Hidden Gems Of IPL 2025: 5 Underrated Batters With Massive Impact

Probuddha Bhattacharjee

Nehal Wadhera and Tristan Stubbs [Source: AP Photos]Nehal Wadhera and Tristan Stubbs [Source: AP Photos]

The Indian Premier League is all about displaying your brilliance at the highest level of the game. While the limelight of the tournament is often taken away by big names like the Virat Kohlis, Rohit Sharmas or the MS Dhonis, some names often arise each year who announce themselves with their performances and show the world that they are ready for the biggest stage.

Much like every year, IPL 2025 has also seen some underrated batters scoring tons of runs. In this article, we will take a look at the names, who have not been in too much discussion but have played some crucial knocks and have made a case for themselves. 

5. Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals)

Tristan Stubbs has been Delhi Capitals' most consistent performer with remarkable numbers that tell a story of quiet excellence. Averaging an outstanding 50 with a strike rate of 150.75, the South African has provided the dynamism DC desperately needed in their lower middle-order.

How Stubbs has been impactful despite being underrated:

  • Exceptional average of 50 - one of the highest among regular middle-order batters in the tournament
  • Adaptable batting approach - seamlessly switches between anchor and aggressor roles
  • Consistent performances - delivers in pressure situations when top order fails
  • Power-hitting capability - 11 sixes showcase boundary-hitting skills
  • Strategic value - provided DC with reliable option in the lower middle order

4. Angkrish Raghuvanshi (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Angkrish Raghuvanshi [Source: AP Photos]Angkrish Raghuvanshi [Source: AP Photos]

The young Angkrish Raghuvanshi has been Kolkata Knight Riders' surprise package, delivering crucial contributions when it mattered most. His powerplay strike rate of 176.70 showcases explosive capability, while his overall average of 33.33 demonstrates consistency that championship teams require.

How Raghuvanshi has been impactful despite being underrated:

  • Explosive powerplay striking - 176.70 strike rate in first six overs makes him lethal upfront
  • Tactical flexibility - provides KKR multiple batting order options
  • Strike rotation mastery - combines boundary hitting with intelligent single-taking
  • Maturity beyond years - handles pressure situations with composure
  • Overshadowed by superstars - operated quietly behind Narine, Russell, and other established names

3. Nehal Wadhera (Punjab Kings)

Nehal Wadhera has emerged as Punjab Kings' secret weapon in the middle order, combining consistency with explosive finishing ability. His death-over strike rate of 188.20 places him among the tournament's most dangerous finishers, yet he operates largely unnoticed alongside Punjab's star-studded lineup.

How Wadhera has been impactful despite being underrated:

  • Death-over specialist - 188.20 strike rate in overs 16-20 makes him one of the elite finishers of the tournament
  • Power-hitting prowess - 20 sixes demonstrate consistent boundary-clearing ability
  • Versatile batting role - can anchor innings or explode when quick runs needed
  • Pressure situation performer - delivers consistently when established batters struggle
  • Average excellence - 32.18 average shows he's a complete batter, not just power-hitter
  • Star-studded overshadowing - gets lost behind Shreyas Iyer and explosive opening pair

2. Ayush Badoni (Lucknow Super Giants)

In a Lucknow Super Giants lineup featuring expensive acquisitions like Rishabh Pant and Nicholas Pooran, Ayush Badoni has quietly emerged as their most dependable Indian batter. His runs per match average of 29.91 and consistent strike rate of 148.19 have provided LSG with the stability their star-studded lineup requires.

How Badoni has been impactful despite being underrated:

  1. Consistency benchmark - Nearly 30 runs per match makes him LSG's most reliable Indian batter
  2. Partnership building - provides crucial stability between explosive overseas stars
  3. Situational adaptability - excels against both pace and spin in different match phases
  4. Batting depth provider - ensures LSG's strength extends beyond headline signings
  5. High-profile overshadowing - gets minimal attention due to Pant's ₹27 crore price tag and Pooran's reputation

1. Naman Dhir (Mumbai Indians)

Naman Dhir [Source: AP Photos]Naman Dhir [Source: AP Photos]

Naman Dhir has been Mumbai Indians' most explosive finisher with a remarkable strike rate of 182.60, yet he operates in the shadows of the franchise's legendary lineup. His ability to provide quick-fire cameos in death overs has proven crucial for MI's batting depth.

How Dhir has been impactful despite being underrated:

  • Elite finishing strike rate - 191.40 places him among tournament's most explosive death-over batters
  • Power-hitting efficiency - 13 sixes in limited opportunities showcase boundary-clearing consistency
  • High-pressure performer - delivers immediately upon entry during crucial game phases
  • Batting depth enhancement - provides MI with reliable lower-order firepower
  • Legendary lineup overshadowing - got lost behind Rohit, Surya, and other MI superstars

Conclusion

These five batters have been very impatful in the role they were given. While certain big names have overshadowed them, these batters have quietly played their role and did exactly what was asked of them by the management.