IPL 2025: After the final match, Irfan Pathan revealed his best 12, see who got a place

After the thrilling conclusion of the Indian Premier League 2025, cricket fans were buzzing with excitement not just because of the epic final but also due to discussions around standout players throughout the season. One of the most talked-about revelations came from none other than former Indian all-rounder and celebrated cricket commentator, Irfan Pathan. Known for his sharp analysis and in-depth knowledge of the game, Irfan Pathan unveiled his selection for the "Best 12" players of the tournament—a squad that reflects not only individual brilliance but also strategic balance across batting, bowling, and fielding departments. Before diving into the detailed composition of this elite group, let’s quickly revisit the grand finale of IPL 2025. The championship match featured Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) taking on Punjab Kings (PBKS), a face-off that held fans at the edge of their seats till the final over. RCB, led by a cohesive performance from their star players, emerged as champions, earning their maiden IPL trophy and ending years of heartbreak. Punjab Kings, although falling just short, impressed everyone with their aggressive gameplay and fresh leadership approach. Their incredible campaign was led by Shreyas Iyer, who not only captained the side efficiently but also earned a well-deserved place in Irfan Pathan’s squad—and not just as a player but as the captain of his best 12. The IPL 2025 season witnessed an exciting mix of explosive performances from seasoned pros and the emergence of new talent, especially among uncapped players. These young guns showed no nerves on the big stage and performed with flair and maturity, giving selectors and fans plenty to cheer about. Irfan’s selection underlined this changing dynamic, as he thoughtfully combined big names with rising stars to showcase the true spirit and competitiveness of this year’s IPL.

At the top of the order, Irfan Pathan placed his trust in the dynamic duo of Sai Sudharsan and Virat Kohli. Sudharsan had an absolutely sensational season, topping the run charts and claiming the coveted Orange Cap by scoring a jaw-dropping 759 runs. His consistency, maturity, and ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed made him an obvious choice. Opening alongside him is none other than the modern legend of Indian cricket, Virat Kohli, who proved once again why he is regarded as one of the greatest T20 batsmen. Kohli amassed 657 runs, delivering impactful performances in crucial matches and displaying the class and aggression he’s known for. Their left-right combination and varied styles bring an ideal mix of flair and stability to the top order. At the pivotal number three position, Irfan opted for England’s swashbuckling batter Jos Buttler, who represented the Gujarat Titans this season. Buttler had a commendable run, scoring 538 runs in just 13 matches. His ability to switch gears, take on bowlers early in the innings, and his experience in high-pressure situations made him a natural fit for this all-star lineup.

One of the most interesting and commendable decisions by Irfan Pathan was appointing Shreyas Iyer as the captain of this team. Taking charge of Punjab Kings in his very first season, Iyer showcased exceptional leadership qualities, guiding a previously underperforming franchise to the finals. His calm demeanor, tactical acumen, and ability to inspire young players earned him praise from fans and pundits alike. With the bat, he contributed consistently in the middle order, often anchoring innings and accelerating at the right moments. His inclusion as captain in this elite list is both a reward for his on-field performances and a nod to his leadership potential. In the middle order, Irfan selected three explosive players who can shift the momentum of a match in mere overs—Suryakumar Yadav, Heinrich Klaasen, and Naman Dheer. Suryakumar, with his 360-degree shot-making ability and unorthodox strokeplay, continued to baffle bowlers and entertain fans. Heinrich Klaasen, the hard-hitting South African wicketkeeper-batsman, played the role of a finisher for his franchise and had several memorable knocks under pressure. His strength against spin and ability to clear boundaries with ease made him a valuable asset. Naman Dheer, a relatively newer name, was one of the season’s breakout stars. The young Indian player impressed with his raw power, fearless approach, and maturity beyond his years. Dheer’s performance highlighted the incredible depth of talent in India’s domestic cricket system and validated Irfan’s eye for spotting game-changing potential.

When it comes to the all-round and spin bowling department, Irfan Pathan went with a balanced pair—Krunal Pandya and Noor Ahmad. Krunal, the experienced campaigner, brought a lot to the table with his left-arm spin, handy lower-order batting, and experience in high-pressure games. His ability to bowl in the powerplay and break crucial partnerships makes him a smart and flexible option in any T20 setup. On the other hand, Noor Ahmad, the young Afghan spinner, dazzled everyone with his variety, turn, and ability to bowl at any stage of the innings. His confidence and composure were remarkable, especially when bowling to seasoned international batsmen. This pairing of Krunal and Noor offers a rich mix of experience and youthful exuberance, capable of restricting runs and picking timely wickets.

In the fast-bowling department, Irfan picked Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood, and Prasidh Krishna—three completely different kinds of pace bowlers who, when brought together, form a lethal attack. Jasprit Bumrah, India’s pace spearhead, was at his usual best, consistently delivering toe-crushing yorkers, unplayable bouncers, and tight overs in the death. His ability to bowl with the new ball and come back strongly in the end overs makes him a cornerstone of any bowling lineup. Josh Hazlewood, the tall and disciplined Aussie seamer, impressed with his consistent line and length, generating bounce and extracting movement on flat Indian pitches. He was particularly effective in the powerplay, picking up key wickets and setting the tone for the rest of the innings. Finally, there’s Prasidh Krishna, who enjoyed a spectacular season. He not only took 25 wickets but also walked away with the Purple Cap for being the tournament’s highest wicket-taker. His pace, bounce, and willingness to attack the stumps made him a nightmare for many batsmen. After missing much of the previous season due to injury, Krishna's comeback was inspiring, and his performances were a key factor in his team’s success.

Overall, Irfan Pathan’s Best 12 squad is not just a celebration of big names and statistical dominance—it reflects balance, strategy, and a deep understanding of team dynamics. From explosive openers to reliable middle-order batsmen, power hitters, all-rounders, spinners, and death-over specialists, this lineup could give any team a run for its money. It’s a reminder of the incredible talent on display in IPL 2025 and how the tournament continues to evolve, uncovering future stars and revitalizing seasoned players. Irfan’s choices also highlight the increasing importance of leadership, temperament, and adaptability in the shortest format of the game. His decision to name Shreyas Iyer as captain speaks volumes about Iyer’s maturity and game sense, especially considering it was his debut season as a franchise leader. Likewise, the inclusion of young players like Naman Dheer and Sai Sudharsan emphasizes that IPL is no longer just a platform for performance—it’s a launching pad for future international stars.

Here’s a final look at Irfan Pathan’s Best 12 for IPL 2025:

Virat Kohli, Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Shreyas Iyer (captain), Suryakumar Yadav, Heinrich Klaasen, Naman Dheer, Krunal Pandya, Noor Ahmad, Jasprit Bumrah, Josh Hazlewood, Prasidh Krishna

Each of these players has brought something unique to the table, and together they form a formidable lineup that captures the spirit of IPL 2025—thrilling, competitive, and unpredictable. Irfan Pathan’s insight into player roles and performances adds another layer of appreciation for cricket fans and analysts alike. As the cricketing world now looks ahead to international tournaments and the next season of IPL, these names will surely remain in the spotlight. Whether they go on to represent their countries with distinction or continue to shine in league cricket, their performances in IPL 2025 have already etched their names in the hearts of millions of fans. Irfan Pathan’s Best 12 serves as a perfect summary of a season filled with unforgettable moments, fierce rivalries, game-changing performances, and the unrelenting passion that defines the Indian Premier League.