- May 21, 2025
Let’s be honest—when Rishabh Pant garnered ₹27 crore in the IPL 2025 auction, most of us thought we were in for a historic ride. The narrative of redemption, the fireworks, the leadership reclamation—all sounded great on paper. The unfortunate truth, however, is that, in the final few weeks of the league, Pants’ season has been more of a quiet whimper than a resounding roar. He has scored just 135 runs in 11 innings and has been outscored not only by several well-established players but by some uncapped Indian youngsters who have lit up the stage with big-hitting exploits.
Ayush Mhatre Is the Spark CSK Didn’t Know They Needed
Without having any expectations for 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre, when he was drafted in mid-season due to the injury to opener Ruturaj Gaikwad, will it… What a response! He took on the role of opener, with MS Dhoni motivating from behind the stumps, Mhatre stepped in without a worry in the world and absorbed no nerves.
In only six innings, 202 runs, including a ridiculous 94 vs RCB, with Mhatre showing he can handle any bowler, pace or spin, whilst providing aggressive intent in the powerplay overs for CSK that the top order has been missing, despite being one game short in the league stage, he has left experienced players like Pant in his dust.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi: The 14-Year-Old Phenom Taking IPL 2025 by Storm
Yes, you read correctly—Vaibhav Suryavanshi is just 14 years old! While most 14-year-olds are thinking about the board exams, this Rajasthan Royals opener has just hit sixes and centuries! He made his debut as a replacement for the injured Sanju Samson and helped himself into the XI with a 101-run masterclass against the Gujarat Titans.
In just six matches, Suryavanshi has compiled 195 runs at a simply outrageous strike rate of 219.10. What is remarkable is his confidence at the crease—they say they do not want him to simply survive, they want him to dictate confidently. He has hit 20 sixes, and to be clear, he has outmuscled Pant in every way possible this season.
For someone this age to show that kind of maturity and composure is scary (for bowlers), but exciting (for Indian cricket).
Ayush Badoni’s Silent but Steady Climb
Though Mhatre and Suryavanshi have been brilliant to watch with their explosive style, Ayush Badoni has been the quiet but reliable middle-order batter for LSG. The 25-year-old has produced 329 runs in 11 innings with two fifties added to his tally – more than double Pant’s runs.
What you get with Badoni is the flexibility of him as an adaptable batter. He has done all things: rebuilt after a collapse, and he has done plenty of attacking at the death. Badoni’s 74-run innings this season were a mix of calmness and class, the exact opposite of the nervous innings produced by Pant throughout the campaign.
And here’s the kicker: Badoni is Pant’s teammate. Awkward dressing room vibes…
Now here’s something to take away: if this is the new wave of young players, should we be prioritizing raw, unrefined talent over price tags?
Let us know who your favorite young batter was this season—and who you think will be a future Team India star.
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