IPL 2025: Top 4 Favorite Teams to Win the Title

The IPL 2025 season is set to kick off on March 22, 2025, as confirmed by Rajiv Shukla, the vice-president of the BCCI. He also announced that the tournament will feature 74 matches, running for approximately two months, with the final scheduled for May 25, 2025.

Preparations for the IPL 2025 are already in full swing. As soon as the Champions Trophy concludes, the attention will turn to IPL 2025, sparking discussions about potential title contenders, orange and purple cap winners, and emerging players.

The most debated topic among cricket betting enthusiasts will undoubtedly be which team will claim the IPL 2025 title. Look at the top four favourite teams to win this year's championship.

Here are four teams that are favourites to win the IPL 2025 edition:

4. Punjab Kings

Punjab Kings have undergone a major revamp for the IPL 2025 season. With a budget of ₹110.15 crore, they aggressively targeted marquee players during the mega auction, and their squad now looks stronger than ever.

Despite never winning the IPL title since its inception in 2008, Punjab Kings are looking to turn their fortunes around this season. Their last playoff appearance was in 2014, when they lost in the final against KKR. Over the years, they have experimented with various strategies, including changing team names and captains, but have failed to clinch the title. However, the squad they have put together for IPL 2025 could be one of the strongest in the league.

Advantages

All-Rounder Strength
One of the key strengths of Punjab Kings lies in their all-rounder lineup. With players like Marcus Stoinis, Marco Jansen, Azmatullah Omarzai, and Glenn Maxwell, they have an incredible mix of international experience and T20 prowess. In addition, domestic all-rounders such as Shahrukh Khan and Harpreet Brar bring youthful energy to the squad.

Bowling Attack
Punjab Kings' bowling attack is equally impressive, led by the talented Arshdeep Singh. He is supported by the highest wicket-taker in IPL history, who has taken 205 wickets in 160 matches. The team also features a strong bowling lineup with Kuldeep Sen, Lockie Ferguson, Yash Thakur, and Vijaykumar Vyshak, who impressed during his stint with RCB.

Leadership
The captaincy of Shreyas Iyer adds an additional advantage for Punjab Kings. Having led the IPL-winning team last year, Iyer brings a wealth of leadership experience and has proven himself a game-changer. His strategic acumen makes him a key asset for the team.

3. Sunrisers Hyderabad

Sunrisers Hyderabad has been a favourite for IPL fans, thanks to their impressive performances in recent seasons and their charismatic owner, Kavya Maran. The team’s aggressive and determined mindset, led by players like Abhishek Sharma, Travis Head, and Pat Cummins, makes them a formidable opponent in IPL 2025.

SRH managed to retain many key players, including captain Pat Cummins, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klaasen, and Nitish Reddy. They also strengthened their squad by adding Mohammad Shami, a hero in the 2023 World Cup, and explosive former Mumbai Indians opener Ishan Kishan.

Advantages

All-Rounder Strength
Sunrisers Hyderabad boasts a more robust all-rounder unit than Punjab Kings. With Pat Cummins, Travis Head, and Abhishek Sharma, SRH has the flexibility to adapt to any situation—whether it's quick runs in the death overs or breaking partnerships in the middle overs. Additionally, Harshal Patel can play a crucial role when the team needs him most.

Strongest Bowling Unit
SRH’s bowling attack is solid, with the addition of Mohammad Shami to their already strong lineup. Cummins is renowned for taking early wickets, while Harshal Patel and Jaydev Unadkat provide excellent backup options. In the spin department, SRH has specialists like Adam Zampa and Rahul Chahar, with Head and Abhishek Sharma offering additional spin support when needed.

2. Rajasthan Royals (RR)

Rajasthan Royals has all the ingredients to win the IPL 2025 title, with their leadership duo of captain Sanju Samson and coach Rahul Dravid. Dravid’s experience as the head coach, having led India to victory in the 2024 T20 World Cup, adds immense value to the team. Sanju Samson’s consistent leadership has been instrumental in guiding RR to victories in previous seasons, making them strong contenders this year.

The Royals have retained their core squad, including key players like Yashasvi Jaiswal, Shemron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, Riyan Parag, and Sandeep Sharma. Instead of focusing heavily on new signings, they have opted to rely on their existing squad for IPL 2025.

Advantages

Versatile Bowling Attack Rajasthan Royals has a diverse and potent bowling attack, with experienced pacers like Jofra Archer, Fazalhaq Farooqi, and Sandeep Sharma. They are complemented by young talents such as Tushar Deshpande and Akash Madhwal, who provide early breakthrough opportunities. Additionally, they boast T20 specialist spinners Wanindu Hasaranga and Maheesh Theekshana to handle spin-friendly conditions.

Consistency and Leadership
RR has been consistently strong in recent seasons, finishing as runners-up in IPL 2022, 15th in IPL 2023, and third in IPL 2024. The addition of Rahul Dravid as head coach further strengthens their chances of winning the title in IPL 2025.

1. Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)

After 17 years, RCB has a strong chance to finally prove "Ee Saala Cup Namde." They were aggressive in the IPL mega auction, securing marquee players and building a team that looks ready for a title challenge in 2025.

There is significant buzz about who will lead RCB in IPL 2025. Last year's captain, Faf du Plessis, was neither retained nor bought by the team, leading to speculation that Virat Kohli could make his return as captain. If this happens, it could provide RCB with a strong leadership advantage.

Advantages

Explosive Batting Unit
RCB’s biggest strength is their explosive batting lineup. The team features top-tier players like former KKR batter Phil Salt, Tim David, Liam Livingstone, and Rajat Patidar. The opening combination of Kohli and Salt is a dynamic pairing, with Salt being aggressive from the start and Kohli bringing calm and calculated shots. The lower-order batting, featuring players like Livingstone, David, and Krunal Pandya, can add quick runs, especially in the death overs during chases.

Strong Bowling Attack
RCB’s bowling unit is no slouch either, with match-winners like Bhuvneshwar Kumar, known for taking wickets in the first over and holding the record for the most powerplay wickets. Yash Dayal is another promising addition to the bowling lineup. Additionally, the young Rasikh Salam Dar and experienced Josh Hazlewood add depth to the attack, increasing RCB's chances of winning crucial matches.

Home Advantage
RCB will play half of their IPL 2025 matches at the Chinnaswamy Stadium, which is known for its batting-friendly conditions. Given their strong batting unit, RCB’s dream of winning IPL 2025 is more achievable than ever before.

In conclusion

The IPL 2025 season promises to be another thrilling ride, with several teams vying for the coveted title. While predicting the winner is always a challenge, the top contenders are Punjab Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, Rajasthan Royals, and Royal Challengers Bangalore. These teams boast strong squads, experienced players, and impressive recent performances. The competition will undoubtedly intensify as the tournament unfolds, making it an exciting time for fans and IPL Betting enthusiasts alike. Ultimately, the team that can maintain consistency, perform under pressure, and capitalize on key opportunities will likely emerge victorious.