The opening games of IPL 2025 have already set the stage for an electrifying season, with teams showcasing both their strengths and areas needing improvement. Whether it’s explosive batting, clinical bowling, or tactical captaincy, every franchise has made an early statement. But as always, the first match can be a glimpse into what the season holds – or a mere prelude to the drama to come. Let’s take a spicy look at the first impressions of each team in IPL 2025.
KKR’s Rollercoaster Ride: Promising Yet Flawed
Kolkata Knight Riders’ IPL 2025 opener against RCB showcased both promise and flaws. Ajinkya Rahane’s bold captaincy and high-intent fifty were positives, but the middle order’s struggles against spin were concerning. Despite a seven-over onslaught led by Rahane and Sunil Narine, KKR’s batting lacked depth, with Andre Russell’s continued vulnerability to wrong’uns proving costly. Their bowling, particularly Varun Chakravarthy, was blunted by dew, exposing their reliance on spin. To succeed this season, KKR will need greater middle-order stability and stronger pace options in dewy conditions.
RCB’s Sharpened Edge: A Well-Rounded Force
Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a powerful statement in their IPL 2025 opener with a clinical all-round display. Josh Hazlewood’s precision with bounce and accuracy rattled KKR’s top order, while Krunal Pandya’s clever variations and Suyash Sharma’s well-timed introduction against Russell highlighted sharp bowling tactics. With the bat, Phil Salt’s aggressive start and Virat Kohli’s composed yet assertive knock kept RCB ahead of the chase. New captain Rajat Patidar’s quick cameo sealed the win, showcasing RCB’s depth and adaptability. Their balance of experience and sharp strategies makes them genuine title contenders.
SRH’s Firepower: Explosive but Effective
Sunrisers Hyderabad made a dominant statement in their IPL 2025 opener, showcasing their destructive batting lineup. Ishan Kishan’s explosive 45-ball hundred added firepower at No. 3, while the opening pair of Travis Head and Abhishek Sharma, dubbed ‘Travishek,’ set the tone with a blistering 94-run powerplay. On the bowling front, pacers Mohammed Shami and Simarjeet Singh took early wickets, and the strategic use of Pat Cummins and spinners through the middle overs kept Rajasthan Royals in check. SRH’s blend of aggressive batting and tactical bowling makes them a force to reckon with this season.
It was a record breaking day indeed 🧡
A day etched in history 🧡
Ishan Kishan | #PlayWithFire | #SRHvRR | #TATAIPL2025 pic.twitter.com/CKugERmxC7
— SunRisers Hyderabad (@SunRisers) March 25, 2025
RR’s Fightback: Battling but Not Enough
Rajasthan Royals put up a spirited fight against SRH in their IPL 2025 opener, with Sanju Samson and Dhruv Jurel’s 111-run partnership providing hope during a challenging chase. Samson’s return as Impact Player and Jurel’s aggressive batting were positives, but RR’s bowling struggled significantly. Jofra Archer’s costly return and the decision to field Maheesh Theekshana over Wanindu Hasaranga backfired, exposing a lack of control in their pace attack. While their batting showed resilience, RR must quickly address their bowling issues to contend with top teams like SRH.
CSK’s Dominance: Balanced, Strong, and Ready
Chennai Super Kings showcased their well-rounded squad in IPL 2025 with a dominant win over Mumbai Indians, thanks to their off-season bowling acquisitions. Noor Ahmad’s sensational 4 for 18 and Khaleel Ahmed’s 3 for 29 were instrumental in dismantling MI’s top order. With the bat, Ruturaj Gaikwad’s 53 off 26 balls set the tone, while Rachin Ravindra’s composed 65* off 45 balls anchored the chase. Despite a brief slowdown by Vignesh Puthur, Ravindra Jadeja’s experience ensured a smooth finish. CSK’s balance of spin, pace, and depth with the bat makes them strong contenders this season.
MI’s Struggles: Individual Brilliance Not Enough
Mumbai Indians’ IPL 2025 campaign began poorly, with their batting undone by CSK’s disciplined attack. The early wickets of Rohit Sharma and Ryan Rickleton stifled any aggressive powerplay, and a middle-order fightback led by Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav was curtailed by Noor Ahmad’s brilliance. MI’s total of 155 was insufficient, with only Deepak Chahar offering resistance. In defence of it, debutant Vignesh impressed with three wickets, but MI’s experienced bowlers, including Trent Boult and Mitchell Santner, failed to deliver. Overall, MI’s reliance on individual brilliance and lack of consistency with both bat and ball leaves them vulnerable.
DC’s Statement: A Thrilling Win with Depth
Delhi Capitals announced their IPL 2025 presence with a thrilling one-wicket win under new captain Axar Patel, highlighted by Ashutosh Sharma’s match-winning 66 off 31 balls. The management’s decision to make him the Impact Player paid off, while debutant Vipraj Nigam’s 39 off 15 balls added crucial momentum. Mitchell Starc and Kuldeep Yadav’s combined brilliance with the ball restricted LSG’s charge, giving DC a fighting chance. Despite a top-order collapse, the lower order’s aggressive intent and Axar’s calm captaincy led them to victory, showcasing DC’s batting depth, all-rounders, and finishing firepower.
LSG’s Power-Hitting: A Cracking Start, but Not Enough
Lucknow Super Giants will have mixed feelings after their game, proud of their explosive power-hitting but concerned about their inability to close out games. Mitchell Marsh and Nicholas Pooran’s destructive 147-run partnership set a thrilling pace, but their failure to sustain momentum in the death overs, managing only 48 runs in the final seven, proved costly. While Shardul Thakur’s early breakthroughs and debutant Digvesh Rathi’s key wicket provided hope, their death bowling lacked precision. LSG’s strength lies in their batting and early bowling, but they need to address their lack of composure in finishing games to be title contenders.
PBKS’s Bold Beginning: Fearless and Strong
Punjab Kings, led by Shreyas Iyer, made a bold statement in IPL 2025 with a dominant win, showcasing power-hitting and clinical death bowling. Iyer’s 97 off 42 balls anchored the innings with composure and selflessness, while debutant Priyansh Arya’s fearless strokeplay and Shashank Singh’s explosive cameo added depth to their batting. The Impact Player strategy paid off with Vijaykumar Vyshak’s precise death bowling restricting Gujarat’s late-order hitters. With a flexible batting order, sharp bowling, and a captain prioritising team goals, PBKS have signalled their intent as serious playoff contenders.
GT’s Off Day: Brilliant Batting, But Bowling Issues
Defending champions Gujarat Titans faced a rare off day despite moments of brilliance, notably Sai Sudharsan’s 74 off 41 and Jos Buttler’s fifty, which kept them in the chase. However, their bowling lacked the sharpness that led them to the title, with Rashid Khan, Mohammed Siraj, and Kagiso Rabada struggling for control, conceding runs in both powerplay and death overs. Despite a strong middle-order surge, they faltered in the final overs, with Vyshak’s precision at the death denying them a late comeback. While their batting depth remains a strength, GT will need more consistency from their bowlers under pressure.
The IPL 2025 season is off to a thrilling start, with every franchise making an impression in their opening games. While some have solidified their potential as title contenders, others have shown glimpses of what they can achieve but also revealed areas that need immediate attention. As the competition intensifies, each team will need to adapt and evolve. Only time will tell if in this case, first impressions will eventually be the last impression, or if they turn out to be deceptive.