The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is set to kick off with a blend of excitement and anticipation as teams prepare for another thrilling season of cricket. The captains of all ten franchises gathered in Mumbai on March 20, 2025, for the official captains’ meet and photoshoot near the iconic Gateway of India. This event not only marks the beginning of the tournament but also serves as a platform for the captains to discuss strategies and highlight key players to watch out for in the upcoming matches.
A new era of leadership
As the IPL evolves, so do its leaders. This season, we see a mix of seasoned captains and new faces taking charge. Among them, Ruturaj Gaikwad stands out as he leads Chennai Super Kings for a second consecutive year. Meanwhile, Rajat Patidar takes over at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, aiming to steer the team toward its maiden title. The captains’ meeting was not just about camaraderie; it also involved discussions on rule changes and strategies that could shape their teams’ fortunes this season.
IPL captains’ choice of players to watch out for
Each captain in a BCCI video has identified three players from their respective teams who they believe will be pivotal in their quest for success. Here’s a closer look at these choices:
Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings)
Noor Ahmad: The young spinner is expected to make a significant impact with his variations.
Ramakrishna Ghosh: A promising batter who can anchor innings and accelerate when needed.
Shaik Rasheed: Known for his aggressive batting style, he could be a game-changer in crucial moments.
Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)
Phil Salt: His explosive batting at the top can set the tone for RCB’s innings.
Virat Kohli: The seasoned campaigner remains a crucial asset, capable of turning games around.
Yash Dayal: As a bowler, his ability to pick wickets at critical junctures will be vital.
Ajinkya Rahane (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Vaibhav Arora: A rising star with potential to lead KKR’s bowling attack.
Venkatesh Iyer: His all-round capabilities make him an essential player in both batting and bowling departments.
Rinku Singh: Known for his finishing skills, he can change the course of a match in the final overs.
Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans)
Jos Buttler: An explosive opener whose form will be crucial for GT’s success.
Kagiso Rabada: His pace and experience can spearhead the bowling lineup effectively.
Rashid Khan: The spin wizard is always a threat, especially in pressure situations.
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Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)
Vaibhav Suryavanshi: A talented young player who can make significant contributions.
Dhruv Jurel: His batting prowess could be key in middle-order situations.
Tushar Deshpande: A bowler who can deliver under pressure, making him an important asset.
Pat Cummins (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Abhishek Sharma: His all-round performance will be crucial for SRH’s balance.
Travis Head: Known for his aggressive batting style, he can change games quickly.
Simarjeet Singh: A fast bowler who can take wickets at crucial moments.
Axar Patel (Delhi Capitals)
Sameer Rizvi: A promising talent expected to shine this season.
Karun Nair: His experience and skill are vital for stabilizing the batting lineup.
Ashutosh Sharma: A young bowler with potential to surprise opponents.
Hardik Pandya (Mumbai Indians)
Naman Dhir: An emerging player who could provide depth to MI’s squad.
Robin Minz: His batting could prove essential in tight matches.
Bevon Jacobs: Expected to make significant contributions with both bat and ball.
Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants)
Mitchell Marsh: His all-round abilities make him a key player for LSG.
David Miller: Known for his finishing skills, he can turn games around in the death overs.
Rishabh Pant: As captain himself, his performance will be closely watched.
Shreyas Iyer (Delhi Capitals)
Instead of naming three players, Iyer emphasized that every player is integral to the team’s success this season, reflecting a collective approach towards achieving their goals.
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