Every season brings a fresh wave of talent, but 2025 feels different. Around the world, a new generation of players is stepping up — not just filling spaces, but commanding attention. These aren’t just prospects for tomorrow — they’re gamechangers today, already making serious statements in domestic leagues and on the international stage.

What sets this crop apart isn’t just raw skill — it’s composure under pressure, fearless strokeplay, unrelenting pace, and cricket IQ beyond their years. From Pakistan to South Africa, India to the West Indies, these players have already shown glimpses of greatness in the making.

This article spotlights the young cricketers to watch in 2025 — not based on hype, but based on performance, potential, and presence. Some are already lighting up the IPL, The Hundred, and the PSL; others are quietly building reputations in domestic cricket or age-group internationals, just one breakout away from stardom.

Whether they’re express quicks, aggressive openers, or clever finishers, each of these rising stars represents the future of cricket — a future that looks fast, fearless, and fiercely competitive.

1. Dewald Brevis (South Africa)

Nicknamed “Baby AB”, Dewald Brevis is one of the most exciting batting talents to emerge from South Africa in years. Known for his audacious strokeplay and 360-degree shot range, Brevis has already drawn comparisons to AB de Villiers — and not without merit.

At just 21, he’s already starred in the SA20 League, IPL, and Under-19 World Cup, showcasing his ability to take on world-class bowlers with confidence. His power game is impressive, but it’s his game awareness and maturity that stand out. Brevis isn’t just a hitter — he’s a builder of innings.

In T20 leagues, he’s shown he can adapt to different roles: opening the batting, finishing innings, and even chipping in with handy leg spin. That versatility, combined with a calm temperament, makes him a captain’s dream in white-ball formats.

As South Africa look to rebuild and inject youth into their setup, Dewald Brevis feels destined for the long haul. He’s more than just potential — he’s a presence. And that’s what makes him one of the young cricketers to watch closely this year.

2. Noor Ahmad (Afghanistan)

Afghanistan continues to produce world-class spinners, and Noor Ahmad looks poised to carry that legacy forward. A left-arm wrist-spinner with excellent control, subtle variations, and a deceptive wrong’un, Noor has already proven himself in leagues like the IPL and BBL — often outfoxing far more experienced batters.

What makes Noor exceptional is his ability to bowl in high-pressure phases, including the powerplay and death overs. He doesn’t rely solely on turning pitches — his success comes from accuracy, flight, and reading batters quickly. At just 19, his tactical intelligence is already on par with seasoned pros.

He’s also benefitted from mentorship by Rashid Khan, both as a teammate and a countryman. That experience has sharpened his decision-making and helped him learn how to perform under intense spotlight.

With Afghanistan now competing consistently at the top level, Noor Ahmad is expected to become a cornerstone of their white-ball attack. His blend of flair and composure marks him out as one of the young cricketers to watch — not just for his country, but on the global T20 circuit.

3. Yashasvi Jaiswal (India)

Few players have ascended as rapidly as Yashasvi Jaiswal. From living in tents near Azad Maidan to becoming a standout performer in the IPL and for India, his journey has already become the stuff of cricket folklore. But beyond the backstory lies a player of extraordinary talent and hunger.

Jaiswal combines classical technique with fearless aggression. He’s not just a stylist — he’s a match-winner, often taking the game to the opposition in the very first over. His century against West Indies in just his second Test, and his explosive performances for Rajasthan Royals, have shown he’s ready for all formats.

His ability to read bowlers, pick lengths early, and clear the field with clean hitting makes him a nightmare for opposition captains. Equally, his temperament in long innings proves he’s not just a T20 prodigy — he’s a genuine all-format contender.

With India on the lookout for a new generation of stars to carry the team forward, Yashasvi Jaiswal looks perfectly placed to become a fixture. His rise has been swift, but it feels sustainable — and he’s certainly among the most exciting young cricketers to watch in 2025.

4. Tom Prest (England)

In a country rich with white-ball talent, Tom Prest has emerged as one of England’s most complete young prospects. A top-order batter with leadership experience at Under-19 level, Prest blends technical elegance with attacking intent, making him a player England will be keen to develop quickly.

He first turned heads during the 2022 U19 World Cup, where he captained England and scored a fluent century. Since then, he’s been knocking on the door of Hampshire’s senior side and showing flashes of brilliance in the domestic circuit.

Prest’s real strength lies in his ability to adapt. He can grind out innings in red-ball cricket, but also switch gears effortlessly in white-ball formats. His off-spin bowling is an added bonus, giving him all-round value, particularly in limited-overs squads.

With England continuing to experiment with younger players across formats, Tom Prest could soon make the leap. His calm under pressure and ability to step up in leadership roles make him one of the young cricketers to watch — someone who could become a mainstay in England’s future line-ups.

5. Matheesha Pathirana (Sri Lanka)

Dubbed the “Baby Malinga”, Matheesha Pathirana has already captured the imagination of cricket fans with his slingy action and searing yorkers. His unique bowling style — reminiscent of Lasith Malinga — makes him an uncomfortable match-up for any batter, particularly in the death overs where accuracy and deception are vital.

Pathirana shone during the IPL 2023 season with Chennai Super Kings, delivering crucial overs under pressure and picking up key wickets against elite opposition. His pace hovers around 145 km/h, but it’s his angle, dip, and length variation that make him lethal.

What stands out most is his temperament. For a bowler so young, Pathirana has shown remarkable calm in tight games. He doesn’t rely on bounce or swing — he thrives on precision and guts, often bowling at the toughest moments of the innings.

As Sri Lanka looks to rebuild a competitive pace attack, Pathirana feels like a central piece of the puzzle. With more experience and careful management, he could become a go-to option across formats. His raw talent and fearless execution make him one of the most unmissable young cricketers to watch in 2025.

6. Rehan Ahmed (England)

At just 20 years old, Rehan Ahmed is already breaking records. In 2022, he became the youngest-ever men’s Test cricketer for England, and in his debut match against Pakistan, he responded with a five-wicket haul — making history in style. It wasn’t just a promising start; it was a statement.

Rehan brings a rare package: a wrist-spinner who can bat, a combination England has craved for years. His leg-breaks, googlies, and flippers are delivered with confidence, and he bowls with flight and bite — never afraid to toss it up, even when under attack.

Equally, his batting down the order adds depth. He’s already notched quickfire fifties in county cricket and plays with a fearless mindset that suits modern Test and white-ball cricket alike.

With England keen to build multi-dimensional squads, Rehan Ahmed stands out not just for what he is now, but what he could become — a genuine match-winner with bat and ball. As selectors look to inject youth into a maturing side, Rehan is unquestionably one of the young cricketers to watch, already proving that age is no barrier to impact.

7. Shamar Joseph (West Indies)

Few debut stories are as electric as Shamar Joseph’s. Thrust into the Test arena against Australia in early 2024, he delivered one of the most unforgettable performances in recent memory — a spell of 7 for 68 at The Gabba that helped the West Indies to their first Test win in Australia in nearly three decades.

Joseph bowls with raw pace, heart, and aggression — qualities that West Indies cricket has historically thrived on. But beyond the highlight reel, he’s shown signs of genuine skill: seam movement, bounce, and the ability to bowl long, hostile spells.

His energy is infectious. Watching him run in, it’s clear he loves the contest — and he wants to be in the thick of it. Off the field, he’s humble and grounded, often speaking about how much the opportunity means to him and his family.

As West Indies cricket undergoes a period of transition, Joseph represents a beacon of hope — a fast bowler who could carry forward the legacy of the greats. If his early signs are anything to go by, Shamar Joseph is undoubtedly one of the young cricketers to watch as Test cricket’s next cult hero.

8. Naman Dhir (India)

The Indian domestic circuit has long been a breeding ground for future stars, and Naman Dhir is quickly rising through the ranks. The 24-year-old right-handed batter made a significant impression during the 2024 IPL season for Mumbai Indians, showing composure, aggression, and a knack for finding gaps under pressure.

Dhir is a powerful stroke-maker who doesn’t just rely on brute force — he plays with timing, precision, and a deep understanding of the field. Whether it’s lofting over mid-off or working spinners into gaps, he keeps the scoreboard moving in every phase of the innings.

What makes him stand out is his fearless intent. He isn’t fazed by big names or big moments, and has already produced cameos against top-tier bowlers that turned games in his team’s favour. With strong domestic performances and an impressive IPL stint, Dhir is knocking hard on the doors of national selection.

If he continues to refine his shot selection and add consistency, Naman Dhir could well be India’s next middle-order enforcer in T20Is and beyond. His blend of intent and maturity makes him one of the young cricketers to watch closely in 2025.

9. Jake Fraser-McGurk (Australia)

There’s something about Jake Fraser-McGurk that screams superstar in the making. Explosive, unpredictable, and exhilarating to watch, the young Aussie batter turned heads in 2023 by smashing the fastest List A century in history — off just 29 balls. It wasn’t a fluke. It was a warning.

Fraser-McGurk plays with a freedom rarely seen, even in modern T20 cricket. He loves to attack from ball one, using unorthodox angles and audacious intent to dominate bowlers early. His ability to clear boundaries effortlessly and target any part of the field has already made him a hot property in franchise leagues.

What’s more, he’s started to add substance to the style. A string of strong domestic performances, especially for South Australia, has shown that he’s maturing — knowing when to shift gears and when to explode. His fielding and athleticism only add to his all-round value.

With Australia looking to refresh their white-ball core ahead of future World Cups, Jake Fraser-McGurk looks destined for a major role. If he stays grounded and keeps growing, he won’t just be one of the young cricketers to watch — he’ll be one of the most feared.

Conclusion: Why These Young Cricketers Are Redefining the Game

The future of cricket doesn’t arrive in one big moment — it sneaks in through fearless debuts, unexpected breakthroughs, and innings that shift momentum without warning. What unites all these young cricketers to watch in 2025 is not just their skill, but their attitude. They don’t wait for permission. They arrive ready.

From the classical control of Yashasvi Jaiswal to the chaotic brilliance of Fraser-McGurk, these players aren’t just filling gaps — they’re setting new standards. Many of them have already faced top-tier opposition and come out stronger. They’re technically gifted, tactically sharp, and built for the physical demands of modern cricket.

But it’s their mental resilience that’s most striking. Whether it’s Shamar Joseph’s blistering debut in Australia or Rehan Ahmed’s quiet dominance in Pakistan, these young players are thriving under pressure that once broke even seasoned veterans.

As fans, analysts, and selectors keep their eyes on what’s next, it’s clear these rising stars won’t just participate — they’ll shape the narrative. The next decade of cricket will belong to those who can evolve, attack, adapt, and endure — and this class of talent looks more than ready.