IPL 2025 Playoffs: How Missing Overseas Players Could Shape the Title Race
IPL 2025 Playoffs: How Missing Overseas Players Could Shape the Title Race
The IPL playoff picture is finally clear. Four matches remain in the race for the title. Punjab Kings, advancing to the top four for the first time since 2014, will face Royal Challengers Bangalore in Qualifier 1. In the Eliminator, former champions Mumbai Indians take on Gujarat Titans. As the knockout matches heat up, franchises are grappling with the absence of key players. Let’s assess each team’s prospects in these new circumstances.
Punjab Kings:
Under Shreyas Iyer’s captaincy, Punjab Kings have staged a remarkable run in the 18th IPL edition. Unlike the previous season, their batting and bowling have clicked in unison, maintaining top form throughout. Finishing first with 19 points from nine wins in 14 matches, Punjab, led by their captain, displayed relentless fighting spirit in every game. Fans saw this in their latest victory against Mumbai Indians. Iyer, the team’s batting spearhead, has scored 514 runs with five fifties. Openers Prabhsimran Singh and Priyas Aari are in fine form, joined by overseas stars Josh Inglis, Shashank Singh, Nehal Wadhera, and Marcus Stoinis, ensuring batting fireworks in the playoffs. Arshdeep Singh leads a potent bowling unit with 18 wickets, but the absence of all-rounder Marco Jansen, who returned to South Africa for the World Test Championship final, is a significant blow. New Zealand pacer Kyle Jamieson will fill that role. With coach Ricky Ponting’s tactical acumen, fans are hopeful Punjab’s dream of a maiden title will come true.Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB):
Finishing in the top two for the first time since 2016, RCB arrives with momentum. This season, Rajat Patidar’s side has dominated opponents at Eden Gardens, Chepauk, and Wankhede. With nine wins and 19 points from 14 matches, they secured second place. Virat Kohli, as usual, leads the batting with 602 runs, including eight fifties, proving to be a chase master in crucial games. English opener Phil Salt has been explosive, while Mayank Agarwal, replacing Devdutt Padikkal, impressed against Lucknow. However, captain Patidar’s lack of form and Tim David’s injury are concerns. David, a reliable finisher with a strike rate of 185.14, is expected to return for the playoffs. Jitesh Sharma led the team in their last match against Lucknow, scoring 85 runs and playing a pivotal role. His middle-order form adds strength. However, Liam Livingstone’s poor form is a worry, and RCB may bench him if David returns. While RCB’s bowlers have been leaky, Josh Hazlewood’s return strengthens the attack, supported by Romario Shepherd and Krunal Pandya, who contribute with both bat and ball. If Patidar regains form, RCB could end their long wait for the title.Mumbai Indians:
Known for their resilience, Mumbai Indians face Gujarat Titans in the Eliminator, with fans expecting a champion’s performance. Suryakumar Yadav has been their mainstay, scoring 640 runs with five fifties, placing him third in the orange cap race. His explosive batting is a major threat. However, Mumbai faces the biggest challenge with three key overseas players—Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch—unavailable for the playoffs. Rickelton, who provided dream starts alongside Rohit Sharma with 388 runs and three fifties, will be replaced by Jonny Bairstow, while Charith Asalanka and Bevan Jacobs will bolster the middle order. Jasprit Bumrah’s pace attack, supported by Trent Boult, Deepak Chahar, Karan Sharma, and Sanar, is capable of dismantling any batting lineup. Tilak Varma’s poor form is a concern for coach Mahela Jayawardene, but the management hopes the young Indian will regain touch. Can Hardik Pandya, who led Gujarat to the title in their debut season, deliver a sixth trophy for Mumbai?Gujarat Titans:
The Sai Sudharsan-Shubman Gill opening duo has been Gujarat’s driving force. Sudharsan, 23, leads the orange cap race with 679 runs, including a century and five fifties, while captain Gill follows with 649 runs. Their opening partnerships have powered GT to numerous wins, including a chase of 200 against Delhi Capitals in 19 overs—one of the highest opening stands in IPL history. However, GT faltered late in the league stage, losing to Lucknow and Chennai Super Kings, slipping to the Eliminator. The absence of Jos Buttler, who scored 538 runs with five fifties, is a major setback, with Kusal Mendis as his replacement. Kagiso Rabada’s unavailability further weakens the pace attack, with Dasun Shanaka stepping in. Led by Prasidh Krishna and Mohammed Siraj, supported by Gerald Coetzee, GT’s pace unit remains strong, but Rashid Khan’s poor form—leaking runs and enduring his worst IPL season—hurts the team in the middle overs.
