Andhra Premier League 2025: Vihari, Shaik Rasheed, Nitish Reddy, And Other Stars To Watch Out For

The Andhra Premier League (APL) 2025 is set to begin on August 8 (Friday) with a new format featuring seven teams and an IPL-like playoff structure (Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, Final), concluding on August 23 (Saturday).

The seven participating teams are Amaravati Royals, Bhimavaram Bulls, Kakinada Kings, Royals of Rayalaseema, Simhadri Vizag Lions, Tungabhadra Warriors, and Vijayawada Sunshiners.

But who are some big names who will be part of APL 2025?

Satyanarayana Raju (Bhimavaram Bulls) 

Satyanarayana Raju came into the limelight after an impressive APL 2024 season, where he struck eight times in seven games, with an impressive economy of 6.15. That led to him further making his debut across three formats for Andhra Pradesh, where he picked up seven wickets in seven games.

It eventually led to Mumbai Indians picking Raju before IPL 2025, where he just played two games for the franchise. Keep an eye out for the pacer. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy (Bhimavaram Bulls)

Nitish Kumar Reddy will lead Bhimavaram Bulls in APL 2025, as the franchise will be looking to lift that title this year. However, the all-rounder’s participation seems unclear at the moment, given he was ruled out of India’s ongoing Test series against England after injuring his left knee. 

But if fit, he will be one of the biggest names in the tournament.

Shaik Rasheed (Royals of Rayalaseema)

One of CSK’s breakthrough stars, Shaik Rasheed, will yet again be one of the players to look forward to in this year’s APL. Rasheed scored 297 runs in APL 2024, where he struck three fifties, averaging 59.4 with the bat.

Another good year here will all but confirm his retention. 

Srikar Bharat (Kakinada Kings)

Srikar Bharat has a point to prove, and what better than APL 2025 to prove that. Bharat led Vizag Warriors to a title in 2024 and was one of the best batters in the competition, smashing 341 runs, with three half-centuries, averaging 68.20.

With several IPL franchises looking for a wicketkeeper batter, could we see Bharat’s return?

Hanuma Vihari (Amaravati Royals)

Hanuma Vihari, India's "forgotten hero" and former Test player, will captain the Amaravati Royals in APL 2025.

Vihari, who last played for India in 2022 and hasn't been in the IPL since 2019, will look for a strong tournament to boost his prospects before the upcoming Indian domestic season.

Ricky Bhui (Simhadri Vizag Lions)

Ricky Bhui, Andhra Pradesh’s mainstay batter, will be another name to look forward to in the upcoming APL season. Bhui made a big statement in 2020 in APL, when he scored 386 runs, averaging 35.09. 

The 28-year-old is a veteran, with over 5000 first-class runs, with 20 hundreds and 20 half-centuries. Bhui can certainly use this tournament to get back to the IPL level.