The Indian Premier League is nearly upon us. The world’s biggest and most extravagant cricket tournament will get underway on Saturday, as last year’s champions, the Kolkata Knight Riders, host the perennially underachieving Royal Challengers Bangalore.
As regular watchers will know, anything could happen in the IPL. And it’s wide open going into the 2025 tournament, with each of the 10 teams having a shot at taking home the silverware.
This unpredictability, of course, makes betting on the IPL particularly tough. So, let’s look at the 10 teams, their strengths and weaknesses, and assess how they could perform this season.
Kolkata Knight Riders
Odds to Win: +700 (DraftKings)
It only seems right to start with last year’s champs, who thrashed Sunrisers Hyderabad by 8 wickets in the final to lift their third title.
Ajinkya Rahane has been installed as the new captain, while Shreyas Iyer and Nitin Rana have both left for new pastures. With three 500-run seasons under his belt, Quinton de Kock is perhaps their biggest off-season acquisition, arriving from Lucknow Super Giants. With Andre Russell, Moeen Ali and Rovman Powell, there’s no lack of firepower in the middle order.
In the bowling department, Spencer Johnson seems a suitable replacement for Mitchell Starc, who has joined Delhi Capitals. Sunil Narine will also be key, both with bat and ball, while Anrich Nortje will hope to have a successful return from injury.
Expert Opinion: After winning last year, KKR have understandably tried to keep some consistency in their lineup. But other teams, most notably Mumbai, have strengthened considerably, leaving Kolkata looking weaker than previously. A run to the playoffs could be a good bet but don’t bank on them doing the double and claiming this year’s crown.
Predicted Position: 4th
Sunrisers Hyderabad
Odds to Win: +400 (DraftKings)
Last year’s beaten finalists, Sunrisers have become many experts’ favorites to take glory in 2025. This is largely due to their explosive opening partnership of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, ranked one and two in the ICC T20 rankings, respectively. Add Heinrich Klaasen to the mix, and you’ve got a batting lineup capable of destroying any bowling unit.
The bowling team also looks strong, with Mohammed Shami as the stand-out name. Adam Zampa will also aim to have a big impact at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, which is known to be spin-friendly. And don’t overlook Harshal Patel, who could cause problems with his impressive slower deliveries.
Expert Opinion: Sunrisers look exceptionally strong, and there’s no doubt they could go all the way. But consistency will be key: big-hitting teams often have slumps where batsmen fail to deliver. I expect them to make the playoffs relatively easily, but one poor performance in knockout cricket leads to elimination. And Sunrisers have shown before that consistency isn’t their strongest suit.
Predicted Position: Losing finalists
Rajasthan Royals
Odds to Win: +1600 (DraftKings)
Rajasthan will go into the tournament with the highest odds of winning. But despite this, they’ve undoubtedly got a reasonable squad led by Sanju Samson. His batting prowess is complemented by players like Shimron Hetmyer, Yashasvi Jaiswal, and the experienced Nitish Rana. And watch out for Vaibhav Suryavanshi, the swashbuckling youngster ready for a breakout season.
England speedster Jofra Archer leads the bowling unit, while Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana bring plenty of spin options. But there’s no real world-class all-rounder to bolster the middle order and provide bowling backup, which could be problematic.
Expert Opinion: Royals haven’t won the IPL since the late, great Shane Warne hoisted the inaugural trophy in 2008. And they won’t win it again this year. While there is a smattering of class throughout the lineup, nothing stands out: only a clear lack of match-winners. However, while I don’t think they’ll make the playoffs, they won't finish bottom either.
Predicted Position: 8th
Chennai Super Kings
Odds to Win: +450 (DraftKings)
Chennai Super Kings, once again looking to be inspired by the age-defying MS Dhoni, have five titles already and look in a strong position to challenge for a sixth. The top order looks fearsome, including the young brilliance of New Zealander Rachin Ravindra, compatriot Devon Conway, and captain Ruturaj Gaikwad, who faces questions over his leadership after a disappointing stint in 2024.
All-rounders Ravindra Jadeja and Sam Curran are potential match-winners, while the bowling department boasts the all-time great Ravichandran Ashwin, along with the impressive Afghani spinner Noor Ahmad and Nathan Ellis.
Expert Opinion: CSK always manage to be competitive – it’s in their DNA. Their squad certainly isn’t the strongest around, but the aging spine of Dhoni, Jadeja, and Ashwin looks well complemented by younger stars, including Ravindra and Curran. It would be foolish to count them out of any tournament, and a title-winning season is undoubtedly achievable. I expect them to make the playoffs, but I’m not sure they’ll go all the way.
Predicted Position: 3rd
Mumbai Indians
Odds to Win: +450 (DraftKings)
No team has won the IPL more than Mumbai. The six-time champs go into 2025 in great shape, boasting what many describe as the most star-studded team the IPL has seen. Hardik Pandya remains their leader, while SA star Ryan Rickelton, who was in such good form in the CA20, comes in to bolster the batting lineup. Rohit Sharma will be a huge threat, as always, while Will Jacks, Suryakumar Yadav, and Bevon Jacobs are all match-winners.
The bowling department is something to behold. Complementing Jasprit Bumrah –undoubtedly the best pace bowler in world cricket– is New Zealand’s Trent Boult and fellow Kiwi Mitchell Santner offers spin options and is coming off the back of a spectacular World Cup performance. Afghanistan’s Mujeeb ur Rahman could also make an impact, as his average of 18.11 in his T20I career shows.
Jamie’s IPL Best Bet: Mumbai are the team to beat this year. The batting department is as impressive as always, but the bowling unit stands out the most. In fact, it could be the most fearsome bowling attack in T20 history. The cricketing world will be surprised if they don’t reach the playoffs, and they’re my favorites to clinch the title.
Predicted Position: Winners
Royal Challengers Bangalore
Odds to Win: +900 (DraftKings)
RCB have somehow never won the IPL, despite regularly fielding teams of exceptional strength. Virat Kohli, as ever, will be the star, hungry to win the biggest title to elude his star-studded career. Rajit Patidar, the new and inexperienced captain, will hope to shine, while Phil Salt should provide power from the outset. Liam Livingstone has the ability to destroy bowling lineups but is inconsistent, while Jacob Bethell could have a breakout season if he overcomes injury and gets playing time.
Traditionally, RCB have had a weak bowling attack, but not this year. They splashed the cash to land the ever-impressive Bhuvneshwar Kumar and signed Josh Hazelwood. However, they lack any established spin bowlers, which could prove costly.
Expert Opinion: For once, RCB look to have a somewhat balanced squad –long gone are the days of huge scores from Gayle, de Villiers, and co being overturned by pathetic bowling efforts. While history says they’ll fall short, make no mistake, this team could go all the way, and their odds are certainly tasty. But there are other strong teams, too, and I’m backing them to just miss out on the playoffs.
Predicted Position: 5th
Gujarat Titans
Odds to Win: +1000 (DraftKings)
Last season was a disappointing one for Gujarat, as they finished 8th in the standings. In Shubman Gill, they have perhaps the most exciting young batter in the world, and Jos Buttler, signed from Rajasthan, is destructive on his day –although perhaps now past his best. But batting-wise, there’s not much else to excite.
In the bowling department, Gujarat has the ever-intimidating Rashid Khan, but he performed poorly last season. Kagiso Rabada is also a player capable of ripping through batting orders. However, like the batting, there’s not a huge amount once you get past the two-star names, although Mohammed Siraj is still criminally underrated.
Expert Opinion: This Gujarat team might have a few superstars, but there’s very little strength in depth. This means they’ll be relying on Gill, Buttler, Rabada, and Khan to deliver every game –and when they don’t, things could get rocky. They finished 8th last season, and I can’t see them better in 2025. In fact, my prediction is that they’ll be hovering near the bottom of the table when the tournament ends.
Predicted Position: 9th
Lucknow Super Giants
Odds to Win: +1200 (DraftKings)
Lucknow opened the purse strings during the draft to make Rishabh Pant the most expensive IPL player ever, at a cost of $3.21 million. He’ll take the captaincy and gloves, plus will hopefully be the answer to last season’s middle-order issues, along with Nicolas Pooran and David Miller. Aiden Markram could be the anchor every team needs, while every fan knows Mitchell Marsh's ability.
However, Lucknow look very short in the bowling department, with no big names ready to inspire. Injury problems haven’t helped, with Avesh Khan, Mohsin Khan, and Mayank Yadav all carrying injuries going into the tournament.
Expert Opinion: Lucknow’s odds are exceptionally high for a team with such power in its batting lineup. If things go well and the bowling unit overperforms, they could push for a playoff place. But it’s unlikely they’ll be lining up for the final at the end of May. I predict they’ll finish where they did last season, down in 7th position.
Predicted Position: 7th
Delhi Capitals
Odds to Win: +1000 (DraftKings)
Now under the captaincy of Axar Patel following Rishabh Pant’s move to Lucknow, the Capitals boast an explosive batting lineup. There’s KL Rahul, brought in from Lucknow, along with Faf du Plessis and the hugely promising young Aussie Jake Fraser-McGurk. Tristan Stubbs could also be a name to watch.
In the bowling department, Delhi have acquired Mitchell Starc, who boasts a fearsome pace and considerable experience. Elsewhere in the pace department, there’s T. Natarajan and Kuldeep Yadav, but nobody to inspire fear in opposition batters. The spin department is also exceptionally weak, and well-versed IPL watchers will know that spinners can be crucial throughout the season.
Expert Opinion: There’s nothing much to inspire about the Capitals, starting with the rather unwhelming choice of Axar Patel as captain. There is some youth in the lineup, with Fraser-McGurk having the potential to make waves, but overall, there’s nothing too special, other than the captain, to get fans talking. And the bowling department is perhaps the worst in the IPL, alongside Lucknow. I don’t expect they’ll trouble the playoffs this season.
Predicted Position: 10th
Punjab Kings
Odds to Win: +900 (DraftKings)
The Punjab team is very different from the one we saw in 2024, with only two faces retained. Shreyas Iyer comes in to take the captaincy, while Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis have both been brought in to add undoubted fire-power to the middle order. Their predicted opening pair of Prabhsimran Singh and Priyansh Arya won’t strike fear into the hearts of the opposition, which could capitalize on their inexperience.
Yuzvendra Chahal is one of the more exciting spin bowlers with a proven track record in the IPL. Marco Jansen and Lockie Ferguson offer pace options, while the spin of Glenn Maxwell could be vital during the middle overs. But is there that one bowler who can single-handedly dismantle a team? It doesn’t look like it to us.
Expert Opinion: The Punjab Kings have spent the offseason rebuilding and have brought in some big batting names, with Glenn Maxwell perhaps the most exciting of them all. However, a strong middle order aside, the Punjab team looks average at best. I’m tipping them to finish mid-table this season, but if their openers have come-out seasons, they could finish higher.
Predicted Position: 6th
When Does the Indian Premier League Start?
The Indian Premier League gets underway on Saturday, March 22, when Royal Challengers Bangalore travel to take on last year’s champions, Kolkata Knight Riders.
The tournament will last until May 25, when the top two teams face off for the title at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
There will be 74 games between start and finish, with each side playing 14 times during the group stage. They’ll play each team in their group twice and one team from the other group twice. All other teams from the other group will be played once. However, despite there being two groups, there is only one leaderboard.
The top four teams on the leaderboard at the end of the group stage will qualify for the playoffs, which will begin with the top two teams playing in Qualifier 1. The winner advances straight to the final.
The 3rd and 4th placed teams face off in the Eliminator, with the winner facing the beaten team from Qualifier 1 and the loser being eliminated. The loser of Qualifier 1 and the winner of the Eliminator then battle it out for the other place in the final.
