Altering captains, comeback tales & unfinished enterprise in IPL 2025

The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to explode into action on Saturday with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Eden Gardens. While the glamour, drama, and cricketing spectacle remain unchanged, new rules, new captains, and returning icons promise an edition never seen before.

Rule Changes and Tactical Innovations at IPL 2025

Among the biggest changes this season is the lifting of the saliva ban. For the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, bowlers will be allowed to use saliva to shine the ball—a decision that could influence swing bowling, particularly in the death overs. The IPL’s move to defy the ICC’s permanent ban on saliva use could set a precedent for the global game.

To counter the dew factor, a fresh ball will be introduced from the 11th over of the second innings in evening matches if the umpires deem dew significant. Additionally, the Decision Review System (DRS) has expanded to include height and off-side wides, ensuring fairer adjudications. However, the controversial Impact Player rule remains in place despite ongoing debates.

Pant, Iyer, Patidar: Captaincy Carousel

Seven franchises enter IPL 2025 with new leadership. Perhaps the most surprising appointment is Rajat Patidar, who, despite lacking international T20 experience, will lead RCB with Virat Kohli in the ranks.

Axar Patel takes the reins at Delhi Capitals, leading a side featuring his India senior KL Rahul. Shreyas Iyer, fresh from captaining KKR to glory last year, now finds himself leading Punjab Kings, while Ajinkya Rahane steps into the leadership role for the defending champions.

Rajasthan Royals will start with Riyan Parag as interim skipper in Sanju Samson’s absence, and Suryakumar Yadav will step in for Mumbai Indians’ opening match as Hardik Pandya serves a suspension. Meanwhile, Rishabh Pant has switched alliance from DC to Lucknow Super Giants. Par Cummins, Ruturaj Gaikwad, and Shubman Gill remain in charge of their respective franchises.

1st IPL as retired T20I stars for Kohli, Rohit

Rishabh Pant’s return from a near-fatal accident is one of IPL 2025’s most compelling storylines. The most expensive IPL player in history (INR 27 crore, Lucknow Super Giants) will be keen to silence his critics after being overlooked during recent white-ball games. He leads an injury-stricken LSG squad.

Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, both retired from T20 internationals, make their first competitive appearance in the format since India’s T20 World Cup win in the Caribbean. Kohli, the leading run-getter in IPL 2024, remains RCB’s batting mainstay, while Rohit will look to regain form with Mumbai Indians.

Kohli will play under Patidar’s captaincy this time around. With Phil Salt up top, it remains to be seen how the modern-day great fares for RCB, who’s fans still yearn for maiden silverware. Meanwhile, for Rohit, he still hasn’t lit up IPL in some years. After a horrible IPL 2024 for MI, Rohit would hope to put his foot on the pedal and strike blows from the start.

Season Opener: KKR vs RCB

The first game brings a historic rivalry to the forefront. KKR, with three titles to their name, will aim to break the post-championship slump under Ajinkya Rahane’s leadership. Meanwhile, RCB continues its search for a maiden IPL title, boasting a powerful batting lineup featuring Phil Salt, Kohli, Jitesh Sharma, and Liam Livingstone.

KKR’s bowling attack, led by Varun Chakravarthy and veteran Sunil Narine, will test RCB’s ability against spin on Eden Gardens’ turning track. RCB’s bowling unit, weakened by Mohammed Siraj’s exit, will rely on seasoned pacers Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Josh Hazlewood, who is coming after an injury layoff. It is a repeat of the first-ever IPL match!