Rishabh Pant, the most expensive player in IPL history, finally justified his hefty price tag by scoring a century in the final league game, though Lucknow Super Giants couldn't capitalize and fell short of a playoff spot. Delhi Capitals, despite a strong start under Axar Patel, lost their grip dramatically. Past champions Chennai Super Kings, Rajasthan Royals, and Kolkata Knight Riders failed to make a significant impact, while Sunrisers Hyderabad faltered throughout the season. This year’s league stage, which unfolded over a span of 67 days including a 10-day intermission, comprised 70 fixtures packed with extraordinary performances and disheartening slumps.
As the playoffs draw near, here’s a detailed look back at the season so far:
Emerging stars leave a mark:
When Rajasthan Royals secured Vaibhav Suryavanshi at the December mega auction, he was just 13. Fast forward to May, the now-14-year-old smashed the fastest IPL century by an Indian — and the tournament’s second quickest ever — off just 35 deliveries against Gujarat Titans.
His elegant shot-making and fearless demeanor under the spotlight drew praise from legends of the sport.
Abhishek Sharma, India’s T20I opener, was among the elite century-makers this season, joined by Punjab Kings’ uncapped talent Priyansh Arya, who dismantled a struggling CSK with a maiden hundred. Prabhsimran Singh showcased his abilities, and Ayush Mhatre delivered glimpses of brilliance that offered CSK brief hope.
Sunrisers Hyderabad falter despite firepower:
Coming off a runner-up finish, SRH boasted one of the most formidable batting rosters this season, but their aggressive tactics backfired badly.
They kicked off their campaign by notching 286/6 — the second highest total in IPL history — against RR and wrapped up with 278/3 against KKR, the third highest ever.
However, in between those highs, their rigid approach at the crease became their downfall. Nitish Kumar Reddy underwhelmed, and their failure to include a top-quality powerplay spinner compounded their problems.
Chennai Super Kings’ season of tough lessons:
The age-old mantra that change is inevitable rang truer than ever for CSK, who struggled after abandoning their long-standing strategy of sticking with experienced hands like MS Dhoni while sidelining younger prospects.
The 17-year-old Mumbai sensation Ayush Mhatre emerged as a surprise package up top, while South African star Dewald Brevis lit up the final stages of the league. Afghan youngster Noor Ahmad, aged 20, turned out to be their most dependable spinner, outperforming veterans like R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
Sai Sudharsan hits new heights:
The left-handed batter demonstrated that being methodical yet aggressive can yield tremendous results, accumulating over 670 runs to lead the season's run charts and earning a spot in India’s Test squad for the England tour.
From being retired out in 2023 for a sluggish knock to becoming one of 2025's standout performers, Gujarat Titans’ Sai Sudharsan proved that his moment had arrived.
Mumbai Indians deliver a familiar script:
Another IPL season, another slow start for Mumbai Indians, who lost four of their first five matches. Yet, under Hardik Pandya’s leadership, they roared back with six straight wins to emerge as strong contenders.
While Rohit Sharma and Tilak Varma had inconsistent runs, Suryakumar Yadav displayed exceptional form, reaffirming his class. Jasprit Bumrah’s haul of 17 wickets in 10 games should send a strong warning to all opponents.
Rajasthan Royals’ dismal campaign:
Concerns over Sanju Samson’s form and fitness were only the beginning for RR, as they concluded their season second from bottom, only ahead of CSK.
Releasing seasoned campaigners like Jos Buttler, Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Trent Boult threw their team balance off-kilter, more severely than perhaps anticipated.
Delhi Capitals’ rapid decline:
Starting off the tournament with nearly flawless performances, DC found themselves leading the table after winning five of their first six matches. However, they couldn’t sustain that momentum.
The wheels came off in the second half, where they managed just three victories in their next eight encounters, ending with a significant drop in form.
KKR’s disappointing title defense despite Rahane’s effort:
Ajinkya Rahane battled gamely in a largely underwhelming campaign for KKR, whose marquee signing and deputy captain Venkatesh Iyer struggled to make an impact. The defending champions lost five of their first eight games, effectively dashing their hopes early on.
LSG’s promise fades despite individual brilliance:
Lucknow Super Giants found themselves with five wins in eight games, powered primarily by their top-order efforts, positioning them as potential semifinalists.
However, repeated failures in the middle order, Rishabh Pant’s extended poor form, and a one-dimensional bowling attack ensured another year without playoff qualification. Still, the likes of Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, and Aiden Markram stood out amid Digvesh Rathi’s flashier performances.
Punjab Kings show signs of resurgence:
Shreyas Iyer’s impressive form over the past year continued, cementing his role as the backbone of Punjab Kings’ revival. His leadership proved invaluable as the team exceeded expectations.
With no-nonsense coach Ricky Ponting in charge, PBKS emerged as serious contenders. Their spirited defense of a meager 111 against KKR was a testament to their newfound grit.
Gill leads Titans’ charge once more:
For the third consecutive year, Shubman Gill notched up at least 400 runs, continuing his impressive run with Gujarat Titans. This season, he not only performed consistently but also guided his side through adversity.
Despite a shaky batting lineup and Rashid Khan’s dip in form, Gill’s leadership kept GT firmly in contention throughout the league stage.
As the playoffs draw near, here’s a detailed look back at the season so far:
Emerging stars leave a mark:
When Rajasthan Royals secured Vaibhav Suryavanshi at the December mega auction, he was just 13. Fast forward to May, the now-14-year-old smashed the fastest IPL century by an Indian — and the tournament’s second quickest ever — off just 35 deliveries against Gujarat Titans.
His elegant shot-making and fearless demeanor under the spotlight drew praise from legends of the sport.
Abhishek Sharma, India’s T20I opener, was among the elite century-makers this season, joined by Punjab Kings’ uncapped talent Priyansh Arya, who dismantled a struggling CSK with a maiden hundred. Prabhsimran Singh showcased his abilities, and Ayush Mhatre delivered glimpses of brilliance that offered CSK brief hope.
Sunrisers Hyderabad falter despite firepower:
Coming off a runner-up finish, SRH boasted one of the most formidable batting rosters this season, but their aggressive tactics backfired badly.
They kicked off their campaign by notching 286/6 — the second highest total in IPL history — against RR and wrapped up with 278/3 against KKR, the third highest ever.
However, in between those highs, their rigid approach at the crease became their downfall. Nitish Kumar Reddy underwhelmed, and their failure to include a top-quality powerplay spinner compounded their problems.
Chennai Super Kings’ season of tough lessons:
The age-old mantra that change is inevitable rang truer than ever for CSK, who struggled after abandoning their long-standing strategy of sticking with experienced hands like MS Dhoni while sidelining younger prospects.
The 17-year-old Mumbai sensation Ayush Mhatre emerged as a surprise package up top, while South African star Dewald Brevis lit up the final stages of the league. Afghan youngster Noor Ahmad, aged 20, turned out to be their most dependable spinner, outperforming veterans like R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja.
Sai Sudharsan hits new heights:
The left-handed batter demonstrated that being methodical yet aggressive can yield tremendous results, accumulating over 670 runs to lead the season's run charts and earning a spot in India’s Test squad for the England tour.
From being retired out in 2023 for a sluggish knock to becoming one of 2025's standout performers, Gujarat Titans’ Sai Sudharsan proved that his moment had arrived.
Mumbai Indians deliver a familiar script:
Another IPL season, another slow start for Mumbai Indians, who lost four of their first five matches. Yet, under Hardik Pandya’s leadership, they roared back with six straight wins to emerge as strong contenders.
While Rohit Sharma and Tilak Varma had inconsistent runs, Suryakumar Yadav displayed exceptional form, reaffirming his class. Jasprit Bumrah’s haul of 17 wickets in 10 games should send a strong warning to all opponents.
Rajasthan Royals’ dismal campaign:
Concerns over Sanju Samson’s form and fitness were only the beginning for RR, as they concluded their season second from bottom, only ahead of CSK.
Releasing seasoned campaigners like Jos Buttler, Ashwin, Yuzvendra Chahal, and Trent Boult threw their team balance off-kilter, more severely than perhaps anticipated.
Delhi Capitals’ rapid decline:
Starting off the tournament with nearly flawless performances, DC found themselves leading the table after winning five of their first six matches. However, they couldn’t sustain that momentum.
The wheels came off in the second half, where they managed just three victories in their next eight encounters, ending with a significant drop in form.
KKR’s disappointing title defense despite Rahane’s effort:
Ajinkya Rahane battled gamely in a largely underwhelming campaign for KKR, whose marquee signing and deputy captain Venkatesh Iyer struggled to make an impact. The defending champions lost five of their first eight games, effectively dashing their hopes early on.
LSG’s promise fades despite individual brilliance:
Lucknow Super Giants found themselves with five wins in eight games, powered primarily by their top-order efforts, positioning them as potential semifinalists.
However, repeated failures in the middle order, Rishabh Pant’s extended poor form, and a one-dimensional bowling attack ensured another year without playoff qualification. Still, the likes of Mitchell Marsh, Nicholas Pooran, and Aiden Markram stood out amid Digvesh Rathi’s flashier performances.
Punjab Kings show signs of resurgence:
Shreyas Iyer’s impressive form over the past year continued, cementing his role as the backbone of Punjab Kings’ revival. His leadership proved invaluable as the team exceeded expectations.
With no-nonsense coach Ricky Ponting in charge, PBKS emerged as serious contenders. Their spirited defense of a meager 111 against KKR was a testament to their newfound grit.
Gill leads Titans’ charge once more:
For the third consecutive year, Shubman Gill notched up at least 400 runs, continuing his impressive run with Gujarat Titans. This season, he not only performed consistently but also guided his side through adversity.
Despite a shaky batting lineup and Rashid Khan’s dip in form, Gill’s leadership kept GT firmly in contention throughout the league stage.
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