IPL 2025 Predictions
If you enjoy watching the ball fly out of the park, the 2024 Indian Premier League was one of the most spectacular seasons ever!
We witnessed some jaw-dropping totals that were hard to believe, and it was by far the highest-scoring season. Are we in for another season where batting records are smashed to pieces, or will the bowlers rise up this year?
Over the next two months, we’ll discover what unfolds, and here’s what to keep an eye on.
What’s new?
Quite a lot. As this is the first season after the latest mega auction, every team has undergone a major transformation. In fact, the struggling Punjab Kings have retained just three players from the previous season.”
Sure, here’s the revised version without highlighting:
Half the teams have new captains, and there have been some significant transfers. Rishabh Pant has been acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for a record-breaking fee of £2.5m, while Jos Buttler has moved to Gujarat Titans.
Punjab have secured Kolkata’s title-winning captain, Shreyas Iyer, and Mitchell Starc is now headed to Delhi.
As always, there will be emerging talents to watch out for, including the youngest-ever player in IPL history. If Vaibhav Suryavanshi steps onto the field for Rajasthan Royals, expect a media frenzy—he’s only 13 years old!
Player to watch?
Abhishek Sharma from Sunrisers Hyderabad. Last season, Abhishek and Travis Head revolutionized how to approach the powerplay, delivering some of the most explosive batting in T20 cricket history.
Now, a year later, Abhishek, with two T20 International centuries to his name, is determined to make a mark as one of India’s top opening batsmen, despite tough competition for the spot.
When the Sunrisers take the field, be sure to grab some popcorn and get comfortable—you’re in for an exciting ride!
Englishman to impress?
Phil Salt (Royal Challengers Bangalore). While I believe Will Jacks could show England what they’ve been missing with a standout season for Mumbai, I think Salt is the one who will make the biggest impression.
Having already had a successful stint in the IPL with Kolkata, he’s unlikely to be phased by the big stage and should enjoy the small boundaries at Chinnaswamy Stadium.
English fans might want to get behind RCB this year, as Salt will be joined by Jacob Bethell and Liam Livingstone. With Andy Flower coaching and Mo Bobat overseeing cricket operations, it’s almost like an extension of the ECB!
Got it! Here’s a full rephrase with every word rewritten:
Which team might surprise?
Delhi Capitals. They’ve failed to make the playoffs for three straight years, but I believe they stand a strong chance of finishing in the top four this time after what seems like a successful auction.
By letting go of Rishabh Pant, they were able to secure KL Rahul at a much lower price, along with adding Mitchell Starc and Faf du Plessis.
Starc could provide the bowling boost they lacked last season, and with an excellent spin pair in Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, their top six is looking solid. If their key players remain healthy and Axar adapts quickly as captain, they could pose a serious challenge.
Who will smash the most sixes?
Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad). Although Abhishek Sharma claimed this honor last year, and as an opener he’s got a great shot to do it again, I’m betting on his teammate Klaasen to make the biggest impact.
Once he’s in his stride, no ground is big enough for him, and if he gets enough time at the crease, expect plenty of sixes!
Is this MS Dhoni’s final year?
I hope not! It’s so difficult to say with Dhoni because he’s a pro at keeping his plans under wraps. Lately, he’s only coming in for brief appearances lower in the order, which might help him stay fresh for another season. Let’s hope we get to enjoy him for one more year!
One thing is certain – his retirement will happen on his own terms. In classic Dhoni fashion, it will likely be quiet, and we’ll probably only find out about it after he’s already played his final match.
Who will come out on top?
Considering I picked Mumbai Indians last year, I might not be the best person to ask!
I do believe Mumbai will be much stronger this year (even without Jasprit Bumrah for the first few matches), but after they let me down in 2024, I can’t back them again.
Gujarat made some smart purchases in the auction and seem to have a solid bowling lineup and a strong top three. That said, if I had to choose, I’d go with Sunrisers to do even better than last year and lift the trophy.
Their bowling attack has been overhauled, and the batting lineup looks just as formidable as last season. If they finish last, this will be the last time I attempt to predict the winner!
