajasthan Royals in 2013, he displayed elegant stroke play and fearless batting. However, consistency was an issue. Even though he made his India debut in 2015, it wasn’t until 2021 that he found his rhythm.
Leading Rajasthan Royals in the IPL transformed him. He embraced responsibility, played match-winning knocks, and earned a permanent spot in India’s squad. While he has faced stiff competition for a regular place, his IPL performances have kept him in contention. With nearly 4500 IPL runs, Samson remains a key figure in India’s white-ball cricket.
