Top 15 Cricketers Who Made It Big After the IPL

Since its inception, the Indian Premier League (IPL) has served as a transformative stage for cricketers, especially young Indian talent, catapulting them into international prominence. 

The league is not just about thrilling matches and star-studded glamour; it’s a powerful incubator that shapes careers, develops talent, and transforms relatively unknown domestic players into global cricketing icons. The IPL’s unique format, intense competition, and global viewership provide unmatched exposure, allowing budding talents to perform under immense pressure and scrutiny.

The IPL has already commenced its latest season, beginning on March 22nd. Early encounters have already showcased potential stars, continuing the tournament’s rich tradition of talent discovery. To celebrate this legacy, here’s an in-depth look at 15 cricketers whose careers flourished remarkably after their IPL breakthrough.

1. Jasprit Bumrah: From Local Pitches to International Stardom

When Jasprit Bumrah first appeared for Mumbai Indians in 2013, his unusual bowling action and pinpoint yorkers immediately captured attention. Mentored by legendary bowler Lasith Malinga, Bumrah quickly became MI's premier death bowler. His ability to remain composed during high-pressure overs set him apart, earning widespread praise from teammates and cricket experts alike.

Bumrah’s stellar IPL performances didn't go unnoticed at the national level, and soon enough, he was representing India internationally. Since his debut in 2016, Bumrah has emerged as a crucial asset for India across all formats. He’s admired globally for his relentless accuracy, the skill to deliver match-winning spells, and his unique ability to unsettle batsmen regardless of conditions.

IPL Highlights:

• Franchise: Mumbai Indians

• Debut: 2013

• Speciality: Death overs specialist, lethal yorkers

• Key moments: Multiple IPL titles, standout performances in finals

International Success:

• India debut: 2016 (ODI & T20), 2018 (Test)

• Achievements: ICC ODI rankings leader, ICC World Cup impactful spells

2. Hardik Pandya: The All-Round Sensation

Hardik Pandya was relatively unknown when Mumbai Indians spotted his talent. His explosive batting, combined with fast bowling and dynamic fielding, made him an instant IPL favourite. Pandya’s fearless approach transformed matches, often rescuing his team from precarious positions.

His stellar IPL displays opened doors to international cricket. Pandya’s transition to the Indian team was seamless, showcasing consistent match-winning performances. Beyond individual brilliance, his leadership qualities shone when he captained Gujarat Titans to an IPL title in their debut 2022 season, highlighting his growth from rookie to leader.

IPL Highlights:

• Franchise: Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans

• Debut: 2015

• Speciality: Big-hitting all-rounder

• Key moments: Multiple IPL trophies, Gujarat Titans' 2022 championship win

International Success:

• India debut: 2016

• Achievements: Notable World Cup performances, significant ODI and T20 contributions

3. Ruturaj Gaikwad: Consistency Personified

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s calm demeanor and graceful strokeplay caught everyone’s eye when he played for Chennai Super Kings. His breakout season in 2021 saw him clinch the Orange Cap, demonstrating consistency and class under pressure.

This IPL success quickly translated to international recognition. Gaikwad was swiftly drafted into India's white-ball squads, making impactful contributions whenever given opportunities. His technique and composure suggest a long international career ahead.

IPL Highlights:

• Franchise: Chennai Super Kings

• Debut: 2020

• Speciality: Top-order consistency

• Key moments: Orange Cap in 2021, match-winning innings in playoffs

International Success:

• India debut: 2021 (T20), 2022 (ODI)

• Achievements: Notable performances in bilateral series

4. Prithvi Shaw: A Prodigy Realised

Already marked as a future star from his youth cricket days, Prithvi Shaw found the IPL a perfect platform to express his talent. With Delhi Capitals, Shaw's aggressive batting set the stage for blistering starts, elevating his reputation.

The IPL exposure accelerated his entry into international cricket. Shaw debuted in Tests at just 18, scoring a century on debut and indicating his potential as a long-term prospect. Despite initial hurdles, Shaw remains a player earmarked for sustained international success.

IPL Highlights:

• Franchise: Delhi Capitals

• Debut: 2018

• Speciality: Explosive starts, fearless batting

International Success:

• India debut: 2018

• Achievements: Century on Test debut, consistent domestic performances

5. Shubman Gill: The Elegant Stroke-Maker

Shubman Gill's classy technique and graceful batting caught attention during his stint with Kolkata Knight Riders, later flourishing further at Gujarat Titans. His composed innings under pressure became a hallmark of his play.

The IPL provided Gill a pathway to international success. He quickly cemented his place in India's Test and limited-overs sides, showcasing maturity and skill beyond his years, including a historic double century in ODIs.

IPL Highlights:

• Franchise: KKR, Gujarat Titans

• Debut: 2018

• Speciality: Elegant technique, composed innings

International Success:

• India debut: 2019 (ODI), 2020 (Test)

• Achievements: Test series win in Australia, ODI double century

6. Yuzvendra Chahal: Spin Wizardry Unleashed

Yuzvendra Chahal burst onto the IPL scene as a crafty leg-spinner for Royal Challengers Bangalore, leaving batsmen bamboozled by his deceptive variations and sharp intellect. His wicket-taking consistency made him one of RCB's standout bowlers, earning widespread acclaim and admiration.

Chahal's IPL mastery paved his way into India’s limited-overs cricket, where his guile and consistency quickly earned him a permanent spot. His impactful bowling performances remain central to India's spin attack in international tournaments.

IPL Highlights:

• Franchise: Royal Challengers Bangalore, Rajasthan Royals

• Debut: 2013

• Speciality: Clever variations, wicket-taking ability

International Success:

• India debut: 2016 (ODI & T20I)

• Achievements: Key spinner for India in ICC tournaments

7. Ravindra Jadeja: The Complete Package

Ravindra Jadeja exemplifies the ideal all-rounder, using IPL platforms like Rajasthan Royals, Gujarat Lions, and notably Chennai Super Kings to showcase his talents. His outstanding performances in bowling, fielding, and power-hitting batting have earned universal praise.

These IPL heroics translated seamlessly into Jadeja's international career, solidifying his status as one of India's most valuable players across all formats, with match-winning contributions in Tests, ODIs, and T20s.

IPL Highlights:

• Franchise: Rajasthan Royals, Chennai Super Kings, Gujarat Lions

• Debut: 2008

• Speciality: All-round prowess, brilliant fielding

International Success:

• India debut: 2009 (ODI & T20I), 2012 (Test)

• Achievements: ICC Test rankings no. 1 all-rounder

8. Sanju Samson: Wicketkeeper-Batsman Extraordinaire

Known for his flair and powerful strokes, Sanju Samson emerged as a dynamic batsman and reliable wicketkeeper for Rajasthan Royals. His consistent IPL performances quickly transformed him into a fan favourite.

Samson's IPL consistency led to international call-ups, providing him with opportunities to impress selectors and fans alike. He aims to cement a long-term role as India's preferred wicketkeeper-batsman, particularly in limited-overs cricket.

IPL Highlights:

• Franchise: Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals

• Debut: 2013

• Speciality: Explosive batting, agile wicketkeeping

International Success:

• India debut: 2015 (T20I), 2021 (ODI)

• Achievements: Crucial knocks in T20 internationals

9. Deepak Chahar: Swing Sensation

Deepak Chahar's ability to swing the ball both ways became apparent during his early IPL performances for Chennai Super Kings, marking him as one of India’s premier swing bowlers. He quickly became a pivotal figure in CSK’s bowling unit.

Chahar's IPL reputation translated into national recognition, where he's consistently impressed with his controlled swing bowling, particularly in powerplay overs, providing crucial breakthroughs for India in limited-overs cricket.

IPL Highlights:

• Franchise: Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals

• Debut: 2016

• Speciality: Exceptional swing bowling, powerplay specialist

International Success:

• India debut: 2018 (T20I), 2019 (ODI)

• Achievements: Record-breaking 6-wicket haul in T20Is

10. Ishan Kishan: Dynamic Wicketkeeper-Batsman

Ishan Kishan emerged as a bold and innovative batsman with Mumbai Indians, lighting up the IPL with his aggressive batting approach and agile wicketkeeping skills. He swiftly became a key contributor to his team's successes.

The IPL spotlight led to Kishan’s national selection, where he continues to make waves internationally, combining fearless stroke play with dependable wicketkeeping across formats.

IPL Highlights:

• Franchise: Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Lions

• Debut: 2016

• Speciality: Aggressive batting, athletic wicketkeeping

International Success:

• India debut: 2021 (ODI & T20I)

• Achievements: Fastest ODI double-century

11. Axar Patel: The Steady All-Rounder

Axar Patel’s reliable performances in IPL teams such as Kings XI Punjab and Delhi Capitals consistently demonstrated his exceptional skill as an all-rounder. His precise spin bowling and crucial lower-order runs proved invaluable.

His IPL consistency resulted in frequent international appearances, making Axar a key contributor across Tests and limited-overs formats, notably contributing significantly during Test series at home.

IPL Highlights:

• Franchise: Delhi Capitals, Kings XI Punjab

• Debut: 2014

• Speciality: Tight left-arm spin, useful lower-order batting

International Success:

• India debut: 2014 (ODI), 2015 (T20I), 2021 (Test)

• Achievements: Outstanding Test debut series performance against England

12. Suryakumar Yadav: The Stylish Middle-Order Batsman

Suryakumar Yadav gained recognition through consistent performances for Mumbai Indians, dazzling fans with inventive stroke play and reliable batting under pressure. His IPL form soon drew national attention.

Skyrocketing from IPL success to national colours, Yadav now regularly impresses in India's limited-overs setup, known particularly for his flamboyant batting style and fearless approach under challenging conditions.

IPL Highlights:

• Franchise: Mumbai Indians, Kolkata Knight Riders

• Debut: 2012

• Speciality: Innovative batting, consistent performer

International Success:

• India debut: 2021 (T20I), 2021 (ODI)

• Achievements: ICC T20I player rankings no. 1 batter

13. Riyan Parag: The Young Sensation

The IPL provided a powerful launchpad for young Riyan Parag, whose confident batting style and handy leg-spin bowling gained him widespread recognition with Rajasthan Royals.

Already impressing domestically, Parag is tipped as a future international star. His IPL experiences have bolstered his domestic cricket performances, setting him on course for national honours soon.

IPL Highlights:

• Franchise: Rajasthan Royals

• Debut: 2019

• Speciality: Aggressive batting, handy leg-spin

14. Shivam Mavi: Pace Prospect

Shivam Mavi’s fiery pace and control for Kolkata Knight Riders drew instant praise. His impressive performances quickly marked him as a future pace spearhead.

Mavi’s IPL achievements have propelled him closer to national selection, showcasing excellent domestic form and making his international debut a likely next step.

IPL Highlights:

• Franchise: Kolkata Knight Riders

• Debut: 2018

• Speciality: High pace bowling, accuracy

15. Harshit Rana: Emerging Fast Bowler

Harshit Rana became a revelation in IPL 2024, delivering pivotal performances during Kolkata Knight Riders’ title-winning campaign. His sharp pace and ability to perform under pressure highlighted immense potential.

IPL stardom has undoubtedly placed Rana on national selectors' radar, showcasing how the league nurtures emerging talent.

IPL Highlights:

• Franchise: Kolkata Knight Riders, Delhi Capitals

• Debut: 2022

• Speciality: Fast bowling, clutch performances

IPL: Launchpad for Legends

The journeys of these players highlight IPL’s powerful influence in shaping cricketing careers.

By providing an unmatched platform, IPL continues to discover and nurture world-class talent, solidifying its status as cricket’s most transformative league.