Fearless & On Fire: Young Indian Openers Light Up IPL 2025
New Faces. Big Scores. Bright Future
IPL 2025 has been all about raw talent, fearless cricket, and rising stars. This season, young and uncapped Indian openers have taken centre stage with their explosive performances. From breaking records to winning hearts, players like Ayush Mhatre, Abishek Porel, Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, and Vaibhav Suryavanshi are showing the world what the future of Indian cricket looks like.
Let’s take a look at the young guns who’ve been stealing the show.
Ayush Mhatre (Age: 17) – CSK’s Young Spark
At just 17, Ayush Mhatre has made a memorable entry into the Chennai Super Kings lineup. Picked as a replacement for the injured Ruturaj Gaikwad, the young right-hander from Virar grabbed his chance with both hands. His debut knock – a quickfire 32 off 15 balls against Mumbai Indians – gave a glimpse of his potential. But it was his 94 off 48 against RCB that really turned heads. Even though CSK has had a tough season, Mhatre’s fearless batting has been a big positive.
Abishek Porel (Age: 22) – DC’s Steady Performer
Retained by Delhi Capitals for ₹4 crore after a solid 2024, Abishek Porel has been one of their most reliable players. A calm presence at the top, the left-handed wicketkeeper-batter has adapted well to different conditions. His 51 off 36 against LSG was a game-changer, laying the foundation for a comfortable win. Porel’s strength lies in his ability to rotate strike and step up the scoring when needed – a smart, composed batter who’s maturing fast.
Priyansh Arya (Age: 23) – The Six-Hitting Machine
Punjab Kings found a gem in Priyansh Arya, a powerful left-hander from Delhi. His standout moment came with a breathtaking 103 off just 39 balls against CSK – one of the fastest IPL centuries ever. With nine sixes and seven fours in that innings alone, Arya has become a go-to name for power-hitting. Alongside Prabhsimran Singh, he formed one of the most dangerous opening partnerships this season, often giving PBKS explosive starts.
Prabhsimran Singh (Age: 24) – PBKS’s Reliable Run Machine
A regular face in the Punjab Kings squad, Prabhsimran Singh has grown into a complete T20 opener. Whether it’s his 91 against LSG or his smart 83 against KKR, he’s delivered when it matters. Known for his ability to attack from ball one, he’s now added finesse to his game. His fearless switch-hit six against Sunil Narine showed just how confident and skilled he’s become. He’s no longer just a Powerplay hitter – he’s an all-phase player.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Age: 14) – The Teen Sensation
Fourteen years old. Yes, you read that right. Rajasthan Royals' Vaibhav Suryavanshi became the youngest-ever T20 centurion with a jaw-dropping 101 off 38 balls against Gujarat Titans. His innings, which included 11 sixes and 7 fours, helped RR chase down 210 in just 15.5 overs. Scoring 94 of his 101 runs in boundaries, the young left-hander played with the confidence of a seasoned pro. His fearless cricket and natural flair have drawn early comparisons to Sachin Tendulkar – and that’s no small praise.
Conclusion: The Future Is Here
IPL 2025 has shown us that the next generation of Indian batters is not waiting for the spotlight – they’re grabbing it. Whether it’s the raw power of Arya, the calm maturity of Porel, or the fearless brilliance of Suryavanshi, these young openers are rewriting the rules. Uncapped for now, but certainly not unnoticed – the future of Indian cricket looks incredibly exciting.