2024 IPL was one of the most memorable seasons ever, especially if you like to watch them jump out of the park!
It was the highest scored season (1 mile) and we saw the eye-opening totals that we needed to be seen as believed. So will the bowlers bite this year or are we heading for another season when the batting record is smashed by the blacksmith?
You will know for the next two months, but this is something you need to pay attention to…
what’s new?
a lot. As it is the first season after the latest mega auction, all teams have a very different look. In fact, the unfortunate Punjab Kings have only three players since last season!
Image: Jos Buttler moved from Rajasthan Royals in IPL to Gujarat Titans
Half of the team has a new captain, with some major moves, including the highest price ever (£2.5 million) and Rishabh pants purchased at Jos Butler of the Gujarat Titans.
Punjab has captain Shreyas Ayer, who won the Kolkata title, nicked, and Mitchell Stark calls Delhi home.
As always, there are several emerging stars to devour the eyes, including the youngest player signed with the IPL. If Vaibhav Suryavanshi plays the game for Rajasthan Royals, there is a storm of media… he is only 13 years old!
Player watching?
Abhishek Sharma from Sunrisers Hyderabad. Last year, Abhishek and Travis heads rewrite the rulebook on how to hit in the power play. The final result was some of the most incredible ball strikes seen in T20 cricket history.
Image: Abhishek Sharma is the dominant player of Sunrisers Hyderabad at the top of the order
Twelve months later, the young Indian left-hander now has two T20 internationals hundreds in his name, trying to keep his authority on one of India’s opening spots in the face of extremely tough competition.
Once the Sunriser starts the innings, try to settle on the couch with popcorn – enjoy the show!
Impressed British?
Phil Salt (Royal Challenger Bangalore). Will Jax, who shows England that he’s gone missing during a strong Mumbai season, uses salt to make the biggest impression.
Image: English Filsalt previously played for Kolkata Night Rider, but is currently featured in the RCB book
He has already been successful in the IPL along with Kolkata, and should be violent at the opportunity and enjoy the small boundaries of Chinnaswamy Stadium.
English fans may want to go back to the RCB this year – Salt will be joined by Jacob Bethel and Liam Livingston. They are coached by Andy Flower, and Mo Bobat is the director of cricket. Maybe they need to change their name to ECB? !
Surprise package?
Delhi Capitals. They missed the playoffs for the third year in a row, but after what appears to be a good auction for them this year, I think they have a good chance to finish in the top four this year.
By letting go of the pants, they were able to bring KL Rahul with half the price and with Starc and Faf du Plessis.
Image: Axal Patel will become captain of Delhi Capitals in 2025
Starc managed to give it the cutting edge with the ball he lacked last season, but with one of the best spin offensives in Axar Patel and Kuldeep Yadav, the top six look very exciting. As long as the first XI fits relatively well and axar settles down as captain, they are a threat to everyone.
Who will hit the six most?
Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad). Abhishek won this accolade last year. The opener has a great chance to do so again as he faces lots of balls, but I hope his teammate Klaasen explodes once more.
When he catches his eye, there’s no ground big enough for him.
Was this Ms Dhoni’s last year?
I hope I don’t! With Dhoni, it’s very difficult to communicate as he is the master who brings the cards closer to his chest. Recently, he only comes for a short cameo order that may help him maintain his body for another season next year.
Image: Does Dhoni lower CSK orders to create cameo?
What is certain is that retirement will take place on his terms. In true Dhoni styles, there is very little fanfare. After he plays the last game, you’ll probably only hear about it.
Who will win?
With the fact that I went to Mumbai Indians last year, I might not be the best person to ask!
I think Mumbai will be much stronger this year (even without Jasplit Bumra in the first few games), but after burning me in 2024, I can’t go with them.
Image: Sunriser is Matt’s tips for winning the title in 2025
Gujarat seems to have a good buy at auction and has a strong bowling attack and a top three. But if pushed I go with the sunriser to go one at a time and lift the trophy.
The bowling offense has been improved and the batting looks as scary as last season. If they come to the bottom, this is the last time I’ll try to predict the winner!
Starting with the opener between Kolkata Night Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on Saturday, March 22nd, ending with the final on Sunday, May 25th, and opening between Kolkata Night Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, check out all of the matches for the 2025 IPL Live On Sky Sports Cricket.
