IPL 2025: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

IPL 2025: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly - A Season Like No Other

Key Points

The IPL 2025 final is ongoing between RCB and PBKS, with RCB at 69/2 after 8 overs; the result is pending.
Research suggests PBKS and RCB led the league stage with 19 points each, with standout performances from players like Sai Sudharsan and Prasidh Krishna.
It seems likely that KKR, CSK, and RR underperformed, missing playoffs with low points.
The evidence leans toward major controversies, including a week-long suspension due to India-Pakistan tensions and scheduling conflicts with PSL.

IPL 2025 Final Status

As of June 3, 2025, the IPL 2025 final between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) is underway at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. RCB is currently at 69/2 after 8 overs, with Yuzvendra Chahal dismissing Mayank Agarwal. The match started at 7:30 p.m. IST, and the outcome is still pending, promising a thrilling conclusion.

Achievements and Standout Performances

PBKS and RCB topped the league stage with 19 points each, showcasing consistent performances. Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians followed with 18 and 16 points. Key players included Sai Sudharsan (GT) with 759 runs in 15 innings (average 54.21), Suryakumar Yadav (MI) with 717 runs in 16 innings (average 65.18), and Shubman Gill (GT) with 650 runs in 15 innings (average 50.00). Bowlers like Prasidh Krishna (GT) took 25 wickets in 15 innings (average 19.52), and Noor Ahmad (CSK) claimed 24 wickets in 14 innings (average 17.00). Notable records include PBKS’s record chase of 204 against MI and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fastest fifty in 13 balls.

Failures and Disappointments

Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) were eliminated early, finishing with 12 points. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Rajasthan Royals (RR) also struggled, ending with 8 points each and missing the playoffs, highlighting the season’s unpredictability.

Controversies and Challenges

The tournament faced a week-long suspension starting May 9 due to India-Pakistan tensions, resuming on May 17 after a ceasefire. It clashed with the Pakistan Super League (PSL), causing player selection issues. Other controversies included player retention challenges and whispers of match-fixing, though specifics are limited.

Survey Note: Comprehensive Analysis of IPL 2025

The 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL), branded as TATA IPL 2025 and marking its 18th edition, has been a season of remarkable highs, significant lows, and unexpected challenges. Spanning from March 22 to June 3, 2025, the tournament featured 10 teams competing in 74 matches across various venues, with the final currently underway between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) at Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad. This survey note provides a detailed examination of the season’s achievements, failures, and controversies, drawing on extensive research and current data.

Current Status of the IPL 2025 Final

As of 09:03 PM +06 on June 3, 2025 (7:33 PM IST), the IPL 2025 final is in progress, with RCB batting first and reaching 69/2 after 8 overs. Yuzvendra Chahal has already taken a crucial wicket, dismissing Mayank Agarwal, setting the stage for an intense battle. The match, starting at 7:30 p.m. IST, is expected to conclude soon, but the result remains pending, adding to the season’s suspense. For live updates, refer to ESPNcricinfo.

Achievements and Standout Performances

IPL 2025 has been defined by exceptional individual and team performances, with several players and teams setting new benchmarks. The league stage, concluding on May 27, saw PBKS and RCB emerge as leaders, each securing 19 points from 14 matches, demonstrating remarkable consistency. Gujarat Titans (GT) followed with 18 points, and Mumbai Indians (MI) with 16 points, rounding out the top four playoff qualifiers.

Top Run Scorers and Wicket Takers
The season highlighted the following standout performances, as detailed in the statistics from ESPNcricinfo:

Category	Player	Team, Role	Runs/Wickets	Innings	Average
Top Run Scorers	Sai Sudharsan	GT, Lhb	759	15	54.21
	Suryakumar Yadav	MI, Rhb	717	16	65.18
	Shubman Gill	GT, Rhb	650	15	50.00
Top Wicket Takers	Prasidh Krishna	GT, Rfm	25	15	19.52
	Noor Ahmad	CSK, Lws	24	14	17.00
	Trent Boult	MI, Lfm	22	16	23.50

These statistics underscore the depth of talent, with Sudharsan and Yadav leading the batting charts and Krishna and Ahmad dominating with the ball. Notable records include PBKS’s record-breaking chase of 204 against MI in Qualifier 2, led by Shreyas Iyer’s unbeaten 87 off 41 balls, and Yashasvi Jaiswal’s fastest fifty of the season in 13 balls against Delhi Capitals, as reported by Cricbuzz.

RCB’s journey to the final was marked by Virat Kohli’s consistent form, scoring 614 runs in 14 matches at an average of 55.81 and a strike rate of 146.53, including seven fifties, with a highest score of 82. Phil Salt also shone, scoring 387 runs at a strike rate over 175, while Josh Hazlewood took 21 wickets in 11 matches, as noted by GQ India.

Failures and Disappointments

Not all teams met expectations, with several high-profile franchises facing early exits. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), who won the title in 2024 by defeating Sunrisers Hyderabad, were eliminated in the league stage, finishing eighth with 12 points. This early exit was a significant blow, especially given their strong squad, as detailed in Wikipedia.

Chennai Super Kings (CSK), one of IPL’s most successful teams, had a dismal campaign, ending with 8 points and a net run rate of -0.992, missing the playoffs for the first time in recent years. Rajasthan Royals (RR) also struggled, finishing with 8 points and a net run rate of -0.701, reflecting a tough season. These performances highlight the competitive nature of the league, where even traditional powerhouses can falter, as seen in Hindustan Times.

Controversies and Challenges

IPL 2025 was marred by several controversies, primarily driven by external factors and organizational challenges. The most significant was the suspension of the tournament for a week starting May 9, 2025, due to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan. This followed the abandonment of the PBKS vs. DC match in Dharamsala on May 8, halted midway due to security concerns, as reported by ESPNcricinfo. The tournament resumed on May 17 after a ceasefire, but the disruption necessitated rescheduling the final from May 25 to June 3, affecting venues and player availability, as noted in Wikipedia.

Another challenge was the scheduling conflict with the Pakistan Super League (PSL), which ran from April 11 to May 25, overlapping with IPL dates. This clash forced several players to choose between leagues, impacting team compositions, as mentioned in Olympics.

Post-suspension, teams were allowed temporary replacements for players committed to international duties, such as the West Indies tours of Ireland and England, and the World Test Championship final. However, these replacements were not eligible for retention in the 2026 auction, adding complexity to team planning, as detailed in Wikipedia.

Whispers of match-fixing also surfaced, though specific details are limited, reflecting ongoing concerns about the league’s integrity, as seen in Sports Dunia. These controversies underscore the challenges of managing a global cricket league amidst geopolitical and logistical hurdles.

Conclusion

IPL 2025 has been a season of contrasts, marked by record-breaking performances, unexpected disappointments, and significant controversies. From Sai Sudharsan’s 759 runs to the suspension due to India-Pakistan tensions, the tournament has tested the resilience of players, teams, and organizers. As the final between RCB and PBKS reaches its climax, the season’s legacy will be defined by its ability to adapt and deliver thrilling cricket, leaving fans eagerly anticipating the next chapter.

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