IPL 2025 Kicks Off: New Rules, Captains, and Anticipated Rivalries
Exciting Beginnings for IPL 2025
The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League is set to commence this Saturday, featuring the defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders facing off against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who have historically struggled to secure a title. The match is expected to be accompanied by the usual fanfare, although rain may pose a challenge.
Fans can anticipate several changes this season, notably the reinstatement of saliva for bowlers to shine the ball, a decision made by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) after a consensus was reached among IPL captains during a meeting in Mumbai.
While the International Cricket Council had made the saliva ban permanent in 2022, the IPL's unique regulations allow for this adjustment, potentially influencing global cricket standards.
This season will also introduce tactical modifications, particularly to address the dew factor. From the 11th over of evening matches, a new ball will be utilized if umpires deem the dew significant, a rule that will not apply to afternoon games.
Moreover, the Decision Review System has been expanded to include height wides and off-side wides, enhancing the fairness of the game.
Despite ongoing discussions about its impact, the Impact Player rule remains unchanged.
Leadership Changes in IPL Teams
This season, seven teams will begin under new captains, with some serving as temporary leaders for various reasons. Notably, Rajat Patidar, who has yet to play a T20I for India, will captain RCB, which includes star player Virat Kohli.
Axar Patel will lead the Delhi Capitals, alongside senior player KL Rahul, who aims to bounce back from a challenging season with Lucknow Super Giants.
Shreyas Iyer, fresh from leading KKR to victory in 2024, will captain Punjab Kings, while Ajinkya Rahane takes over the leadership role at KKR.
Rajasthan Royals will have Riyan Parag as interim captain for the first three matches due to Sanju Samson's recovery from a finger injury.
Suryakumar Yadav will lead Mumbai Indians in their away match against Chennai Super Kings, as Hardik Pandya serves a suspension for an over-rate violation.
Rishabh Pant's Comeback Journey
Rishabh Pant is poised to embark on a significant new phase in his career following a remarkable recovery from a life-threatening accident. As the most expensive player in IPL history, acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for a staggering INR 27 crore, he is eager to prove his worth.
Despite being included in the squads for the Champions Trophy and T20I series against England, he did not play in any matches. This season presents a crucial opportunity for him to establish his place in the T20 format.
Pant's explosive batting and leadership abilities have been subjects of debate, and he aims to validate his hefty price tag while sending a strong message to selectors for future international competitions.
Coaching Changes and Key Player Fitness
There have been notable shifts in coaching staff as well. Ricky Ponting has transitioned from Delhi Capitals to Punjab Kings as head coach, with Hemang Badani stepping in as the new head coach for Delhi.
Kevin Pietersen has joined Delhi Capitals as a mentor, while Rahul Dravid returns to Rajasthan Royals as head coach, marking his first IPL coaching role since leading India to a T20 World Cup title last year.
Dwayne Bravo, a veteran of CSK, will serve as a mentor for KKR, taking over from Gautam Gambhir, who is now the head coach of the Indian national team.
A significant concern for Mumbai Indians is the fitness of Jasprit Bumrah, who is currently undergoing assessments at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru. Coach Mahela Jayawardene remains hopeful yet cautious about Bumrah's availability, which is crucial for both MI and India's upcoming tour of England.
The Dhoni Speculation Continues
As the IPL returns, speculation surrounding Mahendra Singh Dhoni's potential retirement intensifies. The 43-year-old, who stepped away from international cricket in 2020, continues to be a pivotal figure in the league.
While he may not consistently deliver match-winning performances, his experience and strategic acumen are invaluable to Chennai Super Kings.
In contrast, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a promising batting talent acquired by Rajasthan Royals, will be looking to make his mark this season.
Kohli and Sharma's Return to T20
Both Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who retired from T20Is following India's World Cup victory last year, will make their first major appearances in the format during IPL 2025.
Kohli, who topped the scoring charts in IPL 2024 with 741 runs, remains a key player for RCB, while Rohit aims to regain his form for Mumbai Indians after a challenging period.
Match Preview: KKR vs RCB
The season opener at Eden Gardens rekindles a historic rivalry. Seventeen years ago, Brendon McCullum's explosive 158 in the inaugural IPL match set the stage for the league's legacy.
Since then, KKR has secured three titles, while RCB continues to chase its first championship. This time, KKR, known for faltering after a title win, will strive to break the trend under Rahane's leadership.
Attention will be on Varun Chakravarthy, who played a crucial role in India's Champions Trophy victory, as he faces Kohli, who has been honing his skills against spin.
Sunil Narine, still a formidable player at 36, will support Chakravarthy while also contributing at the top of the order following Phil Salt's move to RCB.
For RCB, the combination of Salt and Kohli at the top, along with finishers like Jitesh Sharma and Liam Livingstone, appears strong. However, their bowling attack, weakened by Mohammed Siraj's departure to Gujarat Titans, will rely on veterans Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood to perform well in Eden's spin-friendly conditions.
Exciting Opening Ceremony Ahead
The tournament will kick off with a glamorous opening ceremony featuring performances by Shreya Ghoshal, Karan Aujla, and Disha Patani. However, the excitement may be tempered by forecasts of thunderstorms and rain on match day.