The 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL 2025) kicks off today. The opening match will see defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). This season is unique as most captains are relatively new and around the age of 30, meaning they are likely to continue leading their teams for the coming seasons. Additionally, new rules introduced this year will add to the excitement of the tournament.
Rule 1: Ban on Saliva Use Lifted
The most significant change in the new rules is the reintroduction of saliva application on the ball. This practice was banned due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but for the first time since then, bowlers will be allowed to use saliva again. The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) decided to lift the ban after consulting with most IPL captains. While the International Cricket Council (ICC) permanently banned saliva use in 2022, IPL follows its own regulations, and this decision could encourage other cricketing nations to reconsider their stance. The return of saliva application will help in generating reverse swing, ensuring a better balance between batting and bowling.
Rule 2: Conditional Use of a Second New Ball in the Second Innings
In evening matches, if the umpires determine that dew is significantly impacting the game, they will allow the use of a second new ball from the 11th over of the second innings. This rule will apply only to night matches, not to afternoon games. The aim is to maintain high-scoring matches while ensuring a fair balance between both innings. Often, teams choose to bowl first after winning the toss due to dew advantage. This rule will help create a more balanced contest.
Rule 3: DRS for Wide Balls
Teams will now be able to use the Decision Review System (DRS) for wide deliveries based on height and offside judgment. This will ensure fair decision-making on such calls. However, leg-side wides will continue to be determined by the on-field umpire. The ‘Impact Player’ rule, which faced criticism last season for limiting all-rounders’ opportunities, will remain unchanged this year. Another change is that captains will no longer face match bans for slow over rates; instead, they will receive demerit points and fines.
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New Captains to Add More Excitement
At least seven teams in IPL 2025 will have new captains, either permanently or temporarily. Some players will lead their teams for only a few matches due to various reasons. One of the most surprising decisions came from RCB, who appointed Rajat Patidar as their captain despite having star batsman Virat Kohli in the squad. It will be interesting to see how Patidar manages the team’s leadership.
- Axar Patel will captain Delhi Capitals.
- Shreyas Iyer, who led KKR to the title in 2024, will now lead Punjab Kings.
- Kolkata Knight Riders have entrusted Ajinkya Rahane with the captaincy.
- Due to Sanju Samson’s finger injury, Riyan Parag will lead Rajasthan Royals for the first three matches.
- Hardik Pandya, who was handed a one-match ban last season for slow over rates, will miss Mumbai Indians’ first game, with Suryakumar Yadav stepping in as captain.
- The most expensive player in IPL history, Rishabh Pant, will captain Lucknow Super Giants this season.
Changes in Coaching Staff
There have also been changes in the coaching staff of several teams.
- Ricky Ponting has left Delhi Capitals to become the head coach of Punjab Kings.
- Hemang Badani has been appointed as the new head coach of Delhi Capitals.
- Kevin Pietersen has joined Delhi Capitals as a mentor.
- Rahul Dravid has returned to Rajasthan Royals as head coach, marking his first coaching stint since leading India to the T20 World Cup title.
- Former CSK player and bowling coach Dwayne Bravo will serve as KKR’s mentor, replacing Gautam Gambhir, who is now India’s head coach.
With new captains, exciting rules, and strategic coaching changes, IPL 2025 promises to be one of the most thrilling seasons in the tournament’s history.
