Ranking the 5 best overseas uncapped players in IPL 2025 auction ft. Unmukt Chand
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has long served as a platform for cricketers from around the world to showcase their talent and make a name for themselves in international cricket. While established stars often dominate the spotlight during the auction, uncapped players—both Indian and overseas—also get their chance to impress and earn a spot in the league.
This year, out of the 330 uncapped players in the auction, 318 are Indian and 12 are from overseas. With impressive performances in domestic cricket, several of these players are likely to attract significant attention and potentially spark bidding wars.
Among the 12 overseas uncapped players, a few stand out for their skill sets and recent form, making them exciting prospects for IPL franchises. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the five best overseas uncapped players to watch out for in the IPL 2025 auction.
#5 Michael Pepper
The 26-year-old English cricketer recently received his first national call-up for the ODI series against the West Indies, although he didn’t get a chance to play. Nevertheless, the call-up was well deserved, as the right-handed batter has consistently impressed in domestic competitions.
Pepper boasts a solid T20 record, having scored 2,147 runs in 90 matches, including 10 fifties and two centuries. He had an outstanding 2024 Vitality Blast season, amassing 535 runs in 13 innings at an average of 44.58 and a strike rate of 193.84, with two fifties and two hundreds. Given his recent rise in form, it would be no surprise if IPL teams vie for his signature in the 2025 auction.
#4 Duan Jansen
Duan Jansen, the twin brother of Proteas pacer Marco Jansen, is another name to watch. He was bought by Mumbai Indians ahead of IPL 2024 but played just one match, taking one wicket while conceding 53 runs from his four overs.
The 24-year-old left-arm pacer has been solid in domestic T20s, with 35 wickets in 41 matches, along with 294 runs. He also impressed in the SA20, taking four wickets in four games for MI Cape Town. Given his all-round abilities, the Mumbai Indians may target him again in the upcoming auction to strengthen their bowling attack.
#3 Tom Kohler-Cadmore
English cricketer Tom Kohler-Cadmore didn’t quite live up to expectations during the 2024 IPL season with Rajasthan Royals, scoring just 48 runs in three innings. Now, he finds himself back in the auction.
Despite his IPL struggles, Kohler-Cadmore boasts a strong T20 record. He has featured in 218 matches, amassing 5,306 runs, including 37 fifties and a century. With extensive experience in major T20 leagues around the world—such as the Big Bash, Vitality Blast, Men’s Hundred, PSL, LPL, and BPL—he brings a wealth of exposure to different playing conditions.
If he’s picked up in the IPL 2025 mega auction, Kohler-Cadmore will be keen to showcase his talent and deliver solid performances for his new franchise.
#2 Unmukt Chand
Former Indian cricketer Unmukt Chand, who led Men in Blue to victory in the 2012 U-19 World Cup, has found himself in the IPL 2025 auction as a USA player. Chand retired from Indian cricket in August 2021 at the age of 28 and moved to the United States for better opportunities.
The 31-year-old has previously played for Rajasthan Royals, Mumbai Indians, and Delhi Capitals in the IPL, amassing 300 runs in 21 matches, including one fifty. Chand will be eager to make his return to Indian soil and prove himself once again.
Overall, he has featured in 90 T20 matches, scoring 1,795 runs, which includes seven fifties and three centuries.
#1 Leus du Plooy
At the top of the list is 29-year-old South African cricketer Leus du Plooy, whose impressive record in both first-class and List-A cricket speaks for itself. In 116 first-class matches, he has scored 7,579 runs, including 38 fifties and 21 centuries. In List-A cricket, he has accumulated 2,002 runs in 50 matches, with 11 fifties and five centuries to his name.
The left-handed batter has also made a mark in two seasons of the SA20, amassing 626 runs in 20 matches at an average of 44.71, including five half-centuries. With extensive experience in T20 cricket, du Plooy has played 162 matches and scored 3,492 runs, including 20 fifties.
Given his consistent performances and strong track record in the shortest format, several IPL teams will be keen to add the Proteas player to their squad.