IPL 2025: Nicholas Pooran to Noor Ahmad, Top 5 Overseas Performers at midway stage of tournament

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As IPL 2025 reaches its midway point, most franchises have completed at least half of their league fixtures. This is often a stage when the true game-changers begin to stand out, and unsurprisingly, several overseas stars have made a significant impact.

MyKhel rates the top five overseas performers so far based on their consistency, match-winning contributions, and overall influence on their team’s fortunes. From explosive hitters like Nicholas Pooran to bowling revelations like Noor Ahmad, here are the standout international players lighting up the IPL 2025.

⭐ Nicholas Pooran (9/10) – The Six-Hitting Sensation

Nicholas Pooran has been the standout overseas batter this season, sitting comfortably at the top of the run-scoring chart with 357 runs in just seven matches. His aggressive style and ability to clear boundaries at will have been unmatched—he’s already hit a staggering 31 sixes.

Pooran’s scores include four half-centuries, with standout performances like 87* against KKR and 70 vs SRH, both of which played key roles in Lucknow Super Giants’ wins. His consistency and explosiveness have turned LSG into genuine title contenders, as they currently sit fourth on the points table. Simply put, Pooran has been box-office.

🌪️ Noor Ahmad (8.5/10) – Purple Cap Holder Making Waves

Young Afghan spinner Noor Ahmad has taken the league by storm, leading the Purple Cap race at the halfway mark. Despite playing for an inconsistent CSK side, Noor’s left-arm wrist spin has bamboozled some of the world’s best batters. He started strong with a 4/18 against MI and a 3/36 versus RCB. Though his wickets have dried up slightly in recent games, his economy and control have still made him a key asset. While he hasn’t always turned matches on his own, his emergence as a reliable wicket-taker at just 19 speaks volumes about his potential and value to CSK.

🔥 Mitchell Starc (8/10) – Powerhouse with the Ball

Mitchell Starc has shown why he remains one of the most feared bowlers in the world. His 5/35 against SRH was a game-changer, while his clutch bowling during the dramatic super-over win against RR reminded fans of his temperament in high-pressure situations.

Even in matches where wickets didn’t come easy, like against RR and MI, his pace and discipline limited scoring options and built pressure. Starc has added depth to DC’s bowling attack, helping them pick up crucial wins. He might not be consistent every match, but when Starc delivers, it’s usually in a game-defining manner.

⚡ Mitchell Marsh (8/10) – Reliable Power at the Top

Although unable to bowl due to fitness concerns, Mitchell Marsh has more than compensated with the bat. Partnering with Nicholas Pooran, he’s become LSG’s dependable top-order rock.

Marsh has already registered three half-centuries, including a vital 81 against KKR and 72 versus DC. His strike rate has been impressive, and he’s shown the ability to build innings as well as accelerate when needed. With Pant and others yet to fire consistently, Marsh’s contributions have kept LSG afloat in tight games. His experience and form have been crucial to the team’s strong standing midway through the tournament.

⚡ Phil Salt (7/10) – The Aggressive Opener

Phil Salt has given Royal Challengers Bengaluru a turbo-charged start in most of their games, helping reduce the scoring pressure on stalwarts like Virat Kohli. With 65 against RR and 56 at Eden Gardens against KKR, Salt has shown his intent to attack from ball one.

Although he’s had a few quiet outings, his aggressive brand of batting has often set the tone for RCB’s successful chases—especially impressive as all their wins have come away from home. While not the most consistent, his impact has been felt in crucial moments, earning him a place among the top overseas stars.