The Indian Premier League (IPL) has always been a platform for young and talented cricketers to showcase their skills and make a name for themselves. And the recently concluded IPL 2025 was no different. One such player who caught the attention of the cricketing world was the young and dynamic Rahmanullah Gurbaz, who made his debut for Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and made a huge impact in his very first season.
Gurbaz, a 22-year-old wicketkeeper-batsman from Afghanistan, was picked up by KKR in the 2025 IPL auction for a whopping sum of 4.2 crores. Many eyebrows were raised at the time of the auction, as Gurbaz was relatively unknown in the cricketing circles. But KKR’s team management had done their homework and were convinced that Gurbaz had the potential to be a game-changer for their team.
And boy, did he prove them right! Gurbaz made his debut for KKR in their opening match against Mumbai Indians and announced his arrival in style. He scored a blistering 89 off just 45 balls, which included 10 fours and 5 sixes. His fearless approach and clean hitting left the opposition bowlers stunned and KKR fans in awe. It was a knock that set the tone for Gurbaz’s IPL journey.
In the 13 matches that he played for KKR, Gurbaz scored a total of 289 runs at an impressive strike rate of 170. His consistency and ability to score quick runs at the top of the order made him an integral part of KKR’s batting line-up. He formed a formidable opening partnership with Shubman Gill and the two youngsters complemented each other perfectly.
But it was not just his batting that caught the eye. Gurbaz’s wicketkeeping skills were also top-notch. He was quick behind the stumps and his agility and reflexes were a treat to watch. He took some stunning catches and also effected a few crucial stumpings, proving that he was a complete package as a wicketkeeper-batsman.
Gurbaz’s performances did not go unnoticed by the other teams in the IPL. He put them on notice with his blazing century against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in the second half of the tournament. He scored 103 off just 55 balls, which included 12 fours and 6 sixes. It was a knock that left the RCB bowlers scratching their heads and the other teams taking note of this young Afghan sensation.
His performances in the IPL also caught the attention of the national selectors back home. Gurbaz was included in the Afghanistan squad for the upcoming T20 World Cup, which is a testament to his talent and hard work. He has now become a vital cog in the Afghan team’s batting line-up and is expected to play a crucial role in their quest for glory in the tournament.
Gurbaz’s success in the IPL has also opened up new opportunities for other young players from Afghanistan. It has shown that they have the talent and potential to compete at the highest level and make a mark in the world of cricket. This will surely inspire more youngsters from the war-torn nation to take up the sport and follow in the footsteps of their heroes like Rashid Khan and Mohammad Nabi.
The future looks bright for Gurbaz and KKR. With his impressive performances in the IPL, Gurbaz has put KKR and other teams on notice for the upcoming IPL auction. He has shown that he has the ability to change the course of a match single-handedly and can be a valuable asset for any team. It won’t be a surprise if he attracts a huge bid in the auction and becomes one of the most sought-after players in the league.
In conclusion, Rahmanullah Gurbaz’s debut season in the IPL has been nothing short of spectacular. He has shown that he has the talent, skill, and temperament to succeed at the highest level. His performances have not only made him a fan favorite but also earned him the respect and admiration of his teammates and opponents. With his blazing batting and sharp wicketkeeping, Gurbaz has truly put KKR and other teams on notice for the upcoming IPL auctions. The future looks bright for this young Afghan star and we can’t wait to see what he has in store for us in the years to come.
