The IPL 2025 season is here, and it’s already living up to the hype! From thrilling last-over finishes to jaw-dropping individual performances, the opening matches have given cricket fans plenty to cheer about. Some players stepped up under pressure, while others delivered moments of pure magic that shifted the momentum for their teams. Here’s a closer look at the stars who made a statement in their team’s first match of the season. (Image: AP)
2/12
1. Ajinkya Rahane – The Calm Amid the Storm Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) Ajinkya Rahane might be known for his classical batting style, but in KKR’s opening game, he brought out his aggressive side. His 56 off 31 balls was a masterclass in controlled aggression. Whether it was piercing the gaps or finding the boundary with effortless ease, Rahane’s innings laid the foundation for KKR’s competitive total of 174/8 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Despite his heroics, KKR couldn’t hold off RCB’s power-packed chase—but Rahane’s form is a huge positive for the team going forward. (Image: AP)
3/12
2. Virat Kohli – Vintage and Unstoppable Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) When the pressure’s on, who else but Virat Kohli? The RCB icon delivered a 59 off 36 balls, anchoring the innings with his trademark flair. From elegant cover drives to sharp running between the wickets, Kohli made sure RCB stayed in the hunt despite losing early wickets. (Image: AP)
4/12
3. Krunal Pandya – The Game-Changer with the Ball Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) Just when KKR looked set for a massive total, Krunal Pandya turned the game around. His 3/29 included key breakthroughs that slowed KKR’s momentum. With both bat and ball firing, RCB started their season with a thrilling win, and Pandya’s versatility looks to be a key weapon this year. (Image: X/ RCB)
4. Ishan Kishan – A Century to Remember Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) If there was one performance that lit up the opening week, it was Ishan Kishan’s breathtaking 106 off 47 balls. It was the kind of innings you expect from a superstar—fearless, explosive, and absolutely ruthless. Kishan’s onslaught in the death overs took SRH to a mammoth 286/6, leaving Rajasthan Royals (RR) with an impossible task. SRH fans will be hoping this is just the beginning of a record-breaking season for their star batter. (Image: AP)
6/12
5. Dhruv Jurel – The Fighter Who Almost Did It Rajasthan Royals (RR) Chasing over 200 is never easy, but Dhruv Jurel wasn’t going down without a fight. His 70 off 35 balls was full of intent—powerful drives, delicate flicks, and no fear of the big stage. Though RR fell short, Jurel’s performance showed he’s ready to be a match-winner and a future leader for the franchise. (Image: AP)
7/12
6. Noor Ahmad – The Spin Magician Chennai Super Kings (CSK) While much of the talk was about Ruturaj Gaikwad and Rachin Ravindra’s solid starts, it was Noor Ahmad who stole the spotlight. The young Afghan spinner spun a web around Mumbai Indians, finishing with incredible figures of 4/18. His sharp turn and subtle variations left MI’s batters clueless and helped CSK restrict them to 155/9. CSK’s ability to unearth hidden gems continues—and Noor Ahmad might just be their next superstar. (Image: AP)
8/12
7. Vignesh Puthur – A Debut to Remember Mumbai Indians (MI) In a team full of international stars, it was debutant Vignesh Puthur who almost turned the game on its head. His 3/32 put CSK’s batters under real pressure during the final overs. While MI couldn’t quite defend their total, Puthur’s calmness in high-pressure situations was a huge positive. (Image: AP)
8. Ashutosh Sharma – The Ice-Cool Finisher Delhi Capitals (DC) When Delhi Capitals needed a hero, Ashutosh Sharma stepped up. His unbeaten 66 off 31 balls was the definition of clutch. With DC needing big runs in the final overs against Lucknow Super Giants, Sharma unleashed a flurry of boundaries, sealing the win with just a few balls to spare. His fearless approach could make him one of the breakout stars of IPL 2025. (Image: AP)
10/12
9. Nicholas Pooran – Power Personified Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) When Nicholas Pooran is on song, bowlers beware. His 75 off 30 balls was a reminder of why he’s one of the most dangerous batters in T20 cricket. His ability to clear the ropes with ease powered LSG to a competitive 209/8. Although LSG couldn’t defend their total, Pooran’s form is a big boost for the games ahead. (Image: AP)
11/12
10. Shreyas Iyer – Leading from the Front Punjab Kings (PBKS) A captain’s knock if there ever was one! Shreyas Iyer played an absolute blinder, smashing 97 off 42 balls. From elegant strokes to calculated aggression, Iyer’s innings powered PBKS to a daunting 243/5 against Gujarat Titans (GT). His leadership with the bat will be crucial if PBKS hopes to make a serious title run this year. (Image: AP)
12/12
11. R Sai Kishore – The Silent Assassin Gujarat Titans (GT) In a game dominated by batters, left-arm spinner R Sai Kishore quietly made his mark. His 3/30, including two wickets in two balls, gave GT a fighting chance. His ability to strike at key moments has already pushed him into the top five of the Purple Cap race. (Image: AP)
Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytelling—both visual and textual—across travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences.
