As the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 reaches its halfway mark, the tournament has seen a spectacle of unexpected twists, standout performances and shifting dynamics in the points table.
Batters Rule!
The carnage and mayhem in the powerplay hasn’t stopped instead it has if anything been more dominating than ever before. The 2024 season saw an average run-rate at mid season at 9.49. This has remained the same this season as well! A score past 200 was scored 15 times, mid season – 2024. This year it has risen to 21! 1066 fours have been hit so far in 2025 which is 15 more than at a similar stage last season. The run rate during power play has increased from 9.34 to 9.6 this season. GT has been the best batting unit, with an average run rate of 10.1. While CSK has been the worst batting unit this season with an average run rate of 8.1. Last season just 5 teams had a run rate above 9 in the powerplay, while this year its gone upto 9 (other than CSK). The fight for the orange cap has heated up. Sai Sudharsan (GT) is currently leading the charts, however Suryakumar Yadav (MI) is catching up quickly.
Unearthing Talent
The IPL 2025 season has showcased emerging talent, with several young and previously unheralded players making significant impacts
- Vaibhav Suryavanshi (RR, Age 14) – Youngest player to debut in the IPL. Scored 34 off 20 in his debut match.
- Ashwani Kumar (MI, Age 23) – Took 4 wickets for 24 runs in debut match. His ability to swing the ball at pace and maintain control under pressure has earned him praise.
- Vignesh Puthur (MI, Age 22) – Took 3 wickets for 32 runs against CSK. His ability to deceive batters with his variations has made him a valuable asset to his team.
- Ashutosh Sharma (DC, Age 21) – Demonstrating his power-hitting and composure under pressure in the middle order, he scored 66* off 31 balls against GT.
- Priyansh Arya (PBKS, Age 24) – Scored 47 runs off 23 balls in his debut match. Became the second-fastest Indian in IPL to score 100 runs in 39 balls.
- Vipraj Nigam (DC, Age 20) – Showcased his ability to perform under pressure by scoring 39 off 15 for his team to win against LSG.
- Suryansh Shedge (PBKS, Age 22) – All rounder has impacted with his performnances, both with his bat and ball, playing a pivotal role in his team.
- Aniket Varma (SRH, Age 21) – His aggressive batting (36 off 13 balls against LSG and 74 off 41 balls against DC), has added depth to his team’s batting line up.
- Ryan Rickelton (MI, Age 28) – South African wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton has been a valuable addition at the top of the order for his team, drawing comparison to
former MI opener Quinton de Kock. - Karun Nair (DC, Age 33) – Showcasing his resilience, Nair scored a brilliant 89 off 40
balls, including a 22-ball fifty in his comeback match against MI.
Chasing Advantageous But Playing At Home Not
Chasing continues to be an advantage but playing at home is not. Last season the home team had won 20 of the 35 matches at the mid-way stage, which in 2025 has reduced to 17. RCB is leading the way, having lost all their matches at home. CSK who have in the past had a good record of winning matches at home, have lost 3 out of the 4 matches.
Big Guns Fail
This season of IPL has seen the spectacular failure of the BIG 3 – CSK (5 IPL titles), MI (5 IPL titles and KKR (3 IPL titles, including 2024).
Under Dogs Break The Jinx?
While MI is slowly clawing its way to the top, there has been a potential shift in the league’s power dynamicscurrently. The top 5 positions are currently held by GT and LSG, who have made it to the top 5 for the first time and perennial underachievers – PBKS, DC and RCB, who have made initial waves this season.
Who do you think will be the winner this season?
