Over the past 13 editions of the IPL, there have been some wonderful stories of players who have emerged from relative obscurity to become stars for their respective teams. Young players look at the tournament as an opportunity not just to try and catch the eye of the selectors. But, also test themselves against international stars from India as well as overseas. The 2021 edition of the IPL is no different, with a barrage of hitherto unknown talent set to take to the field. SportzPoint.com takes a look at those seven players, who can became the stars of IPL 2021.

Nathan Ellis | Punjab Kings

Country : Australia
Playing role : Pace Bowler

The Tasmanian seamer has a gift of making grand first impressions. He produced a six-for on his Sheffield Shield debut, a five-for on Marsh Cup debut, before plucking a hat-trick in his first game for Australia in a T20 International against Bangladesh.

But Ellis had to work really hard to reach those platforms. For a long time, he thought it was the lack of thundering pace that stood between him. And also recognition in domestic cricket, for a while he thought it was his height that mattered He even deliberated on quitting cricket and taking up a full-time accounting job. But somehow, he persisted with cricket, even if it was difficult to make ends meet. Along with part-time jobs as a labourer in Hobart, as a furniture removalist. And then as a teacher's help in a school for boys with learning difficulties. He will join Punjab Kings for the IPL 2021 in UAE.

It was then that Tasmania coach Adam Griffith spotted him during a club game and invited him for trials. He was impressed by Ellis' supple wrists and the ability to swing the Kookaburra ball on hard, dead tracks of Australia. He added a pinpoint yorker and a cleverly-disguised back-of-the-hand slower ball. Moreover, he shed his pace-height inferiority complex and began his real cricketing journey.

Read Also : IPL 2021: Number of matches each team needs to win to qualify for playoffs

George Garton | Royal Challengers Bangalore

Country : England
Playing role : Bowling all-rounder

A side-on freeze-frame of his follow-through resembles that of South Africa's left-arm wrist-spinner Paul Adams. His body almost hugging the ground in the physical intensity of the action, his arms in a whirl. But Garton's anything but a spinner, someone who consistently clocks above 90mph from an explosive leap from a relatively short run-up. He was earmarked for Test cricket, and picked as a standby for the Ashes 2017-18. But for a side strain, he picked when lifting his cricket kit from the airport carousel. He lost two years of progression but returned revitalised and with an eye on franchise cricket.

Garton joined the T10 league, where he emerged as the highest wicket-taker. He threw his hat in the Hundred ring, where too he was in irrepressible form. With propelling Southern Brave to the title with his 10 wickets. While he has not lost any of his speed and the rare gift to seam the ball back into the right-hander. However, the Sussex man has added more strings to his bow, the veritable T20 staple like slow bouncers and cutters. But it's pace that thrills him, and it's the pace that could be his USP on the dead tracks of the UAE. RCB will definitely want him to be in there playing XI for IPL 2021.

Tim David | Royal Challengers Bangalore

Country : Singapore
Playing role : All-rounder

He's a hot T20 franchise property, but had to trek a circuitous route to fulfill his cricketing ambitions. Repeatedly snubbed by his home state, Western Australia, David chose to play for the country of his birth, Singapore. He became a spontaneous superstar with his big-hitting prowess, which didn't escape the eyes of the Big Bash League scouts. So before playing a single first-class or List A game, David fetched a Perth Scorchers contract. Also more lucrative deals followed; Lahore Qalandars, St. Lucia Kings, Hobart Hurricanes, Southern Brave (the Hundred champions), and now Royal Challengers Bangalore. In between, he bargained a limited-overs cricket deal with Surrey.

He embodies all the virtues the shortest format requires. The knack to tee off from the get-go, the ability to sustain momentum which he does with thunderous blows down the ground. And a strong and accurate throwing arm. David affected the game-changing run-out of Liam Livingstone in the Hundred final. He boasts a T20 strike rate of 154 in 61 games and an average of 36. Which means he hits well and scores consistently.

Also Read : IPL records: 5 youngest batsmen to score IPL century

Wanindu Hasaranga | Royal Challengers Bangalore

Country : Sri Lanka
Playing role : Spin bowling all-rounder

When Hasaranga was growing up, he wanted to turn the ball as precociously as his idol Muttiah Muralitharan. But he chose leg-spin and evolved into a modern-day, shorter-format exponent. A leg-spinner in the Rashid Khan mould, swapping flight and turn for flatness, control, skid and variations. Also confounding and frustrating batsmen with change of angles, pace and release points. The methods are working, as he is second to Tabraiz Shamsi in the ICC T20 bowlers' rankings. Like Rashid, Hasaranga can open the bowling, apply the squeeze in the middle overs and stifle batsmen at the death. With a T20 economy rate of 6.39 and an average of 15, it's a mystery why he had gone unsold in the auction. It took his three-wicket burst against India in July to catch the eyes of the franchise. And there apparently was a four-way tussle to avail his services.

His utility is swelling of late, he has evolved into Sri Lanka's finisher with both bat and ball. Moreover, he was filling the Thisara Perera role with aplomb. He speaks wisdom too: "Finishers are the ones with long careers and I want to be one among them." No bigger window for that than the next two months. Wanindu Hasaranga will be a trump card for the RCB team in the UAE leg of IPL 2021.

Ben Dwarshuis | Delhi Capitals

Country : Australia
Playing role : Seamer

A couple of commentators in the BBL were tongue-twisting to correctly pronounce his Dutch surname. To them, he offered a simple solution: "They're all legends so they can say it any way they want!" Earlier, it was his surname that caught the attention, then his moustaches, and now it's his bowling that's garnering admiration. However, Delhi Capitals keeps him as a replacement of Chris Woakes for IPL 2021.

Not an express bowler, he is most reputed for his accuracy and cleverness, his yorker and cutters, the innate ability to second-guess a batsman's mind, serenity under duress, and wicket-taking knack. Only Daniel Sams has taken more wickets than Dwarshuis over the past three BBL seasons. And only Sams has taken more wickets at the death, and his economy rate of 6.62 in the Powerplays is the best during that period. Moreover all of these, he does with a couple of screws and wires wrapped around his back after a succession of stress injuries. Like the other Dutch-Australian cricketer, Dirk Nannes, he is deliberating to turn up for the country of his origin, if the wait gets longer for an Australia cap.

Read Also : IPL 2021: Potential eleven of every IPL teams

Glenn Philips | Rajasthan Royals

Country : New Zealand
Playing role : Wicket-Keeper batsman

Daniel Vettori calls him a total cricketer. A post-modern stroke-maker, a polished gloveman, an acrobatic slip-fielder and an efficient off-spinner who could bowl flat and skid the ball off the surface, a skill both his franchise and country would look to harness over the coming months in the UAE. But it's Phillips' batsmanship that is expected to make headlines. He has arrived in the desert with a spring of runs. In a Caribbean Premier League match, he cuffed nine sixes (and two fours) on his way to an unbeaten 80 from just 39 balls. His boundary-hitting instinct is immense — every fifth ball he faces is struck for a six or four in T20 cricket, in which he brandishes a strike rate of 144.

Now that Jos Buttler is unavailable for this leg, Phillips could get an extended opportunity to set the six-hitting chart on fire. But he wants to create his own legacy. "The team has brought me in to do whatever role they need me to play, so it's not really like I'm filling in Jos' shoes, I'm probably filling in my own shoes and looking to create a legacy of my own rather than being a replacement." And part of that legacy-making will include him turning his arm over.

Also Read : IPL records: IPL captains to score centuries

Liam Livingstone | Rajasthan Royals

Country : England
Playing role : Batting all-rounder

He could bowl both leg-breaks and off-breaks, depending on whether the batsman is left or right-handed. But, it's his destructive batting that has made Livingstone a coveted franchise-cricket entity. He first hit the headlines at 21, days after dropping out of university, saying he cannot focus on academics because of cricket. However, he climbed the rungs of the game swiftly, eventually making his England debut last year. Despite their riches of all-round quality in the shorter formats.

Livingstone's clean, straight-hitting expertise has many stalwarts in thrall. Andy Flower is convinced that he's the hardest hitter of the cricket ball he had ever seen. His Lancashire teammate James Anderson calls him a frightening hitter. What could make him even more precious in the UAE is his ability to demolish spin, which he displayed by smacking back-to-back hundreds on a Lions tour to Sri Lanka a couple of years ago.

With the IPL 2025 playoffs just around the corner, the tension is reaching its peak. Over the years, the Indian Premier League has given fans plenty of memorable moments full of surprises at the fag end of the group stage. Generally, the fans have to wait till the last over of the group stage to know who will qualify for the IPL Playoffs.

Sometimes, it even goes to the final ball as well, to decide the fourth team to qualify.

From teams that regularly reach the playoffs to underdogs who’ve shocked everyone, the path to the final four has always been full of drama. 

Let's take a look at the IPL Playoffs teams from 2008 to 2025.

Read Also | Most Wickets in IPL history

2008 | RR, KXIP, CSK, DD

2009 | DD, CSK, RCB, Deccan Chargers

2010 | MI, Deccan Chargers, CSK, RCB

Read Also | Most IPL Finals: Teams with most final appearances in IPL history

2011 | RCB, CSK, MI, KKR 

Read Also | IPL records: Most consecutive away wins in IPL history

2012 | DD, KKR, MI, CSK

2013 | CSK, MI, RR, SRH

2014 | KXIP, KKR, CSK, MI

2015 | CSK, MI, RCB, RR 

2016 | Gujarat Lions, RCB, SRH, KKR

2017 | MI, RPSG, SRH, KKR

2018 | SRH, CSK, KKR, RR

Read Also | SRH's poor performance and playoff hopes in IPL 2025: Can they rise?

2019 | MI, CSK, DC, SRH

2020 | MI, DC, SRH, RCB

2021 | DC, CSK, RCB, KKR

2022 | GT, RR, LSG, RCB

2023 | GT, LSG, CSK, MI

2024 | KKR, SRH, RR, RCB

2025 | GT, RCB, PBKS, MI

The Indian Premier League (IPL), has become one of the biggest cricketing events in the world since its inception in 2008. Over the years, the IPL has provided cricket fans with some of the most thrilling and exciting moments in the sport. From stunning performances to nail-biting finishes, the IPL has never failed to entertain its fans. As the IPL 2025 has progressed, we have seen many memorable celebrations that have gone down in IPL history. 

From wild team huddles to iconic player moves, here are the Top 5 best celebrations of IPL 2025 so far. Relive the most unforgettable moments as players let their emotions fly on the biggest stage of cricket.

Also Read: IPL Records: Youngest Half-centurions in IPL History

Best Celebrations of IPL 2025

5. Ashutosh Sharma - Miracle Chase Master's Celebration

Ashutosh Sharma did the unthinkable for Delhi Capitals against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. At a time when even the most passionate of DC fans would have thought that it was not possible for their team to chase down a 210-run target, Ashutosh Sharma thought otherwise. Impact sub Ashutosh played the most defining knock of his IPL career to guide Delhi Capitals to a thrilling one wicket victory over Lucknow Super Giants.

Ashutosh smashed 66 not out off 31 balls and finished it with a huge six off Shahbaz Ahmed as DC chased down a target of 210 with three balls to spare. The right-hander hit five fours and five sixes in all. Ashutsh Sharma's celebration after the win went viral.

4. Digvesh Rathi Signature Celebration

Lucknow Super Giants' rising spinner Digvesh Rathi made headlines, not just for his bowling but for his unique way of celebrating after dismissing none other than his cricketing idol, Sunil Narine. During a high-octane clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Rathi picked up the prized wicket of Narine and followed it up with a brand-new celebration.

In the 7th over of KKR's innings, Rathi bowled a deceptive googly that lured Narine into a mistimed big shot. Narine couldn’t get the power he needed, and Aiden Markram ran in from long-off to complete a clean sliding catch. After taking the wicket, Rathi bent down and theatrically signed the grass, perhaps symbolising a respectful autograph or signature moment rather than a taunt.

3. Wanindu Hasaranga Pushpa Celebration

Rajasthan Royals' Wanindu Hasaranga pulled off the iconic Pushpa celebration during the IPL 2025 match against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Guwahati. After dismissing KKR Skipper Ajinkya Rahane, Hasaranga came up with the move popularised by Telugu star Allu Arjun in the blockbuster movie Pushpa by wiping his chin with the back of his hand with a confident strut, inviting huge cheers from fans.

The accomplished leg-spinner has been impressive ever since he started representing Sri Lanka on the international stage. He has mentioned that Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr is his favourite player. Hasaranga has been celebrating his wickets like Neymar does when he scores a goal. When the leggie played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2022, he picked up four wickets against KKR which made him celebrate ala Neymar.

2. KL Rahul Kantara Celebration

When Delhi Capitals’ wicket keeper-batsman KL Rahul thumped his chest, pointed to the ground and then drew a circle with his bat, during the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, not many realized the significance of what he was doing, until he mentioned it in a post-match.

Speaking after the match, Rahul had said, “This is a special place from me. This celebration was from one of my favourite movies, Kantara. So, a tiny reminder that this ground, this turf, this place where I grew up, is mine."

Initially, it was thought that Rahul’s gestures were a reference to the fact that he’s a Bengaluru boy, a former RCB player, and, most importantly, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, being home ground. But once he mentioned Kantara, netizens were quick to put together short videos of Rahul’s celebratory moves and Divine Star Rishab Shetty’s movements in the climax of Kantara, when his character Shiva is possessed by the spirit of the Guliga Daiva and exacts vengeance on those who wronged his people.

Also Read: IPL records - Batters with most 500+ runs seasons: Kohli breaks Warner's records

1. Abhishek Sharma Parchi Celebration

Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma celebrated his maiden Indian Premier League century in a unique way, which is one of the best celebrations of IPL 2025 so far. The 24-year-old smashed a 40-ball century for SRH in a 246-run chase against the Punjab Kings in Hyderabad.

After scoring the ton, Abhishek took out a paper from his pocket and displayed the message “This one’s for the Orange Army”. The quickfire century helped him book a spot in the record books as he became the third-fastest Indian to score reach triple digits in the IPL.

Beyond being the champions, which teams have consistently made their way to the finals? It is time to reflect on the heroic battle and consistency in reaching the IPL final.

Check out the ones who hold the potential to beat CSK’s dominance in this field and become the team with the most appearances in IPL history.

CSK's unmatched dominance | 10 finals

Chennai Super Kings hold a remarkable record of reaching the IPL final the most number of times, with a win percentage of 50%. CSK started this journey in 2008 when they got into the final for the first time against RR.

CSK has won 5 out of 10 times in their IPL final appearances. Their quality team performance and ability to play good cricket with consistency have made them one of the most successful franchises in IPL.

They are also the only team to reach the IPL final 4 times in a row.

CSK's 10 IPL Finals:

1. vs RR (2008)- lost by 3 wickets 
2. vs MI (2010)- won by 22 runs
3. vs RCB (2011)- won by 58 runs
4. vs KKR (2012)- lost by 5 wickets 
5. vs MI (2013)- lost by 23 runs
6. vs MI (2015)- lost by 41 runs
7. vs SRH (2018)- won by 8 wickets 
8. vs MI (2019)- lost by 1 run
9. vs KKR (2021)- won by 27 runs 
10. vs GT (2023)- won by 5 wickets 

Read Also: IPL records - Batters with most 500+ runs seasons: Kohli breaks Warner's records

MI second in line | 6 finals

Mumbai Indians stand second with 6 final appearances in IPL and have won 5 out of them. They equalise the IPL title count as CSK but fall short in the number to be the team with the most final appearances in IPL history.

MI's 6 IPL Finals:

1. vs CSK (2010)- lost by 22 runs
2. vs CSK (2013)- won by 23 runs
3. vs CSK (2015)- won by 41 runs
4. vs RPS (2017)- won by 1 run
5. vs CSK (2019)- won by 1 run
6. vs DC (2020)- won by 5 wickets 

KKR and SRH are climbing the stairs | 4 finals

Following closely are Kolkata Knight Riders, who have reached the IPL final 4 times, and won thrice out of them.

Hyderabad, as a team, has also reached the finals 4 times, just with different franchises. They reached the finals in 2009 for the first time as Deccan Chargers, and later made their way thrice under the name of Sunrisers Hyderabad and won in 2016.

Read Also: Most wins after 76 games as captain in IPL

Other teams with multiple appearances in the IPL Final

The following teams have made their way to the IPL final more than once, hence, deserve a mention.

Sri Lankan all-rounder Wanindu Hasaranga has topped the wicket-takers list in 2024. After missing the ODI World Cup last year due to injury, Hasaranga made a superb comeback in 2024. In this article, we will look at the bowlers with most ODI wickets in 2024.

Also Read: Most Test runs in 2024: Root, Jaiswal, Duckett and more

Most ODI wickets in 2024

1# Wanindu Hasaranga | 26 Wickets 

Veteran Sri Lankan spinner Wanindu Hasaranga finished 2024 as the joint-highest wicket-taker in ODIs this year, taking 26 wickets in just 10 matches at an average of 15.61.

Hasaranga's most memorable performance in ODI cricket this year came against Bangladesh in Chittagong, where he scored 7/19 to help the team win by three wickets.

2# Dillon Heyliger | 26 Wickets

Canadian medium pacer bowler Dillon Heyliger registered his name as the joint-highest wicket taker in ODI cricket by taking 26 wickets in 14 matches at an average of 22.23 in 2024.

His impressive performances included five wickets once and four wickets twice. Dilan's best bowling figures of 5/31 came against Nepal at King City in September.

3# Allah Ghazanfar | 21 Wickets 

Afghanistan spinner Allah Ghaznafar, who will make his IPL debut for the Mumbai Indians in 2025, managed to take 21 wickets in 11 ODIs in 2024. He is the only bowler to take two five-wicket hauls in 2024.

4# Aryan Dutt | 21 Wickets 

Netherlands off-spinner Aryan Dutt registered his name as the third highest ODI wicket taker in 2024 by taking 21 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 18.71. His impressive performance also included taking five wickets once.

His best bowling was 6/34 which came against Namibia in Kirtipur.

Also Read: Most international runs in each calendar year (since 2010)

5# Nosthush Kenjige | 20 Wickets 

United States (USA) spinner Nosthush Kenjige took 20 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 21.90 in 2024. Known for his variations, Nosthush's impressive tally includes four wicket hauls. 

Kenjige's best bowling performance in 2024 came against Nepal in Dallas, where he took 4/52.

6# Kaleem Sana | 19 Wickets

Canada cricketer Kaleem Sana took 19 wickets in 11 matches at an average of 19.31 in 2024. Kaleem's tally also includes two four wicket hauls. Kaleem's best bowling performance in 2024 was 4/30.

7# Saad Bin Zafar | 19 Wickets

At No. 7, we have the third Canadian in the list. Saad Bin Zafar also took 19 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 30.73 in 2024. Zafar's best bowling performance in 2024 was 3/30.

8# Gerhard Erasmus | 18 Wickets

Namibia's Gerhard Erasmus took 18 wickets in 12 matches at an average of 22.38 in 2024. Erasmus' tally also includes a five wicket haul. His best bowling performance in 2024 was 5/28.