From MS Dhoni to Digvesh Rathi: How have uncapped players fared in IPL 2025 so far? | Cricket News – The Times of India

NEW DELHI: As the Indian Premier League 2025 crosses its halfway mark, it’s not just the superstars who have made headlines.
This season has witnessed an exciting surge of uncapped players stepping into the spotlight, proving their mettle in high-pressure situations.
While legends like MS Dhoni, who entered the league as an uncapped player due to a rule change, continue to draw crowds, it’s the lesser-known names: Digvesh Rathi, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, and Ashwani Kumar, among others, who’ve turned heads and started carving their own legacy.
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Digvesh Rathi leads the pack of uncapped bowlers

Among the uncapped bowlers, Digvesh Rathi of Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) has arguably been the most consistent.
In eight matches so far, the leggie has picked up nine wickets at an economy of 7.43, a commendable rate in today’s batting-dominant format.
His best of 2/30 might not be headline-grabbing, but Rathi’s control and temperament under pressure, powered by his unorthodox bowling action, have added real depth to LSG’s bowling arsenal.
Close on his heels is Kolkata Knight Riders‘ Vaibhav Arora, whose eight wickets in just six matches have come at a strike rate of 16.12.
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While his economy (9.11) suggests a bit of leakage, Arora’s knack for breakthroughs has made him invaluable.
Mumbai Indians’ Vignesh Puthur has been a revelation in fewer opportunities: six wickets in four matches at a superb average of 15.66.
However, it’s Ashwani Kumar who provided one of the most eye-catching performances of the season. He notched a four-wicket haul in his maiden league appearance, becoming the first Indian to take four wickets on IPL debut.
If MI use him smartly in the latter half, he could turn into a late-season X-factor.
Meanwhile, some uncapped bowlers have struggled to adapt. Simarjeet Singh, Prince Yadav, and Yash Thakur have all gone for 10-plus runs an over, with high bowling averages and minimal impact.
While these young guns show promise, the pressure of the IPL spotlight is clearly a tough crucible.
Another name making waves is Punjab’s Priyansh Arya, who smacked a blistering 103 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK) in his fourth IPL start. Currently, he boasts a mind-boggling strike rate of over 200.

With 254 runs, he’s played the aggressor’s role to perfection.
Teammates Nehal Wadhera and Prabhsimran Singh have added substance to Punjab’s batting, with both showing improved shot selection and situational awareness.
Abishek Porel (DC) and Amanjot Raghuvanshi (KKR) have been steady performers in the middle order, while Aniket Verma (SRH), with a strike rate of 187.05, has delivered explosive cameos that have turned matches.
Asutosh Sharma has emerged as Delhi’s clutch finisher, striking at 178.94 with a cool head and a fearless blade in the death overs.

However, not all uncapped batters have flourished.
Naman Dhir, Ramandeep Singh, and Sameer Rizvi have had underwhelming runs, showing flashes of brilliance but lacking consistency.

How has MS Dhoni performed as IPL’s oldest uncapped player?

Even as these youngsters make their mark, MS Dhoni’s presence continues to be magnetic. Albeit, considering the 43-year-old — who played over 500 matches for India — qualifies as an uncapped player by a rule change, the comparisons are hardly like-for-like.
On the face of it, the numbers paint a rosy picture. Batting precariously down the order, the former Indian skipper has scored 134 runs in 8 matches with a stunning strike rate of 152.27.
Again, considering he’s no ordinary ‘uncapped’ player, these are paltry returns for someone of his experience.
As some of these names, such as Rathi, bring their names into a conversation for national team selection, if there’s one certainty in IPL, it’s that heroes can emerge from the unlikeliest corners, and maybe we can find a new one today?