5 Underrated Players Who Might Be Picked in the IPL 2025 Mega-Auction
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long been a stage where talented cricketers, both international and local, rise to fame. Many players have made their name in the IPL even before debuting for their national teams. From foreign superstars like Glenn Maxwell and Sunil Narine to homegrown talents like Hardik Pandya and Rinku Singh, the IPL has given players a chance to shine.
As we look ahead to the IPL 2025 mega-auction, there are several players who, despite their potential, have remained under the radar. These players could be game-changers for any franchise that picks them. Here, we take a look at five underrated cricketers who might grab attention in the upcoming auction.
1. Marco Jansen
The tall South African all-rounder Marco Jansen has already proven his skills, having played for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) in past IPL seasons. Jansen is known for his ability to swing the ball early in the innings and can hit big shots when needed lower down the order. Despite not being included in recent international T20 squads, his performance in the IPL has always been noteworthy.
What sets Jansen apart is his ability to contribute with both bat and ball. He can take early wickets with the new ball, and his batting at the death can give the team crucial runs. In a league where all-rounders are in high demand, Jansen is an underrated player who can make a significant impact.
2. Glenn Phillips
New Zealand’s Glenn Phillips has quietly made his mark as one of the most reliable all-rounders in international cricket. Known for his powerful batting and handy off-spin bowling, Phillips has proven himself across different formats. In the IPL, his flexibility to play in various positions, along with his fielding prowess, makes him a valuable asset.
While Phillips has played for Rajasthan Royals in previous seasons, his performances have flown under the radar. However, his aggressive batting style and ability to take wickets with his off-spin could make him a sought-after player in the 2025 auction.
3. Will Jacks
Will Jacks is a promising English cricketer who has been a rising star in various T20 leagues around the world. Known for his explosive batting at the top of the order, Jacks can turn a game around in a matter of overs. Though he played for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the last IPL season, he didn’t get enough opportunities to showcase his full potential.
Apart from his aggressive batting, Jacks can bowl useful off-spin, making him a handy all-rounder. Given his performances in international T20 leagues, teams looking for a dynamic top-order batsman who can also contribute with the ball might consider picking him in the 2025 auction.
4. Noor Ahmed
Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmed is a rising spin sensation who has been impressive with his consistent performances. He was part of the Gujarat Titans squad and is known for his sharp spin bowling, especially in subcontinental conditions. With a bowling style similar to his fellow countryman Rashid Khan, Noor Ahmed could become an essential player for teams that are looking to strengthen their spin department.
Noor’s ability to bowl in the middle overs and contain runs while picking up wickets makes him a key player in T20 cricket. As spin bowlers are crucial in Indian conditions, Noor Ahmed’s talent might attract multiple bids during the mega-auction.
5. Sikandar Raza
Zimbabwe’s all-rounder Sikandar Raza has had a fantastic run in recent years. Raza’s ability to contribute both with the bat and ball makes him one of the most underrated cricketers in world cricket. He had a short stint with Punjab Kings in the IPL 2023, where he played a few impactful games.
Raza is known for his consistent middle-order batting, where he can anchor an innings or finish with explosive shots. His off-spin bowling is also highly effective in the T20 format. Given his all-round abilities, Raza could become a valuable pick for any team in the IPL 2025 auction, particularly those looking for a middle-order batsman who can bowl economical spells.
Conclusion
The IPL 2025 mega-auction is expected to be an exciting event with many teams looking to strengthen their squads with fresh talent. These five players—Marco Jansen, Glenn Phillips, Will Jacks, Noor Ahmed, and Sikandar Raza—have the potential to be game-changers in the next IPL season. While they may not be the biggest names in cricket right now, their underrated abilities could make them some of the most valuable picks in the auction.
Rivcky John
A prominent figure in sports journalism for the last two decades. Cricket Analyst & Writing News, Features, Match Previews/Reviews/Reports, And Opinion Pieces on Cricket. You can connect with him on Facebook also.