Vaibhav Suryavanshi to Kranti Gaud: Five breakout talents who made 2025 unforgettable

Five breakout talents who made 2025 unforgettable.

As is the case every year, Indian cricket supporters witnessed the emergence of several fine talents in what turned out to be another memorable year in 2025. Overall, it was a season that offered far more moments of joy than disappointment. Victories in the Champions Trophy and the Asia Cup, along with a hard-fought draw in the five-match Test series in England, stood out as major highlights. The women’s team, however, earned even greater acclaim after creating history by winning the 50-over World Cup, having earlier secured a series win in England. In between, the IPL and the WPL once again served as platforms for new talent to emerge. Many players made a lasting impression this year through their performances.

If they continue to meet the high benchmarks they have already set, these players could go on to rule the international stage for years to come. In this listicle, we take a closer look at five Indian players who enjoyed breakthrough seasons.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Photo: X)

Vaibhav Suryavanshi

A six off the first ball and a record-tumbling century in his debut IPL season saw Suryavanshi shoot to fame with his explosive batting in the cash-rich league. At just 14, he left fans and experts alike in awe. His impact was not limited to the IPL; representing India at the U19 level and Bihar in senior cricket, Suryavanshi remained consistent throughout the year and regularly made headlines.

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Many players can only dream of achieving what he has managed at such a young age. The Bihar-born cricketer appears destined for greatness and will always look back at 2025 with a smile, as it was the year that presented him with opportunities he seized with both hands.

Priyansh Arya (BCCI Image)

Priyansh Arya

Another left-handed batter who caught the eye in his maiden IPL season was Priyansh Arya. The Delhi-based batter was entrusted with the opening role by Ricky Ponting at PBKS, and he made full use of the opportunity. In his first IPL campaign, he scored 475 runs in 17 matches, including a century and two fifties.

His strike rate of 179.24 drew plenty of attention, as he struck the ball cleanly during PBKS’s run to the final. A strong IPL season opened further doors, earning him opportunities with India A and in the Ranji Trophy. Priyansh will be keen to replicate this form next year to strengthen his chances of an India debut.

Harsh Dubey (BCCI Photo)

Harsh Dubey

At the start of the year, few knew much about Harsh Dubey. However, a record-breaking Ranji Trophy season, in which he surpassed Bishan Singh Bedi’s record for the most wickets in a single season, brought the Vidarbha all-rounder into the spotlight. A surprise mid-season IPL call-up by SRH and a brief stint allowed him to claim the prized wicket of Virat Kohli. The spin-bowling all-rounder was then named in the India A squad for the tour of England.

Later in the year, he travelled with the Jitesh Sharma-led India A side for the Rising Stars Asia Cup. By year’s end, Dubey had been appointed captain of Vidarbha’s white-ball teams, and such was his rise that SRH retained him ahead of the auction. In every sense, this was Harsh’s year, and his steady growth suggests there is much more to come in 2026.

Amanjot Kaur (BCCI Photo)

Amanjot Kaur

Among the many highlights of Amanjot Kaur’s year, her crucial catch to dismiss Nadine de Klerk, who was threatening to turn the tide of South Africa’s chase, stands out. That moment swung the momentum firmly in India’s favour in the World Cup final.

Yet, her contributions extended well beyond that single moment. In the WPL, she won the Emerging Player of the Season award for her vital cameos with the bat, her ability to bowl difficult overs, and her sharp fielding in key positions for Mumbai Indians, playing a huge role in their title-winning campaign. She also contributed meaningfully to India’s historic World Cup triumph with bat, ball, and in the field.

Kranti Gaud (AP Image)

Kranti Gaud

One person’s loss became another’s gain, as Renuka Singh Thakur’s injury handed Kranti Gaud her opportunity. Known for her ability to swing the ball both ways, Kranti made an immediate impact, particularly in the Powerplay.

Her six-wicket haul at Chester-le-Street not only helped India secure victory but also sealed her place in the World Cup squad. With nine wickets in eight matches, she delivered crucial breakthroughs throughout the tournament. If ever there was a fairytale beginning to an international career, this was it.