IPL 2025: Top 10 Overseas Players To Watch Out For Ft. Trent Boult And Phil Salt

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is all set to kick off on March 22, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens in the tournament opener. As the biggest T20 league in the world returns, some of the finest overseas cricketers will once again look to make an impact on the grandest stage of franchise cricket.

Each of the 10 IPL teams boasts international match-winners capable of turning games single-handedly. With T20 cricket evolving rapidly, franchises have spent big money on overseas superstars who can make a difference in high-pressure situations. From experienced campaigners to young rising stars, IPL 2025 will feature some of the most exciting international players across the globe.

Here’s a look at the top 10 overseas players to watch out for in the upcoming season:

1. Trent Boult (Mumbai Indians – INR 12.50 crore)

New Zealand’s Trent Boult is making a grand return to Mumbai Indians (MI) in IPL 2025 after the franchise spent a staggering INR 12.50 crore to bring him back at the mega auction. Having played a key role in MI’s 2020 title-winning campaign, Boult is a proven match-winner in the IPL.

Boult’s biggest strength is his ability to swing the new ball both ways, making him lethal in the powerplay. With 121 wickets in 104 IPL matches at an economy rate of 8.29, he remains one of the most consistent overseas pacers in tournament history. Given Mumbai’s Wankhede Stadium offers early movement under lights, Boult is expected to be MI’s go-to bowler in the powerplay and death overs.

2. Phil Salt (Royal Challengers Bengaluru – INR 11.50 crore)

England’s Phil Salt has emerged as one of the most aggressive openers in white-ball cricket. His ability to attack from the first ball makes him an explosive addition to Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), who secured him for INR 11.50 crore at the auction.

Salt’s record in T20 leagues has been outstanding, with his IPL strike rate of 173.53 showcasing his ability to dominate powerplays. Expected to partner Virat Kohli at the top, Salt will be crucial to RCB’s success in IPL 2025. His fearless stroke play and ability to accelerate against both pace and spin make him one of the biggest overseas players to watch out for.

3. Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants – INR 21 crore – Retained)

West Indies’ Nicholas Pooran is one of the most dangerous finishers in T20 cricket. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) retained Pooran for a staggering INR 21 crore, underlining his importance to the franchise.

In IPL 2024, Pooran amassed 499 runs at a strike rate of 178.21, including several match-winning knocks. His ability to accelerate in the death overs and consistently clear boundaries makes him a nightmare for opposition bowlers. If Pooran continues his explosive form, LSG will have a strong chance of lifting their maiden IPL title in 2025.

4. Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings – INR 13 crore – Retained)

Sri Lanka’s Matheesha Pathirana has become Chennai Super Kings’ (CSK) most reliable death bowler, with his slingy action and deadly yorkers drawing comparisons to Lasith Malinga.

Pathirana had a breakthrough IPL 2023 season with 19 wickets in 12 matches, and despite missing half of IPL 2024 due to injury, he still managed 13 wickets in just six games. His ability to bowl at 145+ kmph consistently and deliver under pressure makes him a vital player for CSK’s bowling attack. Expect Pathirana to play a crucial role in CSK’s title hunt this season.

5. Sunil Narine (Kolkata Knight Riders – IPL MVP 2024 – Retained)

A name synonymous with KKR’s success, Sunil Narine continues to be one of the most impactful overseas all-rounders in IPL history.

With three IPL titles and three MVP awards, Narine is KKR’s biggest X-factor. In IPL 2024, he was at his absolute best, scoring 488 runs and picking 17 wickets, earning him his third MVP title. His ability to choke runs with his spin, take crucial wickets, and provide explosive starts with the bat makes him a game-changer. As KKR aim to defend their title in 2025, Narine will once again be the backbone of their squad.

6. Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad – INR 10 crore – Retained)

South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen has been an explosive finisher for Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), dominating opposition bowlers in the middle overs.

Klaasen’s IPL record speaks for itself—993 runs at an average of 38.19 and a strike rate of 168.30. His ability to take down spinners and pacers alike, combined with his fearless approach, makes him a massive threat for bowling attacks in IPL 2025. SRH will once again bank on Klaasen’s power-hitting to push them deep into the tournament.

7. Mitchell Starc (Delhi Capitals – INR 24.75 crore)

Australian pace ace Mitchell Starc made a sensational comeback to the IPL in 2024 with KKR, delivering clutch performances in the playoffs. Now, he will turn out for Delhi Capitals (DC) in IPL 2025 after being acquired for a whopping INR 24.75 crore at the auction.

Starc’s ability to swing the new ball, bowl express pace, and execute yorkers in death overs makes him one of the most dangerous fast bowlers in T20 cricket. With 17 wickets in IPL 2024, Starc proved his worth once again, and DC will be hoping he can replicate that form as they push for their first IPL trophy.

8. Wanindu Hasaranga (Rajasthan Royals – INR 10 crore – Acquired from RCB)

Sri Lankan leg-spinner Wanindu Hasaranga has joined Rajasthan Royals (RR) for IPL 2025, replacing veteran Yuzvendra Chahal.

Hasaranga is a match-winning T20 bowler, with 305 wickets in 212 T20 matches at an economy rate of under 7. His ability to take crucial wickets in the middle overs and his added batting skills make him a vital all-rounder for RR. With Rajasthan’s spin-friendly conditions, expect Hasaranga to be among the top wicket-takers in IPL 2025.

9. Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans – INR 15 crore – Retained)

Afghanistan’s Rashid Khan remains one of the most valuable overseas cricketers in IPL history. Having played a pivotal role in Gujarat Titans’ (GT) IPL 2022 title win, Rashid continues to be their biggest match-winner.

With 149 wickets in 121 IPL matches, Rashid’s ability to control the run flow, take key wickets, and contribute with the bat makes him an irreplaceable player for GT. With IPL 2025 expected to be high-scoring, Rashid’s spin mastery will be crucial to GT’s campaign.

10. Glenn Maxwell (Punjab Kings – INR 14 crore)

Australian all-rounder Glenn Maxwell has rejoined Punjab Kings (PBKS) for IPL 2025, where he played in the early stages of his IPL career.

Despite an underwhelming 2024 season, Maxwell remains a proven match-winner. His ability to play 360-degree shots, destroy spinners, and contribute with the ball makes him a valuable asset for PBKS. Under Ricky Ponting’s coaching, Maxwell will be eager to redeem himself and help Punjab chase their maiden IPL title.

As IPL 2025 approaches, these 10 overseas players will be under the spotlight, expected to deliver match-winning performances for their respective franchises. With explosive batters, lethal pacers, and crafty spinners, these international stars are set to make IPL 2025 one of the most thrilling seasons yet!

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