Having a plethora of talented all-rounders is a great challenge, and as we gear up for TATA IPL 2025, we’re thrilled about the depth in our squad. From the power of Glenn Phillips to the versatility of Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Sai Kishore, Mahipal Lomror, Nishant Sindhu, Karim Janat, Arshad Khan, and Shahrukh Khan, the competition for spots will be fierce. Add Rashid Khan’s world-class bowling and clutch batting, and we’re spoiled for choice. Tough decisions await, but this depth fills us with confidence.

When you need a batter, it’s Shubman Gill. When you need a bowler, it’s Kagiso Rabada. But when you need an all-rounder who does it all, it’s Glenn Phillips, explosive batting, sharp bowling, incredible fielding, and even wicketkeeping when needed.

Since making his debut in 2017, Glenn Phillips has established himself as a key player for New Zealand. His breakthrough moment came in 2020 when he smashed a remarkable 46-ball century in a T20I against the West Indies. Phillips played an important role in New Zealand’s journey to the 2021 T20 World Cup final and followed it up with a standout performance in 2022, scoring 104 off 64 balls in a match where others struggled. He’s not just a top batter; Phillips is also a useful bowler. In the recent Test series against India, he took crucial wickets, helping his team secure a 3-0 series win. With 49 international wickets, including a best of 5/45 in Tests against Australia, Phillips consistently proves he can be relied upon in critical moments, whether it’s with the bat, ball, or in the field.

Rashid Khan, the trailblazer from Afghanistan, has etched his name as one of the finest in T20 cricket. Starting his journey as a 17-year-old, Rashid made headlines with an extraordinary spell of 5 for 3 against Ireland in 2017. In ODIs, his unforgettable 7 for 18 against West Indies secured Afghanistan’s maiden win in the Caribbean. That same year, he was honored as the ICC Associate Cricketer of the Year, marking his rise as a global star.

Joining the Gujarat Titans in 2022, Rashid played a pivotal role in their title-winning debut IPL season, picking up 19 wickets. The following year, he elevated his game further, claiming 27 wickets and becoming the first Titans bowler to bag an IPL hat-trick, achieving this historic feat against Kolkata Knight Riders. Not just a wizard with the ball, Rashid showcased his batting prowess with a stunning unbeaten 79 off 32 balls against Mumbai Indians in 2023, proving his all-round brilliance.

Washington Sundar is another outstanding addition to our squad, and his recent performances highlight why he’s one of the brightest talents in Indian cricket. During the recent Test series against New Zealand in India, Sundar was one of the few standout performers for the home team. He claimed 11 wickets in the second Test, including a remarkable seven-wicket haul in the first innings, and followed it up with a four-wicket display in the third Test.

With the bat, Washington Sundar has delivered some memorable performances. His 62 in the first innings of the historic Gabba Test in 2021 is a moment etched in cricketing history. He followed it up with a crucial 22 in the second innings to help India secure a famous win. His highest Test score, an unbeaten 96 against England in 2021, further proves his potential as a genuine all-rounder. Washington has also opened the batting in domestic tournaments like the Tamil Nadu Premier League, where he was the leading run-scorer in 2017 with 459 runs. In 2023, he even opened the innings for India in an ODI against Australia. His adaptability and all-round skills make him an invaluable asset for our team.

Karim Janat is another exciting player who brings explosive batting and effective bowling to the table. The Afghan all-rounder has delivered several memorable performances in T20s. In 66 T20Is, he has a career-best bowling figure of 5/11 and a highest score of 56*. In the 2019 Shpageeza Cricket League, Janat showcased his ability with the bat, smashing 120 off just 63 balls while opening for Kabul Eagles. With 117 wickets in T20s, Janat is more than just a big hitter—he is a proven match-winner.

Sai Kishore, a familiar face, is back for another season. The left-arm spinner has been a standout performer since 2022, picking up 13 wickets in 10 matches, including a best of 4/33. His domestic record speaks volumes—he was the leading wicket-taker in the 2019 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy with 20 wickets. In the 2020/21 final of the same tournament, Sai bowled an exceptional spell of 4-1-11-0, helping Tamil Nadu lift the trophy. His international debut came in the 2023 Asian Games, where he impressed with a three-wicket haul against Bangladesh.

Shahrukh Khan is another player to watch out for. Known for his calmness under pressure, he has already made a name for himself in crucial moments. In IPL 2024, Shahrukh scored 127 runs in just seven games, including a maiden IPL fifty against Royal Challengers Bengaluru. His ability to finish games, like the match-winning six in the 2021-22 Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy final, highlights his strong temperament. Not only a batter, Shahrukh has also shown his value with the ball. He was the highest wicket-taker in the 2023 Tamil Nadu Premier League with 17 wickets and maintained his form in 2024, finishing as the second-highest wicket-taker for his team.

Rahul Tewatia is a player who needs no introduction. His knack for turning games around has made him a fan favorite. Who can forget his five sixes in an over in IPL 2020 or his match-winning heroics against Punjab Kings in 2022, when he hit two sixes off the last two balls to seal the win for us? Tewatia is not just a big-hitting batter; he’s also a skilled leg-spinner with 32 IPL wickets to his name, making him a valuable all-rounder.

Further strengthening our all-rounder pool are Mahipal Lomror, who had a solid season with Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024, and Nishant Sindhu, who recently scored a century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy. Arshad Khan, another versatile option, joins the ranks, offering valuable contributions with both bat and ball.

Manav Suthar is back with us for another exciting season! A talented left-arm spinner, Manav has consistently impressed in domestic cricket with his skill and determination.

With 109 wickets to his name in domestic competitions, he has proven to be a reliable match-winner with the ball. But that’s not all—Manav is also a handy batter, capable of contributing valuable runs down the order. His highest score of 96* in First-Class cricket is a testament to his all-round capabilities.

With such a powerful lineup of all-rounders, we head into TATA IPL 2025 with confidence. The challenge of selecting the playing XI is a welcome one, showcasing the depth and quality within our squad. This is a team built to win titles, and we can’t wait to see these players shine on the biggest stage.