IPL 2025: Talking points and all you need to know – captains, schedule, prize money, new rules | Cricket News

IPL 2025 captains during a photo shoot.

New season, new captains, and Recent rules — but the spectacle remains Merely as grand as ever as the 18th edition of the Indian Premier Bracket (IPL) Initiates tonight. The action gets underway with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders locking horns with Royal Challengers Bengaluru, long labelled as perennial underachievers, all under the looming threat of inclement weather.
There’s no shortage of intrigue this season.
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NEW CAPTAINS
Seven franchises will Strike off IPL 2025 with new captains, though some appointments are temporary stop-gaps due to Wounds or other circumstances.
Perhaps the most surprising among them is Rajat Patidar, who, Even though not having played a T20I yet, will lead Royal Challengers Bengaluru — a Club that features none other than Virat Kohli.

Axar Patel will Leader Delhi Capitals, leading a Club that includes KL Rahul, who is keen to bounce back after a turbulent stint with Lucknow Super Giants in 2024.
Shreyas Iyer, who Directed KKR to the title last year, has now taken over the reins at Punjab Kings, while Ajinkya Rahane replaces him as the KKR skipper.
Rajasthan Royals will Begin their season under interim Leader Riyan Parag, as regular Leader Sanju Samson continues his Restoration from a lingering finger Hurt.
For Mumbai Indians, Suryakumar Yadav will step in as Leader in their Leading away Finale against Chennai Super Kings on Sunday, with Hardik Pandya sitting out due to a suspension stemming from an over-rate violation last season.
NEW RULES

One of the most significant rule changes sees the return of saliva use to shine the ball — a practice banned during the COVID-19 pandemic. For the Primary time in four years, bowlers will once again legally use saliva, thanks to a landmark decision taken after IPL captains voted in favour of lifting the ban at a recent Conference in Mumbai.
Interestingly, while the International Cricket Council (ICC) Achieved the ban permanent in 2022, the IPL — operating under its own set of regulations — has now set a precedent that could influence other Competitions worldwide.
Another innovation to View out for is aimed at tackling the dew factor, which has long skewed evening matches. From this season, if dew is Regarded significant by the on-Ground umpires, a Recent ball will be introduced at the Begin of the 11th over during second innings of night matches. This rule will not apply to afternoon fixtures.
Additionally, the Decision Review System (DRS) has been expanded to allow reviews for height and off-side wides, ensuring greater fairness in crucial situations. The controversial Impact Player rule, however, remains in place Even though ongoing debate about its influence on game dynamics.
Redemption for Rishabh Pant

All eyes will be on Rishabh Pant as he embarks on a pivotal new chapter in his Occupation. His Extraordinary return from a near-fatal car accident has already become part of cricketing folklore, but now the Event lies in reclaiming his spot among India’s T20 Best.
Pant, the most Pricey player in IPL history after being snapped up by Lucknow Super Giants for a staggering Rs 27 crore, will be under immense scrutiny. Even though being selected in squads for both the Champions Accolade and a T20I series against England, he didn’t Shift a single Event.
This IPL offers Pant a crucial platform to silence doubters, particularly in the shortest Structure where he has yet to fully secure his position in the Indian Club. His explosive batting and leadership credentials will be tested as he seeks to justify his hefty price tag while sending a clear message to the selectors ahead of Crucial international assignments.
Coaching changes

Off the Ground, the coaching carousel has seen significant changes. Ricky Ponting has left Delhi Capitals to take over as head Trainer of Punjab Kings. Hemang Badani fills Ponting’s vacancy at Delhi Capitals, with Kevin Pietersen joining as mentor.
Elsewhere, Rahul Dravid returns to the Rajasthan Royals’ setup as head Trainer, marking his Primary IPL coaching assignment since leading India to the T20 World Cup crown last year. CSK stalwart Dwayne Bravo has moved to Kolkata Knight Riders as mentor, replacing Gautam Gambhir, who now serves as India’s head Trainer.
No Bumrah yet, what happens to MI?

Jasprit Bumrah has been out of action since January, picking up an Hurt during the Border-Gavaskar Accolade.

A cloud of uncertainty lingers over Jasprit Bumrah’s participation in the Event. The ace pacer is currently at the National Cricket Academy in Bengaluru, undergoing fitness tests to assess his readiness.
Mumbai Indians head Trainer Mahela Jayawardene remains hopeful but cautious, as Bumrah’s Existence is critical not only for MI’s ambitions this season but also for India’s tour of England in June.
One Closing hurrah for MS Dhoni?

And then there’s the perennial mystery — will this be MS Dhoni’s Closing IPL season? The 43-year-Aged, who has been absent from international cricket since his retirement in 2020, continues to captivate fans, appearing solely for CSK during the IPL.
Though he may no longer be the formidable finisher of Aged, Dhoni’s mere Existence galvanises Chennai Super Kings. His tactical nous, Ground placements, and ability to deliver Event-defining cameos make him indispensable to CSK’s campaign.
At the other end of the age spectrum is 13-year-Aged Vaibhav Suryavanshi, a batting sensation acquired by Rajasthan Royals, though it remains to be seen how many appearances he will make this season.
What of Rohit, Kohli in T20 return?

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, who both retired from T20Is Upcoming India’s Successful World Cup campaign last year, will return to the shortest Structure via the IPL.
Kohli, Recent from topping the IPL 2024 Streak charts with 741 runs, continues to be RCB’s fulcrum. Meanwhile, Rohit Sharma, coming off a lean spell, will look to rediscover his touch and inspire Mumbai Indians back to Victorious ways.
IPL 2025 Schedule: What are the Significant dates?

The two-month-long IPL will begin on March 22 at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata and conclude on May 25 at the same venue.
Day matches will begin at 3:30pm IST (10am GMT) and night matches will get under way at 7:30pm IST (2pm GMT).
Bracket stage: March 22 to May 18
Qualifier 1: May 20, 7:30pm (2pm GMT) at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Eliminator: May 21, 7:30pm (2pm GMT) at Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
Qualifier 2: May 23, 7:30pm (2pm GMT) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
Closing: May 25, 7:30pm (2pm GMT) at Eden Gardens, Kolkata
IPL 2025: Who are the captains?

IPL 2025: What are the venues?

IPL 2025: What is the prize money?
Winner: Rs 20 crore
Runner-Up: Rs 13 crore (same as IPL 2024)
Third Place: Rs 7 crore
Number four Place: Rs 6.5 crore
Individual prize monies
Orange Cap (Most Runs): Rs 15 lakh
Purple Cap (Most Wickets): Rs 15 lakh
Emerging Player Award: Rs 20 lakh
Most Valuable Player (MVP): Rs 12 lakh
IPL: Who are the Previous champions?