IPL 2025: A Season to Remember
🏏 IPL 2025: A Season to Remember
IPL 2025—the 18th edition of the prestigious T20 franchise cricket league—was held from 22 March to 3 June 2025 and featured 10 teams competing in 74 matches across India
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. The tournament continued with the hallmark structure: each team played 14 league-stage matches (home and away), followed by playoffs involving Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the Final
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Disruption & Resumption
Originally slated to conclude on 25 May in Kolkata, the tournament was paused in May due to geopolitical tensions and resumed mid-May across alternate venues. The Final was rescheduled to 3 June, held in Ahmedabad instead of the planned Eden Gardens
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Venues & Fixtures
The season began with an electrifying opener between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru at Eden Gardens. Matches were held in 13 venues, including high‑octane double‑headers at prime times (3:30 PM and 7:30 PM IST) on select weekends
📊 League Stage & Standout Performances
Top Performers
Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans) scored the most runs (759).
Prasidh Krishna (Gujarat Titans) led the wicket-takers (25).
Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai Indians) earned the MVP award for his all‑round brilliance
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Highlights from the Auction
Jitesh Sharma was signed by RCB for ₹11 crore—jumping from ₹20 lakh—marking a 5400% rise in salary.
Several youngsters saw dramatic pay hikes, while others suffered losses in valuation
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Record-Breaking Debut
Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, just 14 years old, became IPL’s youngest debutant and centurion. He smashed 101 off 38 balls for Rajasthan Royals, becoming the second-fastest IPL century scorer
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🔥 Playoffs & Memorable Moments
Playoff Qualifiers
Qualifier 1 (20 May, Hyderabad): RCB defeated Punjab Kings, advancing directly to the Final.
Eliminator (21 May, Hyderabad): Knocked-out teams battled for survival.
Qualifier 2 (23 May, Kolkata): Punjab Kings beat Mumbai Indians to book the other finalist spot
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🎖️ The Final: RCB’s Maiden Glory
Venue & Match-Up
Held at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on 3 June 2025, the final featured Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Punjab Kings, with RCB chasing redemption after years of near-misses
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The Clash in Brief
RCB batted first and posted 190/9, anchored by Virat Kohli’s composed 43 off 35 balls.
Punjab Kings initially looked strong in the chase, but Krunal Pandya’s tight bowling (2/25) shifted momentum for RCB, sealing the title by just six runs
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Historic Significance
This was RCB’s first-ever IPL title, ending an 18-year wait. Virat Kohli’s emotional celebration reflected the franchise’s heartbreak years—and his family’s support, including wife Anushka Sharma, through the journey
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💡 Aftermath & Impact
Brand & Financial Growth
Following the win, Royal Challengers Bengaluru became the most valuable IPL franchise, valued at approx. US $269 million. IPL’s total brand value reached US $18.5 billion, with a standalone brand estimate of US $3.9 billion—highlighting exponential growth in the league’s commercial appeal
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Controversy Post-Celebrations
A tragic stampede occurred in Bengaluru during RCB's celebrations, claiming 11 lives and injuring over 50. A commission later deemed the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium unsafe for large events and held multiple parties responsible, including the franchise, KSCA, and event organizers
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📋 Season Summary Table
Category Details
Champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Runner-up Punjab Kings
Most Runs Sai Sudharsan (GT) – 759
Most Wickets Prasidh Krishna (GT) – 25
MVP Suryakumar Yadav (MI)
Grounds Used 13 across India
Matches Played 74
Unique Features Sooryavanshi’s debut century; RCB’s maiden title
🎤 What It Meant
IPL 2025 will be remembered for its drama, records, and emotional payoff. RCB finally achieved glory, promising a new chapter in the franchise’s storied journey. With fresh stars rising and the league’s value soaring, IPL’s future seems brighter than ever.
Related news on IPL 2025
AP PHOTOS: Cricket's Indian Premier League crowns Royal Challengers Bengaluru as champions
AP News
AP PHOTOS: Cricket's Indian Premier League crowns Royal Challengers Bengaluru as champions
Jun 3, 2025
Tears of a champion! Virat Kohli breaks down as RCB finally lift their first IPL trophy after 17 years
Indiatimes
Tears of a champion! Virat Kohli breaks down as RCB finally lift their first IPL trophy after 17 years
Jun 3, 2025
Sports Business: RCB takes over from CSK as most valuable IPL team; league's brand value grows to $18.5 billion
The Times of India
Sports Business: RCB takes over from CSK as most valuable IPL team; league's brand v
alue grows to $18.5 billion
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