The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is all set to begin on March 22, 2025, bringing fresh challenges, unexpected leadership changes, and exciting new rules. As cricket fans gear up for the tournament, let’s dive deep into what’s new this season.
In This Article:
Tournament Overview
- Start Date: March 22, 2025
- Opening Match: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
- Total Teams: 10
- Final Match: Scheduled for May 26, 2025
- Venues: Multiple cities across India
New Rules Introduced in IPL 2025
This year, IPL organizers have introduced several game-changing rules to make the matches more exciting and fair.
Saliva Ban Lifted
- Bowlers can use saliva to shine the ball again, a practice banned since 2020.
- Expected to benefit fast bowlers, especially under lights.
Two New Balls in the Second Innings
- If dew becomes excessive, umpires will introduce a fresh ball after the 11th over of the second innings.
- Aims to balance the contest between bat and ball.
DRS for Wide Balls & No-Balls (Height-Based Calls)
- Players can now review wide balls and high no-balls using the Decision Review System (DRS).
- Expected to reduce umpiring errors.
Over Rate Violations – No More Captain Bans
- Instead of banning captains for slow over rates, the IPL has introduced a Demerit Points System.
- Repeated offenses over three years will result in financial penalties instead of suspensions.
Leadership Shakeups – 7 Teams with New Captains
One of the biggest surprises this season is seven teams appointing new captains, making IPL 2025 one of the most unpredictable seasons ever.
Team-wise Captaincy Changes
- Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB): Rajat Patidar replaces Faf du Plessis (injured).
- Delhi Capitals (DC): Axar Patel replaces David Warner (stepped down).
- Punjab Kings (PBKS): Shreyas Iyer replaces Shikhar Dhawan (released).
- Rajasthan Royals (RR): Riyan Parag (interim) replaces Sanju Samson (injured).
- Mumbai Indians (MI): Suryakumar Yadav replaces Hardik Pandya (temporarily).
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): KL Rahul returns as captain, replacing Krunal Pandya.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Aiden Markram replaces Kane Williamson (released).
Most Expensive IPL Signing – Rishabh Pant’s ₹27 Crore Deal
After missing the 2023 & 2024 IPL seasons due to his horrific car accident, Rishabh Pant has made a blockbuster comeback as the most expensive IPL player ever.
- Bought by Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) for ₹27 crore.
- Expected to play a dual role as wicketkeeper and middle-order batter.
- Faces high expectations to justify his record-breaking price tag.
Major Coaching Staff Changes
Several IPL teams have reshuffled their coaching staff for this season.
- Punjab Kings (PBKS): Ricky Ponting replaces Trevor Bayliss as Head Coach.
- Delhi Capitals (DC): Hemang Badani replaces Ricky Ponting.
- Rajasthan Royals (RR): Rahul Dravid replaces Kumar Sangakkara.
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Dwayne Bravo joins as Mentor, replacing Gautam Gambhir (who moved to LSG).
Injury Updates – Will Bumrah Play?
- Jasprit Bumrah is under observation at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru due to back issues.
- Mumbai Indians & the Indian team are closely monitoring his recovery.
- He may be rested for the first few matches before making a comeback.
MS Dhoni’s Last IPL?
As MS Dhoni turns 43, the speculation about his retirement intensifies.
- He will continue as CSK captain but may reduce his playing role.
- Chennai Super Kings have not confirmed if this will be his last season.
- Fans are eagerly waiting to see if he will bid farewell after IPL 2025.
The Rise of 13-Year-Old Vaibhav Suryavanshi
- Rajasthan Royals have signed 13-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi, making him the youngest-ever IPL player.
- He has drawn comparisons with past teenage prodigies like Prithvi Shaw & Riyan Parag.
Looking Forward – What to Expect?
IPL 2025 promises to be an electrifying season with:
- New rules that enhance fairness.
- A record number of captaincy changes.
- The return of key players like Rishabh Pant.
- Young talent emerging on the biggest stage.
Cricket fans, are you ready for the action? Stay tuned for more updates as the battle for IPL 2025 glory begins!
By – Nikita
