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The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin on March 22, 2025, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in an opening match at Eden Gardens. With the world’s biggest T20 league returning, some of the finest overseas cricketers will once again look to make an impact. Each of the 10 teams boasts match-winning international talent, and we take a deep dive into the overseas stars to watch out for in IPL 2025.
Top 10 overseas players to watch out for in the IPL 2025
1. Mumbai Indians
Trent Boult has been one of the most successful overseas fast bowlers in IPL history, consistently delivering with the new ball and striking early breakthroughs. The left-arm pacer will make his return to Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2025 after the franchise secured him for a whopping INR 12.50 crore at the mega auction. This move marks Boult’s second stint with MI, having previously played a key role in their title-winning campaign in IPL 2020.
Boult is renowned for his ability to swing the new ball both ways, troubling even the best batters in world cricket. His expertise in powerplay bowling makes him an invaluable asset, especially on Mumbai’s Wankhede track, where there is early movement under lights. In his 104 IPL matches, Boult has scalped 121 wickets at an average of 26.69 and an economy rate of 8.29. His ability to strike in the powerplay and bowl crucial overs at the death makes him a must-watch bowler in IPL 2025.
2. Royal Challengers Bengaluru
England’s Phil Salt has emerged as one of the most destructive openers in white-ball cricket, showcasing his ability to take on bowlers from the first ball. His aggressive batting style, power-hitting prowess, and versatility to bat anywhere in the order make him one of the most valuable T20 players in recent times.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) secured Salt’s services for INR 11.50 crore at the mega auction, winning a fierce bidding war with KKR. This acquisition provides RCB with a massive boost at the top order, as Salt is expected to partner Virat Kohli and set the tone in the powerplay. In his IPL career so far, Salt has amassed 653 runs from 21 matches, boasting an average of 34.36 and a phenomenal strike rate of 173.53. With RCB’s batting heavily dependent on top-order performances, Salt’s ability to provide explosive starts and dominate powerplays will be crucial for their campaign. He is expected to be a key player in RCB’s quest for their maiden IPL title.
3. Lucknow Super Giants
For Lucknow Super Giants (LSG), their most significant investment ahead of IPL 2025 was retaining Nicholas Pooran for a staggering INR 21 crore. This move highlights how essential Pooran is to LSG’s batting lineup, as he has proven to be one of the most feared finishers in the shortest format.
Pooran was LSG’s best batter in IPL 2024, amassing 499 runs at an astronomical strike rate of 178.21, including three match-winning half-centuries. His ability to accelerate in the death overs, take down both pacers and spinners, and maintain his composure under pressure makes him one of the best middle-order batters in IPL history. Whenever Pooran finds form, opposition bowlers struggle to contain him. His power-hitting ability allows LSG to chase down massive targets and set formidable totals. As LSG aims for their maiden IPL title, Pooran’s finishing skills will be instrumental in their success.
4. Chennai Super Kings
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) have made Matheesha Pathirana one of their key bowlers for IPL 2025 by retaining him for INR 13 crore ahead of the mega auction. Known for his slingy action and unplayable yorkers, the Sri Lankan pacer is being groomed as CSK’s death-over specialist, following in the footsteps of legendary bowlers like Lasith Malinga and Dwayne Bravo.
Pathirana had a breakthrough season in IPL 2023, where he scalped 19 wickets in 12 matches, maintaining an economy rate of 8.00. Despite missing half of IPL 2024 due to injury, he still managed to claim 13 wickets in just six games at an economy of 7.68, proving his ability to bowl under pressure and execute pinpoint yorkers in the slog overs.
While his SA20 campaign for Joburg Super Kings was underwhelming – with only three wickets in six matches at an economy of 10.47—Pathirana’s proven IPL record suggests he will once again be CSK’s main weapon in the death overs. His ability to bowl 145+ kmph consistently, mix it up with slower deliveries, and execute toe-crushing yorkers makes him a nightmare for batters in the final overs.
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5. Kolkata Knight Riders
A name synonymous with KKR’s dominance in the IPL, Sunil Narine remains one of the most impactful all-rounders in the tournament’s history. With three IPL titles and three MVP awards, Narine is not just a bowler who chokes opposition batters but also a valuable batter who can change the game in the powerplay.
Across 177 matches, Narine has picked up 180 wickets at an exceptional economy of 6.73, making him one of the most economical bowlers in IPL history. On the batting front, he has contributed 1,534 runs at a strike rate of 162.70, often being used as an explosive opener. In IPL 2024, Narine was at his best, winning the MVP award for the third time with 488 runs and 17 wickets. His ability to take wickets in crucial moments, provide quick runs at the top, and deliver in high-pressure situations makes him an indispensable asset for KKR’s title defense in 2025.
6. Sunrisers Hyderabad
One of the most destructive middle-order batters in world cricket today, Heinrich Klaasen has been a revelation for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) since joining them in IPL 2023. His ability to take down both spinners and pacers with his innovative stroke play makes him one of the most dangerous finishers in the tournament.
Klaasen has an outstanding IPL record, amassing 993 runs at an average of 38.19 and a breathtaking strike rate of 168.30. His numbers with SRH are even more impressive, scoring 928 runs from 28 matches at 44.14, with a strike rate of 173.92. His ability to clear boundaries with ease, accelerate in the death overs, and turn games on their head makes him a key player for SRH’s title aspirations in IPL 2025.
7. Delhi Capitals
After a sensational return to IPL in 2024, Mitchell Starc played a pivotal role in KKR’s title-winning campaign. While he had a slow start to the season, his performances in Qualifier 1 and the final were game-changing, reinforcing his status as one of the best white-ball bowlers in the world.
In IPL 2024, Starc picked up 17 wickets at 26.11, proving that despite a long hiatus from the IPL, he still possesses the ability to deliver on the biggest stage. However, this season, he will turn out for Delhi Capitals (DC), after being signed at the mega auction. Having missed the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, Starc will be fresh and raring to go, making him a lethal prospect for opposition batters. His ability to swing the new ball, bowl toe-crushing yorkers, and unleash his short-ball tactics will make him DC’s premier bowling weapon.
8. Rajasthan Royals
With Rajasthan Royals (RR) parting ways with Yuzvendra Chahal, they have found an able replacement in Wanindu Hasaranga, Sri Lanka’s premier leg-spinner. A proven match-winner in T20 cricket, Hasaranga brings control, wicket-taking ability, and sharp variations to the RR bowling attack.
The Sri Lankan star has taken 305 wickets from 212 T20 matches at an impressive average of 16.65, including nine four-wicket hauls and three five-fors. His ability to strike at crucial moments and build pressure in the middle overs makes him an essential cog in RR’s bowling plans. Moreover, Hasaranga’s handy batting ability lower down the order gives RR additional depth, allowing them flexibility with team combinations. Given that Jaipur’s pitch offers assistance to spinners, Hasaranga could play a vital role in RR’s campaign in IPL 2025.
9. Gujarat Titans
Rashid Khan, the Afghanistan spin sensation, has been one of the most consistent and valuable players in IPL history. Having played a pivotal role in Gujarat Titans’ (GT) IPL 2022 title-winning campaign, Rashid remains their biggest match-winner with both ball and bat.
The leg-spinner has 149 wickets in 121 IPL matches at an exceptional economy rate of 6.67, making him one of the hardest bowlers to score against. His ability to bowl in the powerplay, choke the opposition in the middle overs, and defend runs at the death makes him an irreplaceable asset for GT.
What makes Rashid even more dangerous is his improved batting. In the last couple of seasons, he has played some unbelievable cameos, striking at over 150 in the death overs. GT often uses him as a finisher, and his ability to clear boundaries with ease adds another dimension to their lineup. With IPL 2025 expected to be a high-scoring season, Rashid’s role will be even more crucial as GT look to reclaim the title.
10. Punjab Kings
Glenn Maxwell, the Australian powerhouse, is one of the most dynamic T20 cricketers in the world. Having previously played for RCB, Mumbai and Delhi, Maxwell has now moved back to Punjab Kings (PBKS), where he played in the early stages of his IPL career.
Maxwell is known for his fearless batting, 360-degree stroke play, and ability to accelerate at will. In IPL 2024, he had an underwhelming season, but under Ricky Ponting’s coaching, he will be keen to make a statement in IPL 2025.
With over 2,700 IPL runs at a strike rate of 157.70, Maxwell is a true game-changer. He can destroy any bowling attack, especially against spinners, making him an ideal player for Punjab’s middle order. Additionally, his part-time off-spin gives PBKS another bowling option, making him a vital asset. With Punjab aiming for their maiden IPL title, Maxwell’s experience, explosive batting, and leadership skills will be crucial to their success in 2025.
