The conversation with current Indian ball twirler Kuldeep Yadav sparked a little excitement in the hearts of the fans as he compared the legendary footballers of all times to some of India's top-end cricketers. This comparison shows the common skills, mindset, and play style of both sports, and the crossover is an effective one.

Virat Kohli as Cristiano Ronaldo & Rohit Sharma as Steven Gerrard:

According to Kuldeep Yadav, Virat is a reflection of Cristiano Ronaldo, who is also known for his hard work, how he has led the team, and his ability to perform during the most tense parts of the game. On the other hand, Kuldeep drew a parallel between Rohit Sharma and Steven Gerrard, saying that they are both level-headed players, very tactful, and win games often.

Also Read:-Mohammad Siraj gets emotional after joining Gujarat Titans

MS Dhoni as Paul Scholes & Jasprit Bumrah as Zlatan Ibrahimovic:

MS Dhoni, who is a legend in his own right, was compared to Paul Scholes, as both of them were known for their intelligent and composed playing abilities as well as the control of the game. Jasprit Bumrah was his equal among Indian players because he was likened to Zlatan Ibrahimovic, who was unpredictable and had a style that was both unconventional and highly dominant.

Kuldeep Yadav compares Indian cricketers to football legends! ⚽🏏🔥

Kohli – Ronaldo | Rohit – Gerrard | Dhoni – Scholes
Bumrah – Zlatan | Pant – Salah | Hardik – Rooney
KL Rahul – Van Dijk | Yashasvi Jaiswal – Foden | Kuldeep – B. Silva

Agree with his picks? 🤔🔥#Cricket pic.twitter.com/IkIitrBg9b

— Akaran.A (@Akaran_1) March 25, 2025

Rishabh Pant as Mohamed Salah and Kuldeep Yadav as Bernardo Silva:

Kuldeep Yadav equated Rishabh Pant with Mohamed Salah, as both of them are immensely quick guys who can score in no time and sham opponents as they zigzag around. Similar to Salah's surprise blitzes and his goal-getter skills, Pant also pours out the same venom in cricket, and his attacking game can be crucial in winning the match.
Yet, Kuldeep Yadav was not only like Bernardo Silva but wider as well, which made everyone notice his excellent control, inventiveness, and skillful playing that led to outmaneuvering his competitors. The considerable dexterous play of Silva in football and his game sense very well reflect Kuldeep’s gripping his wrist-spin moves and tactical way of bowling, which usually perplexes hitters.

Also Read:-RR vs KKR – Weather & Pitch report

KL Rahul as Virgil van Dijk & Hardik Pandya as Wayne Rooney:

Kuldeep was amazed at how alike KL Rahul and Virgil van Dijk are while considering some of their special qualities like their coolness, dependability, and their capability to hold the middle order. As a rock-solid defense player, Van Dijk glues the team's batting order by batting in different formats, while Rahul challenges the pressure with ease, thereby giving their side stability.
Elsewhere, Hardik Pandya was likened to Wayne Rooney, which means he is bravely aggressive, omnipotent, and has the winner-takes-all mentality. Parallel to Pens' Rooney, Pandya gets to up his game when there's a do-or-die moment, using his abilities to the maximum the game over, be it striking or breaking the crucial wicket.

INDIAN PLAYERS WHAT THEY WOULD BE LIKE IF THEY WERE FOOTBALLERS - KULDEEP YADAV! 🌟

Virat Kohli - Ronaldo
Rohit Sharma - Gerrard
MS Dhoni - Paul Scholes
Bumrah - Zlatan
Rishabh Pant - M Salah
Kuldeep Yadav - B Silva
KL Rahul - Van Dijk
Hardik Pandya - Rooney
Yashasvi - Foden pic.twitter.com/4G4ayw0vCn

— Being Human (@BhttDNSH100) March 25, 2025

Yashasvi Jaiswal as Phil Foden:

Kuldeep was of the opinion that Yashasvi Jaiswal was like the very young Phil Foden because both of them were young, had immense talent, and were able to win matches by their own performances.  Similar to Foden, who possesses the power of technique and instinct in attacking, Jaiswal is one of the strongest cricket talents of India, which we have found recently; he can play fearlessly and switch smoothly from T20's to the other formats.

Kuldeep’s comparisons have sparked engaging discussions among fans, drawing exciting parallels between cricket and football while showcasing the unique strengths of these players in their respective sports.

1. Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans) 

Shubman Gill continues to demonstrate that he is one of the best batters in modern-day cricket. He won the Orange Cap in 2023 and scored freely in 2024 as well. Gill's stroking ability and timing create a good chance for him to be at the top of the rankings again accounted again. Will he pull it off?

2. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bangalore)

King Kohli is back, and he is hungrier than before! After winning the Orange Cap in 2024, the RCB great has his sights set on back-to-back wins. With over 8,000 IPL runs, he has been a batting machine for years now. Fitness, mental strength, and ability to capitalize on any bowling attack heads him to be a major contender once again. Will Kohli reign supreme amongst the IPL yet again?  

3. Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings)

Taking on the captaincy of Chennai Super Kings is itself some excruciating pressure but Ruturaj Gaikwad has shown it was time to put in the hard work. He was the second-highest run-scorer in 2024, and based only on his calm, yet attacking style of play, looks geared to make a run at the pinnacle of leads.

4. Jos Buttler (Gujarat Titans)

Not many players can match the invincible, menacing or destructive batting of Jos Buttler. The former Orange Cap holder is now with the Gujarat Titans, and his unique ability to dismantle bowling attacks makes him a huge threat. If Buttler gets going, bowlers will surely not sleep easy!

Also Read: Will MS Dhoni Retire in 2025? CSK’s Future Without Thala

5. Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals)

Quickly becoming one of the most engrossing young batters in the IPL, Yashasvi Jaiswal has proven already that he can take down the very best. His fearless brand of Cricket and consistency at the top places him in serious contention for winning the Orange Cap this season. Has this become Jaiswal's breakout IPL season?

6. Travis Head (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

In the way that Travis Head made a mockery of the competition in the IPL 2024 season was nothing short of extraordinary. There was no doubt he was the HORSEPOWER bat in the batting lineup for SRH playing a decisive role with extreme aggressive nature and with an unprecedented strike rate. If he continues in the same vein, there is literally no ceiling of what he can achieve with the Orange Cap in the IPL!

7. KL Rahul (Delhi Capitals)

A new team, a new story! KL Rahul is now with the Capitals and will definitely be keen to make a statement. He has been one of the more consistent batters in IPL history and could provide serious contention for the Orange Cap if he finds his rhythm quickly. he could be a serious Orange Cap conender.

8. Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai Indians)

The 360° Genius Even though Suryakumar Yadav is regarded as one of the best T20 batters on the planet, he has never yet achieved the Orange Cap! He is a law of the game nightmare for bowlers with his unorthodox but effective styles. If not this IPL season, will 2025 do it for SKY?

Also Read: Mumbai Indians have released their new anthem for IPL 2025

Who will wear the Orange Cap in 2025?

The IPL is unpredictable every season brings new heroes. Will we see a young player take the honors, or will an experienced star once again take home the trophy?

Who do you all think are the favorites for the Orange Cap this season? Let us know your predictions!

The Indian Premier League has transformed the lives of many cricketers from any financial backgrounds to financially secure lives. Some of the biggest IPL stars had to face financial hardships before making it big. Here are a few inspiring stories of cricketers who turned from rags to riches through the IPL..

1. Ravindra Jadeja - From RS.10 a Day to International Cricket stardom

Ravindra Jadeja's growing years were in a family below the poverty line in Gujarat, where his father was a security guard. Sometimes, during Jadeja's early cricketing days, he managed to survive on just Rs. 10 per day. It was in the 2008 Under-19 World Cup that this talent shone, and he got to represent the Rajasthan Royals in the first season of the IPL. His all-round talents bagged him a whopping Rs. 16 crore deal with Chennai Super Kings in 2023, moving him from a boy of little means to an IPL and international cricket star.

2. Hardik Pandya - Struggles to Stardom

He and his family lived in a small house in Baroda, and they faced vicious financial struggles. His father did odd jobs in order to support his cricket training. At one time, Hardik Pandya and his brother Krunal survived on Maggi noodles because there was no money. The spark he showed in domestic cricket made the Mumbai Indians notice him, and he was bought for a mere ₹10 lakh in 2015. Soon, however, he became a millionaire through his performances on the pitch, and in 2022, Gujarat Titans signed him for a whopping ₹15 crore, making him one of the highest-paid IPL players.

3. T. Natarajan - From a Village Boy to IPL Hero 

Hailing From Chinnappampatti, a small village in Tamil Nadu, his journey to the IPL is filled with hardship. His father had been a daily wager, and his mother managed a roadside food stall. The family financial situation almost made him quit cricket, but determined, T. Natarajan kept going. His big break came in the Tamil Nadu Premier League, which won him an IPL contract with Kings XI Punjab in 2017. Later, in 2020, Sunrisers Hyderabad chose him for ₹40 lakhs, making him a yorker specialist and earning a call to India.

4. Mohammed Siraj - From auto driver's son to IPL millionaire

Mohammed Siraj, the son of an auto rickshaw driver in Hyderabad, grew up in abject poverty. His father toiled tirelessly to make sure that cricket did not remain just a dream for his son. His real life began in 2017 when he was bought for ₹2.6 crore by Sunrisers Hyderabad. Later, he was signed by Royal Challengers Bangalore. His earnings reached ₹7 crore in every season by 2022. Today, Siraj is a key player for India and a role model for aspiring cricketers from underprivileged backgrounds.

Also Read: India vs New Zealand Final, ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Live Streaming & Where to Watch?

5. Rinku Singh - From Struggling Laborer to IPL Sensation

Rinku Singh’s life, too, is an inspiring tale of grit and determination. His father was a delivery man for an LPG company, and he lived in a small home with his family. After years of hardship and scuffle, he was finally chosen in IPL by Kolkata Knight Riders. In IPL 2023, he gave his life a great boost when, in the last over, he cracked five sixes to win the match. From there, his fortune and fame skyrocketed, and he has credited that for securing his family's future.

6. Yashasvi Jaiswal - From Selling Pani Puri to IPL Stardom

This journey of Yashasvi Jaiswal is one of the most touching in cricket. He came to Mumbai as a child to realize his dreams of becoming a cricketer, but the prospect of living there was daunting. He lived in a tent near Azad Maidan, selling pani puris to make ends meet. He kept on playing despite all the hardships and eventually impressed in domestic cricket. Rajasthan Royals picked him for ₹2.4 crore in 2020, and in 2023, he emerged as one among the IPL's top young stars.

IPL is more than just a cricket tournament; it is a platform that changes lives. These cricketers have shown that talent, perseverance, and hard work can help in getting through any obstacle. Their stories, moving from poverty to riches, inspire millions of aspiring cricketers worldwide.

India opener Yashasvi Jaiswal has been sidelined for the Ranji Trophy semifinal against Vidarbha with left ankle pain. The game is to be staged in Nagpur tomorrow.
Jaiswal, in top form, will now undergo rehabilitation at the BCCI's Centre of Excellence in Bengaluru .His loss is a huge blow to Mumbai, as he has been their go-to player in the tournament.
The management of the Mumbai team will now need to find a replacement for the space created by Jaiswal's injury. Teammates and fans will be looking forward to his speedy recovery so that he can join the game as soon as possible.

🚨 NO JAISWAL IN RANJI SEMIS. 🚨

- Yashasvi Jaiswal has been ruled out of the Ranji Trophy Semi Final due to ankle pain. (Gaurav Gupta/TOI). pic.twitter.com/bbFTvdSlOg

— Mufaddal Vohra (@mufaddal_vohra) February 16, 2025

The Stage For The Semi-Final is to begin :

ALSO SEE :  Washington Sundar : A star in IPL ,6 Lakh in TNPL auction

Topping Group A with six victories from seven encounters, Vidarbha, the dark horse of the tournament, enters the semi-final. Karun Nair and the pace of Umesh Yadav have driven Vidarbha, winning on home soil. Atharva Taide and Dhruv Shorey have been the stalwarts of their batting order, and spinner Aditya Sarwate is a worry for the opposition on Nagpur's spin-friendly pitch.

Mumbai, though, has a counter in the left-arm spin of Shams Mulani and Rahane's experience, whose leadership will prove instrumental in coping with the pressure.

Harshit Rana replaces Jasprit Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah will miss the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, starting on February 19, due to a back injury. He got injured during the final Test against Australia in Sydney last month and had been recovering at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru. Fans were hoping for his return, but sadly, that won’t happen.  

The BCCI confirmed the news on Tuesday. BCCI said that, "Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out of the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy due to a lower back injury. The Selection Committee has named Harshit Rana as his replacement."

ALSO READ: Varun Chakaravarthy Replaces Yashasvi Jaiswal in Champions Trophy for India, Know Why?

Two big changes in India’s final squad for Champions Trophy 2025 from the provisional squad! 🔄🇮🇳

What do you make of these updates? 🤔#CricketTwitter pic.twitter.com/w8xZdlXpIg

— Sportskeeda (@Sportskeeda) February 11, 2025

Varun Chakaravarthy replaces Yashasvi Jaiswal

Meanwhile, mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy has earned a spot in the squad after his impressive performance in the T20I series and Second ODI against England. He will replace attacking batter Yashasvi Jaiswal. The BCCI also said, "Varun Chakaravarthy has been added to the squad, replacing Yashasvi Jaiswal, who was originally part of the provisional squad."

India’s squad for ICC Champions Trophy, 2025: Rohit Sharma (Captain), Shubman Gill (Vice-captain), Virat Kohli, Shreyas Iyer, KL Rahul (WK), Rishabh Pant (WK), Hardik Pandya, Axar Patel, Washington Sundar, Kuldeep Yadav, Harshit Rana, Mohd. Shami, Arshdeep Singh, Ravindra Jadeja, Varun Chakaravarthy.

Non Travelling substitutes: Yashasvi Jaiswal, Mohammed Siraj and Shivam Dube

This is a surprising move from India to make a important key change to its squad for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy. Varun Chakaravarthy has been taken in to team in replace of young opener Yashasvi Jaiswal in the final team selection.

Chakaravarthy Performance in recent matches :
Chakaravarthy had a fantastic series against England in T20I, where he took 14 wickets and Player of the Series . The selectors were impressed with his ability to spin and trap batsmen with his variations , which made him a player in the tournament.

INDIAN CHAMPIONS TROPHY CHANGES:

- Harshit replaces Bumrah.

- Varun replaces Jaiswal. pic.twitter.com/8ncL9Cax8B

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 11, 2025

ALSO SEE : ICC Champions Trophy 2025: Jasprit Bumrah ruled out; BCCI announces replacement

Replacement for Jaiswal nedded or NOT :
However, it does come, as a surprise to many, considering his past performances in the recent tournaments. It seems, though, that the selectors have gone for spin-heavy bowling attacks, given the conditions in which it is expected to be played in the Champions Trophy. To top it, Jaiswal's form in some recent ODIs was inconsistent, and he has struggled with spinners in subcontinental conditions.

NON-TRAVELLING RESERVES OF TEAM INDIA FOR CT:

- Jaiswal, Siraj & Dube.

They will travel to Dubai when the team requires them. pic.twitter.com/no7zWK4NJq

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 11, 2025

INDIAN SQUAD FOR CHAMPIONS TROPHY 2025: 

Rohit (C), Gill (VC), Kohli, Iyer, Rahul (WK), Pant (WK), Pandya, Axar, Sundar, Kuldeep, Harshit, Shami, Arshdeep, Jadeja, Varun.

Some Big Changes and Expection from India :
Another huge change is that spearhead pacer Jasprit Bumrah has been ruled out because of a back injury. Harshit Rana has been called up in his place. This is a bummer for India, considering Bumrah has been a vital cog in the bowling lineup.With all these, India aims to strike the right balance between spin and pace. Fans are waiting to see how this affects India's performance in the eagerly awaited championship.

Yashasvi Jaiswal’s journey is nothing short of inspiring. he is one of  the India’s most exciting young cricketers. But his path to success wasn’t easy it was filled with struggles, sacrifices, and determination.

Yashasvi Jaiswal: From Struggles to Success

Yashasvi was just 13 years old when he left his village Suriyawan in Uttar Pradesh and moved to Mumbai to follow his cricketing dreams. But life in the big city was tough. With no place to stay, he found shelter at a dairy shop, where the owner allowed him to sleep on the condition that he would help with the shop’s work. But since Yashasvi spent most of his time playing cricket, he couldn’t manage the job, and eventually, he was asked to leave. With nowhere to go, he started living in a tent at Azad Maidan, a famous cricket ground in Mumbai. He stayed with security guards and, to survive, he even sold pani puri in his free time.

Yashasvi never gave up on his dream. His first big moment came when he scored 319 runs in a single match of the Harris Shield tournament. That innings changed everything. He started scoring heavily for Mumbai’s Under-16 and Under-19 teams, and in 2018, he was selected for India’s Under-19 team.

ALSO READ: Watch: Famous english singer joins RR for cricket check it out!

Question: What did you buy with your first earnings? 

Yashasvi Jaiswal said "I gave it to my mother

Question: What did you buy with your first earnings? [Forbes India]

Yashasvi Jaiswal said "I gave it to my mother". pic.twitter.com/7HkLnyODzT

— Johns. (@CricCrazyJohns) February 11, 2025

A Moment of Pride for His Mother

Even after becoming successful, Yashasvi has stayed down to earth. When asked what he did with his first salary, his reply won hearts; he gave it to his mother His small but heartfelt gesture touched many people, and his story spread quickly on social media.

When asked what he did with his first salary, his reply won hearts: he said he gave it to his mother. Yashasvi has now become a key player for India, impressing with the bat all over the world. From selling street food to wearing the Indian jersey, his journey is proof that hard work and determination can overcome any struggle. And the best part, This is just the beginning for him. The future looks bright, and there’s so much more to come from this young star.

While Nagpur ODI has experienced two Indian debutants, both have impressed in their first outings in this international cricket format. In the key situation, ODI debutant Harshit Rana picked up two wickets in one over, while the other ODI debutant Yashasvi Jaiswal took a stunner to dismiss the set English opener Ben Duckett. 

After England chose to bat first in the Nagpur ODI, the English openers Phil Salt and Ben Duckett provided a flying start. They initially learned the pitch condition in the first four overs, before beginning their dominance from the fifth over. 

Both England openers were completely dangerous with the bat. In the sixth over of the innings, debutant Harshit Rana conceded 26 runs, including three sixes and two fours. Before that over, Rana started his ODI career with 11 runs in the first over.

See Also: Why is Virat Kohli not playing in the first ODI against England in Nagpur?

The opening partnership was broken through a run out

However, India got a crucial breakthrough in the ninth over as a big mix-up between the openers resulted in Salt's run out. Shreyas Iyer made a good fielding to save a boundary, and Salt was run out in the striking end as Iyer comfortably threw and wicketkeeper KL Rahul comfortably hit the wicket to bring India's first wicket of the match. Before that wicket, Salt and Duckett put in a fiery 75-run partnership for the first wicket.

After Salt was dismissed for 43 off 26 balls, where the right-handed batter hit five fours and three sixes, the left-handed opening batter Ben Duckett was dismissed in the final over of the first powerplay after scoring 32 off 29 balls with the help of six fours. After a couple of bashing overs, Rana got two crucial wickets, and the hosts made a great comeback in the ODI. 

Debutant Yashavi Jaiswal took a great catch to produce Harshit Rana's first ODI wicket

It was a short delivery where Duckett went for a pull, but it flew in the air. Another ODI debutant, Yashasvi Jaiswal produced that wicket with a great catch after making a successful 21-meter run from the circle.

#HarshitRana's ball forces an error from #BenDuckett & #YashasviJaiswal grabs a stunner!

Start watching FREE on Disney+ Hotstar ➡ https://t.co/gzTQA0IDnU#INDvENGOnJioStar 1st ODI 👉 LIVE NOW on Disney+ Hotstar, Star Sports 2, Star Sports 3, Sports 18 1 & Colors Cineplex pic.twitter.com/pBfIrT2XlT

— Star Sports (@StarSportsIndia) February 6, 2025

Three balls later in the same over, Harry Brook was caught behind for a duck as Rana took that wicket after the wicketkeeper KL Rahul took another great catch. So, from 75/0, England were suddenly under pressure at 77/3.  

The mega Indian Premier League (IPL) has witnessed the rise of countless cricketing stalwarts since its inception in 2008. It goes without saying that the cash-rich league is blessed with an incredible pool of talented cricketers from Indian domestic cricket. Many of them would feature the youngsters who would go on to pave a bright future for themselves in international cricket. 

See also: IPL 2025 to Implement ICC Code of Conduct with Significant Rule Changes

Although the IPL is primarily known for offering insane levels of entertainment to its viewers, the league also brings ground-breaking young talent to the fore which in turn benefits Indian cricket as a whole. All the entertainment and thrill would be vastly missing if it had not been due to these young newcomers. From hard-hitting batters to crafty bowlers and dynamic all-rounders, these youngsters would often join the party with an array of skills under their belt. On the back of jaw-dropping price tags, match-winning performances from previous seasons, and untapped potential, these players have often captured the attention of fans and pundits alike.

As the excitement builds around the upcoming IPL season, let’s take a moment to identify some notable newcomers who emerged through the ranks over the years to become a force to reckon with in world cricket.

Jaspirt Bumrah

Jasprit Bumrah gained prominence in the Indian Premier League (IPL) after being identified by the Mumbai Indians (MI) and subsequently making his IPL debut in 2013. His distinctive bowling technique and speed attracted the attention of John Wright, the former head coach of Team India, who was serving as the coach of MI at that time. Bumrah made an immediate impact in his first IPL game against RCB in 2013, picking up the wicket of Virat Kohli. On the back of his sensational exploits in the IPL, Bumrah made his international debut in a T20I against Australia in 2016. Fast forward to today, Bumrah is renowned as the world's most lethal bowler across all formats. 

Arshdeep Singh

Arshdeep Singh's rise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) has been marked by his consistent performances and hard work. After putting on fine performances both in the domestic and international circuits, Ashdeep has now become one of the most expensive Indian pacers in the IPL's history. The left-arm pacer made his IPL debut in 2019 and has been a key player for the Punjab Kings (PBKS) ever since. As the years rolled on, Arshdeep's performances in the IPL experienced an upward trajectory. With every passing edition, he was leaving an impact. Arshdeep's performances in the IPL led to him being selected for the India squad in the 2022 T20 World Cup. Arshdeep finished the 2024 T20 World Cup campaign as the joint-highest wicket-taker with Fazal Farooqi and has been awarded the T20I Men's Cricketer of the Year award by the ICC.   

Ruturaj Gaikwad

Ruturaj Gaikwad's rise in the Indian Premier League (IPL) was marked by his debut in 2020, his role in CSK's 2021 title win, and his appointment as captain in 2024. Gaikwad made his IPL debut in 2020 for the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). He endured an ordinary first season where he played six games and scored three fifties and two ducks. But Gaikwad's debut showcased his potential to perform exponentially well on the big stage. In 2021, he played an instrumental role in CSK winning their fourth IPL title and was also named the Emerging Player of the Year. In 2024, Gaikwad made further advancements in his cricketing career by replacing long-standing CSK skipper MS Dhoni.  The youngster has continued to grow in stature thanks to some noteworthy performances in the IPL and is fighting to the teeth to get through a start-studded Indian lineup.

Nitish Reddy

Nitish Reddy's meteoric rise in international cricket can be vastly attributed to the time he spent with the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH). A rare seam-bowling all-rounder hailing from the state of Andhra Pradesh, Nitish instantly became a batting hit for SRH. Although he endured a fruitless debut season in 2023 where he bowled five wicketless overs across two games and did not get a chance to bat, Nitesh was able to leave an impact in the 2024 season. He had to wait for the fourth game for an opportunity, and the youngster from Andhra hasn’t looked back since. However, the biggest moment of his cricketing career came during the third Test in the BGT series where he scored his maiden Test ton in a rain-hit affair to help India eke out a draw at the Gabba. That ton led the world to take cognizance of this young all-rounder. 

Harshit Rana

Harshit Rana emerged as a notable talent in Indian cricket after being bought by the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in the 2022 IPL auction. He made his IPL debut in the 2022 season and went on to win the IPL in 2024. After notching up some breathtaking performances in domestic cricket, Harshit was bought by Delhi Capitals in 2022 but he later switched allegiance a couple of years later and played a pivotal role in propelling KKR to a title win in 2024. Subsequently, he was handed a Test debut in the Border Gavaskar Trophy series where he returned formidable figures of 3-48 in the Perth Test leading India to a famous 295-run win.

Umran Malik

Young Indian bowling sensation Umran Malik rose to fame from almost nowhere during a 2021 IPL match, where he impressed one and all by bowling at speeds rarely seen in the history of Indian cricket. The rising talent from J&K stole the headlines almost imminently after making his debut in the 2021 IPL season. He quickly rose to stardom and impressed us all with his fiery thunderbolts clocking speeds in excess of 150 km/h consistently. Malik was acquired by SRH for Rs 4 crore and experienced a remarkable season. He was recognized as the Emerging Player of the tournament, having claimed 22 wickets across 14 matches. Additionally, he delivered the fastest ball by an Indian pacer, reaching a speed of 157 km/h, during a match against Delhi Capitals. Although away from the grand scheme of things, Malik still makes a strong case for himself as far as national selection is concerned. 

Yashasvi Jaiswal

The tall-swashbuckling Indian opener hails from an underprivileged background but he did not allow his poor beginnings to deter him from the path to glory. He made his IPL debut against Chennai Super Kings in 2020 before notching up his maiden IPL half-century against the same team a year later, in IPL 2021. Jaiswal was gradually blooded into the Royals team before stepping up in a huge way in IPL 2023, amassing 625 runs at a blistering strike rate of 163.61. His eye-catching performances in the IPL and domestic cricket attracted the attention of the national selectors and as a result, Jaiswal was able to make his first strides in international cricket at the tender age of 22. Playing in his maiden Test match against West Indies in 2023, Jaiswal slammed a scintillating 171 in the first innings, and a year later he scored 712 runs in the India vs England Test series, earning him the Player of the Series title.

Avesh Khan

Avesh Khan's IPL emergence came in 2021 when he had a breakthrough campaign for Delhi Capitals (DC). He was the team's top wicket-taker with 24 wickets. Avesh, who made his IPL debut for Royal Challengers Bangalore in 2017, had a bleak run during his formative IPL years. But his fortunes took a turn for the better when he moved to Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in 2018. Playing an impressive brand of cricket, he was brought on board by LSG for INR 10 Crore in the 2022 IPl season making him the most expensive uncapped Indian player at the time. During that season, Avesh had a stellar run and delivered with the ball, scalping 18 wickets. So far, Avesh has been in and out of the national side. Nevertheless, the right-arm quick continues to lurk around on the horizon, and in the absence of frontline pacers, Avesh can thrive and could prove to be a very handy commodity for India in crunch matches. 

The upcoming IPL 2025 season is knocking at our doorstep. While the world has continued to see the incredible rise of youth talent in this cash-rich over several editions, the list just does not end here. The cricketing fraternity continues to wait in anticipation for the next bunch of young cricketers who will dazzle us all with their brilliance and light of the tournament with their swashbuckling performances.

The last round of the group stage of the Ranji Trophy 2024-25 is around the corner. While the final round of the league stage will begin on Thursday (January 30), we have some important reports on the availabilities of the national team players. Here, we are going through these reports. 

Virat Kohli is set for Ranji Trophy return

Former Indian captain Virat Kohli is set to serve for Delhi. It will be his first match in the Ranji Trophy in the last 12 years. He last played a Ranji Trophy match in November 2012 against Uttar Pradesh. Kohli is set to train with the Delhi team from Tuesday (January 28).

See Also: Top 5 highest run-scorers in the Ranji Trophy history

KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Ravindra Jadeja are also likely to play

KL Rahul is set to serve for Karnataka, who will face the Elite Group C table-toppers Haryana. He last played a Ranji Trophy match in February 2020. On the other hand, the Hyderabad pacer Mohammed Siraj is set to return to the Ranji Trophy. 

All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja, who just returned to the Ranji Trophy to play against Delhi and won the Player of the Match award after picking up 12 wickets, will continue his service for Saurashtra. 

Rishabh Pant and Mumbai stars are likely to miss

On the other hand, Rishabh Pant, who served for Delhi in their last Ranji Trophy round match against Saurashtra, is unlikely to play the last round.

Indian Test and ODI captain Rohit Sharma, who just returned to the Ranji Trophy almost a decade later, will miss out on the forthcoming last round of the group stage along with the Mumbai and national teammates Yashasvi Jaiswal and Shreyas Iyer. 

Centurion Shubman Gill likely to unavailable

Punjab cricketer Shubman Gill, the vice-captain of the Indian ODI team, is also reportedly unavailable for the last round of the group stage in the ongoing Ranji Trophy season. The right-handed batter scored a century (102) against Karnataka in the latest Ranji Trophy round, where Punjab suffered an innings defeat despite Gill's heroic century.