Teams and Captains

The ten participating franchises and their respective captains for the 2025 season are:

• Chennai Super Kings (CSK): Ruturaj Gaikwad​
• Delhi Capitals (DC): Axar Patel​
• Gujarat Titans (GT): Shubam Gill
• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Ajinkya Rahane​
• Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Rishabh Pant​
• Mumbai Indians (MI): Suryakumar Yadav​
• Punjab Kings (PBKS): Shreyas Iyer​
• Rajasthan Royals (RR): Riyan Parag (interim for first three matches)​
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Rajat Patidar​
• Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH): Pat Cummins​

Notably, Riyan Parag stepped in as interim captain for Rajasthan Royals due to Sanju Samson’s finger injury sustained during India’s T20I series against England. ​

Player Auctions and Transfers

The 2025 season witnessed significant player movements during the auctions:​

• Rishabh Pant was acquired by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore, making him the most expensive player of the season.​
• Shreyas Iyer transferred to Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore.​
• England fast bowler Jofra Archer joined Rajasthan Royals for £1.1 million. ​

Season Highlights

• Opening Match: The season commenced with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens. RCB emerged victorious, with standout performances from Krunal Pandya, Virat Kohli, and Phil Salt.
• Sunrisers Hyderabad vs. Rajasthan Royals: SRH showcased their batting prowess by posting 286/6, the second-highest total in IPL history, leading to a 44-run win over RR. Ishan Kishan’s unbeaten 106 off 47 balls was a highlight. ​
• Chennai Super Kings vs. Mumbai Indians: In a thrilling encounter, CSK defeated MI by four wickets. Afghanistan’s Noor Ahmad was instrumental, taking 4/18, while Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 53 and Rachin Ravindra’s unbeaten 65 guided the chase. ​
• Jofra Archer’s Record: Rajasthan Royals’ Jofra Archer recorded the most expensive bowling figures in IPL history, conceding 76 runs in four overs against Sunrisers Hyderabad. ​

Broadcast Innovations

The 2025 season introduced groundbreaking broadcast features to enhance the viewing experience:

• MaxView: Offered multiple camera angles, including Hero Cam, Stump Cam, Batter Cam, and Bird’s Eye Cam.​
• Live Audio Descriptive Commentary: Provided detailed descriptions for visually impaired fans.​
• Indian Sign Language Interpretation: Ensured accessibility for hearing-impaired viewers. ​

Controversies and Challenges

The season faced several challenges:​

• Player Absences: Key players like Jasprit Bumrah missed the start due to injuries, while Hardik Pandya faced suspension. ​
• Broadcast Interruptions: Actress Disha Patani’s performance during the opening ceremony was cut short during the broadcast, leading to viewer dissatisfaction. ​
• Pitch Conditions: KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane expressed concerns over the Eden Gardens pitch behavior, hoping for more assistance to spinners in future matches. ​

Emerging Talents

The season spotlighted several young talents:​

• Vaibhav Suryavanshi: At just 13 years old, he joined Rajasthan Royals, becoming the youngest player in IPL history. ​
• Vignesh Puthur: The Mumbai Indians’ debutant impressed with figures of 3/32, showcasing the team’s commitment to nurturing young talent. ​

Fan Engagement and Accessibility

The IPL continued to enhance fan engagement through various platforms:​

• Streaming Services: Matches were available on Tapmad (Pakistan), Willow TV and Sling TV (U.S.), Sky Sports (U.K.), and Fox Sports & Kayo Sports (Australia). Indian viewers could watch on Star Sports Network and Disney Plus Hotstar. ​
• Social Media: The official IPL Twitter account provided real-time updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content, keeping fans engaged throughout the season.

FAQ: 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL)

General Information

Q: What is the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL)?
A: The 2025 IPL is the 18th season of the Indian Premier League, a premier T20 cricket tournament.

Q: When does IPL 2025 take place?
A: The season runs from March 22 to May 25, 2025.

Q: How many teams are participating in IPL 2025?
A: Ten teams are competing in this season.

Q: Where is the IPL 2025 final being held?
A: The final will be played at Eden Gardens, Kolkata.

Teams and Captains

Q: Which teams are playing in IPL 2025?
A: The ten teams are:

• Chennai Super Kings (CSK) – Ruturaj Gaikwad
• Delhi Capitals (DC) – Axar Patel
• Gujarat Titans (GT) – Shubam Gill
• Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – Ajinkya Rahane
• Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – Rishabh Pant
• Mumbai Indians (MI) – Suryakumar Yadav
• Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Shreyas Iyer
• Rajasthan Royals (RR) – Riyan Parag (interim for first 3 matches)
• Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) – Rajat Patidar
• Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Pat Cummins

Q: Why is Riyan Parag captaining Rajasthan Royals?
A: He is the interim captain for the first three matches due to Sanju Samson’s injury.

Player Auctions and Transfers

Q: Who was the most expensive player in IPL 2025 auctions?
A: Rishabh Pant was bought by Lucknow Super Giants for ₹27 crore.

Q: Which other big transfers took place?

• Shreyas Iyer to Punjab Kings for ₹26.75 crore.
• Jofra Archer joined Rajasthan Royals for £1.1 million.

Match Highlights

Q: Which team won the opening match of IPL 2025?
A: Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) defeated Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at Eden Gardens.

Q: What is the highest total in IPL 2025 so far?
A: Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) scored 286/6 against Rajasthan Royals.

Q: Who scored the first century of IPL 2025?
A: Ishan Kishan (SRH) – 106 off 47 balls.

Q: Which bowler had the worst bowling figures in IPL history?
A: Jofra Archer (RR) – 76 runs in 4 overs.

Broadcast and Technology

Q: What are the new broadcasting features in IPL 2025?
A:

• MaxView: Multiple camera angles (Hero Cam, Stump Cam, Batter Cam, Bird’s Eye Cam).
• Live Audio Descriptive Commentary for visually impaired fans.
• Indian Sign Language Interpretation for hearing-impaired viewers.

Q: Where can I watch IPL 2025?
A:

• India: Star Sports, Disney+ Hotstar
• USA: Willow TV, Sling TV
• UK: Sky Sports
• Australia: Fox Sports, Kayo Sports

Controversies and Challenges

Q: Why was Hardik Pandya suspended?
A: Due to a disciplinary issue (details undisclosed).

Q: What happened to actress Disha Patani’s IPL 2025 performance?
A: Her performance at the opening ceremony was cut short during the live broadcast.

Q: What pitch concerns were raised?
A: KKR captain Ajinkya Rahane criticized the Eden Gardens pitch, requesting better conditions for spin bowlers.

Emerging Players

Q: Who is the youngest player in IPL 2025?
A: Vaibhav Suryavanshi (13 years old) – Rajasthan Royals.

Q: Which new bowler made an impact?
A: Vignesh Puthur (Mumbai Indians) took 3/32 on debut.

Fan Engagement

Q: How can I follow IPL 2025 updates?
A: The official IPL Twitter, Instagram, and website provide live updates, scores, and highlights.

Q: What innovations have been introduced for fans?
A: Enhanced interactive streaming, VR stadium experiences, and in-match polling features.