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Here’s how the IPL 2025 teams stack up after the mega auction in Jeddah. Get the latest updates on player acquisitions, squad strengths, and weaknesses.
IPL 2025: Teams, Auction Insights and Squad Strengths
The IPL 2025 mega auction concluded with intense bidding, and the squads have been finalized. The franchises have strengthened their lineups, addressing key areas while also experimenting with new strategies for the upcoming season. Here’s a breakdown of how the ten teams have shaped up and where their strengths and weaknesses lie.
Mumbai Indians: Strong Indian Core, Unconventional Overseas Picks
Mumbai Indians (MI) managed to retain their strong Indian contingent while making some unconventional overseas picks. While they have experienced players like Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner, their other overseas selections are relatively untested in the IPL, including Will Jacks and Reece Topley.
Players: 23/25 (8 overseas)
Key Strengths: Solid Indian batting, experienced fast bowlers.
Weaknesses: Limited overseas IPL experience.
Chennai Super Kings: Revival of Star Players and Strong Spin Attack
Chennai Super Kings (CSK) made key moves by reuniting with R Ashwin and adding Noor Ahmad, further bolstering their spin attack. The addition of several all-rounders and a few players in need of revival signals their confidence in blending experience and youth.
Players: 25/25 (7 overseas)
Key Strengths: Balanced squad, experienced leadership.
Weaknesses: Dependence on spin-heavy attack.
Royal Challengers Bangalore: Solid Top Order and Improved Bowling
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) focused on strengthening their bowling attack with experienced players like Josh Hazlewood and Bhuvneshwar Kumar. They also added explosive opening batsman Phil Salt to partner Virat Kohli at the top of the order.
Players: 22/25 (8 overseas)
Key Strengths: Strong batting depth, improved bowling attack.
Weaknesses: Lack of a reliable middle-order.
Sunrisers Hyderabad: Explosive Top Order and Pedigree Bowling Attack
Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) boasts an explosive top-order with players like Travis Head and Heinrich Klaasen. However, their middle-order and backup overseas players are relatively inexperienced.
Players: 20/25 (7 overseas)
Key Strengths: Strong bowling attack, explosive top order.
Weaknesses: Inexperienced middle-order and backup players.
Kolkata Knight Riders: A Balanced Mix of Old and New Faces
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) retained a mix of their title-winning squad from IPL 2024, while acquiring some surprise picks like Manish Pandey and Ajinkya Rahane. With Venkatesh Iyer possibly taking over as captain, they have a good blend of experience and youth.
Players: 21/25 (8 overseas)
Key Strengths: Balanced squad, experienced leadership.
Weaknesses: Potential imbalance in batting styles.
Punjab Kings: Focus on Strengthening Batting and Bowling Depth
Punjab Kings (PBKS) made a bold move by acquiring Shreyas Iyer, likely their new captain. Their squad features a heavy focus on overseas players, especially Australians, and strengthens their batting and bowling depth.
Players: 25/25 (8 overseas)
Key Strengths: Strong batting and bowling depth.
Weaknesses: Limited Indian core strength.
Lucknow Super Giants: Rishabh Pant’s Big Price and Depth in Bowling
Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) made history by purchasing Rishabh Pant for INR 27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL auction history. Their squad has a wealth of Indian bowling talent, with a focus on international batting experience.
Players: 24/25 (6 overseas)
Key Strengths: Strong Indian bowling depth, impressive batting top-order.
Weaknesses: Lack of a prominent Indian opener.
Lets dicuss the remaining teams in the next post.