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The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is entering its final chapter, with only a few matches left before the knockout drama unfolds. Gujarat Titans (GT), Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Mumbai Indians (MI) have emerged as the top four contenders, each gearing up for a fierce playoff battle.
This season has witnessed a surge of brilliant individual performances across teams, with several young guns and seasoned campaigners delivering match-winning efforts. As the league stages draw to a close, the debate around the most impactful players of the season has grown louder—and weighing in on this discussion is none other than the legendary AB de Villiers.
AB de Villiers highlights 3 most impressive players in IPL 2025
Speaking on his YouTube channel, former South Africa captain, widely regarded as “Mr. 360” for his unorthodox and all-round batting skills, named three cricketers who, in his view, have left a lasting impression this season—Sai Sudharsan, Dewald Brevis, and Josh Hazlewood.
De Villiers expressed his long-standing admiration for young Indian batter Sudharsan, emphasizing how the southpaw has finally begun to live up to the potential he had shown in previous seasons. He recalled that he had spoken highly of Sudharsan a couple of years ago and had encouraged fans to keep a close watch on him
“This season many players have surprised me with their game. Actually, I always liked Sai Sudharsan a lot. His batting in the top order impressed me a lot. I had talked about him a few seasons ago, where he had performed well and I had told all the fans to keep an eye on him. So it is good to see that he is now doing justice to his talent,” said De Villiers.
Speaking about his fellow South African, Brevis, De Villiers conveyed his happiness over Brevis’ impactful performances for Chennai Super Kings. Although Brevis didn’t feature in the entire season, AB pointed out that the youngster made the most of his limited opportunities. According to him, Brevis sent a clear message not only to CSK but to all IPL franchises that he is here to stay.
“I am very happy for Dewald Brevis and CSK. He did not have a full season, but he had to confirm his place on the CSK side or at least tell all the IPL franchises that I have come here to stay, if the auction happens again, you see me, if CSK does not retain me, then I am here and I know what I can do and he told everyone what he can do. I like him and I am very happy with his performance,” added the Proteas legend.
Also READ: IPL 2025: Dewald Brevis spills beans on his comparison with legendary AB de Villiers
De Villiers also singled out Australian fast bowler Hazlewood as his standout bowler of the season. He praised the Aussie pacer for bringing a sense of control and form to the RCB bowling attack. AB remarked that Hazlewood’s presence on the field seems to elevate the performance of his fellow bowlers, such as Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Krunal Pandya.
“After this, my favorite bowler of the season is Josh Hazlewood. When he plays, it seems that everyone has suddenly come into form, so he has given RCB a big chance. RCB’s bowlers now look in form. Hazlewood looks quite comfortable with Bhuvi, Kunal Pandya, all of them,” ABD added further.
Who will lift the trophy? The title race is wide open
With the top four locked in and each team carrying momentum into the playoffs, predicting the IPL 2025 winner is no easy feat. Gujarat Titans look settled and balanced, but RCB’s recent surge, powered by a rejuvenated bowling attack, poses a real threat. Mumbai Indians, as always, are playoff specialists, while Punjab Kings have quietly put together a solid campaign.
Also READ: Top 5 fastest fifties for CSK in IPL history ft. Dewald Brevis
