Breaking Barriers: How Non-Domestic Players are Securing IPL Spots Despite Limited Experience

By Nishad Bapat

Hyderabad: Traditionally, players showcased their skills in prestigious domestic tournaments like the Ranji Trophy or the Vijay Hazare Trophy to catch the eye of the national selectors or IPL scouts. These tournaments were seen as the only path to reach the Indian Premier League (IPL). Players gained valuable experience here, learning to compete at higher levels.

But things are shifting. State cricket leagues are quickly becoming a popular route to the IPL. They’re emerging as hotspots for talent, spotlighting uncapped players who are stepping into the limelight.

Take players like Vignesh Puthur, Ashwani Kumar, Aniket Verma, and Digvesh Rathi. They’ve made waves in recent tournaments without a wealth of domestic experience. This trend sparks interest: how are they making it to the top?

Vignesh Puthur is a prime example. He had limited experience, having only played under-23 cricket for Kerala. However, his talent shone through in the Kerala Cricket League 2024, where he claimed two wickets in three matches. This caught the attention of Mumbai Indians, who purchased him for ₹30 lakh in the IPL 2025 mega auction. The franchise saw potential and sent him to South Africa as a net bowler for MI Cape Town.

Then there’s Ashwani Kumar, a left-arm pacer who has played just a handful of senior matches. He made a name for himself in the Sher-e-Punjab T20 tournament, stunning many with figures of 4/36.

Aniket Verma’s story is equally inspiring. He turned heads with outstanding performances in the Men’s Under-23 One Day Inter-State tournament, and his batting prowess in the Madhya Pradesh Premier League helped him secure a spot with Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) after scoring 244 runs in five matches.

Digvesh Rathi burst onto the scene during the Delhi Premier League 2024, finishing among the top wicket-takers. His leg-spin bowling showcased his potential, drawing eyes from IPL scouts.

Another exciting talent is Priyansh Arya, who topped the runs chart in the Delhi Premier League. With six sixes in one over and impressive stats in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he gained significant attention from franchises.

This new wave shows that success in the IPL doesn’t solely hinge on lengthy records in established domestic tournaments. Scouts are now actively searching through grassroots leagues for fresh talent. This broader search means promising players can get noticed without the traditional routes.

In fact, according to a recent survey by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), around 30% of the players who entered the IPL in the last season came from local leagues rather than the historic domestic tournaments. This marks a significant change in how talents are recognized and nurtured in Indian cricket.

With this evolving landscape, aspiring cricketers can find new opportunities beyond the traditional paths. The future of Indian cricket is bright with these emerging talents reshaping the game.

For more insights, you can read the BCCI’s report on the importance of grassroots cricket here.

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