Is Aniket Verma the Biggest Breakthrough Star of IPL 2025?

The Indian Premier League has been a perfect stage, and just like the statement on the IPL Trophy, “Where Talent Meets Opportunity”, Aniket Verma is another emerging star making his mark in the world’s biggest T20 league. In the first three matches of the Indian Premier League which Aniket Verma has been a part of the Sunrisers Hyderabad team, he has managed to score a total of 117 runs with an average of 39.00 for the team, along with having a strike rate of 205.26 for the team. 

Coming to the match against Delhi Capitals on March 30, the Sunrisers Hyderabad batter displayed exceptional resilience and power-hitting, smashing his maiden IPL fifty in just 34 balls. His outstanding innings of 74 off 41 deliveries, featuring six sixes and five fours, helped SRH recover from a disastrous start at 37/4. Verma’s efforts ensured SRH reached a total of 163, despite Mitchell Starc’s fiery spell, where he took three wickets in the powerplay and ended with a five-wicket haul.

Aniket played a crucial role in reviving the innings, stitching a 77-run partnership off just 42 balls with Heinrich Klaasen (32 off 19). His fearless approach was evident as he launched Axar Patel for two sixes and a four in a single over, while also taking on Kuldeep Yadav and Vipraj Nigam. Earlier, Verma had already turned heads with a blistering 36 off 13 balls against Lucknow Super Giants. Though SRH lost that match, his fearless batting left a lasting impression and hence the SRH fans have been looking to know more about their finisher. 

Aniket Verma’s Domestic Career

This 22-year-old has fought against all odds to chase his IPL dream. After losing his mom young, his uncle Amit became his rock, driving him 13 km daily to cricket practice in Bhopal despite money troubles. Aniket’s explosive batting caught his coach’s eye early, as he was the one who predicted that he would score 400 runs in an innings while playing in a domestic tournament. When COVID hit, he used the time to train harder, studying videos of his batting at Faith Cricket Club.

Despite playing only one domestic match for Madhya Pradesh in a Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy T20 game in December 2024, where he was dismissed for a duck. However, his performances at the U23 and state-level leagues have been remarkable as he made it possible for the team to win the games and get better in the points table.

Aniket, who is also a handy right-arm medium pacer, showcased his batting skills in the U23 one-day tournament last year, smashing 101 off just 75 balls against Karnataka. In that competition, he managed to make a total of 184 runs at an impressive average of 46 and a blistering strike rate of 152.06, hitting a total of 16 sixes. 

Drawing inspiration from power hitters like Hardik Pandya, he developed a fearless batting style that exploded onto the scene during the 2024 Madhya Pradesh Premier League for the Bhopal Leopards. Across five innings, he amassed 244 runs at an extraordinary strike rate of 205. His standout knock was a jaw-dropping 123 off just 41 balls, which included 13 towering sixes, helping Bhopal post a massive total of 278.

IPL 2025 Auction

After a stellar performance in domestic cricket for Madhya Pradesh, Aniket Verma entered the IPL 2025 auction with high hopes. Despite his explosive batting credentials, only Sunrisers Hyderabad showed interest and secured him for INR 30 lakh. Recognizing his power-hitting abilities, SRH entrusted him with the crucial role of a finisher in their lineup.

Joining forces with established finishers like Heinrich Klaasen and Abhinav Manohar, Aniket was given the responsibility to accelerate in the death overs. His aggressive batting style and ability to clear the ropes made him a valuable asset for SRH’s lower middle order. While he continues to bat down the order, his performances have already shown glimpses of brilliance, proving why the franchise placed its trust in him.