5 most underrated specialist players in IPL

While the Indian Premier League (IPL) is a stage where stars shine brightly every season, some players go unnoticed but silently play key roles for their franchises. Cricket, after all, is a team sport. A team might win a game or two on the back of heroics from a few players. However, for continued success, most players must contribute by playing the roles assigned to them.

On that note, let’s take a look at some underrated players in the cash-rich league who have helped their teams work their way towards their goals.

Most underrated specialist players in IPL:

5. Sai Kishore

Sai Kishore has been an integral part of the Tamil Nadu side in domestic cricket. However, the left-arm spinner has been a silent performer in the IPL. He started his career at Chennai Super Kings (CSK) before moving to Gujarat Titans (GT) ahead of IPL 2022.

Since then, he has been with the Titans. In IPL 2025, he was the highest wicket-taker among Indian spinners. The 29-year-old bagged 19 wickets in 15 matches at an average of 20.68.

4. Ayush Badoni

Ayush Badoni has been associated with Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) since their maiden appearance in IPL 2022. The LSG management rates the right-handed batter highly and have backed him even in times when he was not getting runs with the bat.

Badoni had his best season with the bat in IPL 2025, he amassed 329 runs at an average of 32.90 and a strike rate of 148.20 in 14 matches. The 26-year-old will want to go from strength to strength in the seasons to come.

3. Shashank Singh

When Shashank Singh joined the Punjab Kings (PBKS) at the IPL 2024 auction, it turned out to be a massive saga. The franchise apparently bid on the wrong player because two players had an identical name. However, Shashank got himself accustomed to the finisher’s role assigned to him by the PBKS management and made his name in the league instantly.

The right-handed batter has scored 704 runs from 31 matches in the last two seasons for PBKS. He has scored his runs at an average of 47.11 and a strike rate of 159.08. However, Shashank often does not get the kind of adulation he deserves.

2. Rahul Tewatia

Rahul Tewatia has played some fantastic knocks in the finisher’s role over the years. He became a household name after smashing Sheldon Cottrell for five sixes in an over while playing for the Rajasthan Royals against Kings XI Punjab (now Punjab Kings) in 2020.

Since IPL 2022, Tewatia has played for the Gujarat Titans. While he has not bowled in the last two seasons, the southpaw has played some important cameos down the order. He gets to face a limited number of balls most of the time in matches, but he still manages to make a mark.

1. Sandeep Sharma

Sandeep Sharma might not have pace on his side, but he has managed to become a reliable bowler, be it with the new ball or in the death overs. During the early years of his career, Sandeep was primarily a new-ball bowler. However, in recent years, he has developed the ability to bowl yorkers, both wide and at the stumps. He has also learned how to vary his pace and keep the batters guessing.

Sandeep also has a great record against MS Dhoni in the last overs of T20 matches. While the wicketkeeper-batter is known for being a demolisher in death overs, he has not been able to take the upper hand on the 32-year-old speedster.