As the excitement builds for the start of IPL 2025, former cricketer Virender Sehwag has sparked a wave of reactions with his unexpected prediction. According to Sehwag, two of the most celebrated franchises — Chennai Super Kings (CSK) and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) — will not make it to the playoffs this season.
Sehwag Snubs RCB and CSK in Playoff Race
In a candid conversation ahead of the season opener on March 22, Sehwag listed his top four teams expected to qualify for the IPL 2025 playoffs: Mumbai Indians (MI), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG). His omission of MS Dhoni-led CSK and the star-studded RCB has taken both fans and analysts by surprise.
Historically, both CSK and RCB command massive fanbases and have fielded some of the biggest names in world cricket. However, Sehwag’s remarks suggest a shift in dominance as emerging squads like LSG and PBKS gain momentum.
Mixed Predictions from Cricketing Legends
Sehwag isn’t the only former player making bold claims. Several cricket legends have also revealed their predictions, with varying degrees of consensus.
- Adam Gilchrist: PBKS, MI, SRH, GT
- Rohan Gavaskar: RCB, SRH, DC, MI
- Harsha Bhogle: SRH, MI, KKR, RCB
- Shaun Pollock: MI, CSK, SRH, PBKS
- Manoj Tiwary: SRH, PBKS, GT, KKR
- Simon Doull: CSK, KKR, SRH, PBKS
- Michael Vaughan: GT, MI, KKR, PBKS
- Mpumelelo Mbangwa: SRH, GT, KKR, LSG
A pattern emerges — SRH, MI, and PBKS appear consistently across most experts’ lists, while RCB and CSK find less favor this time.
Orange Alert Threatens Opening Match
IPL 2025 kicks off with a blockbuster clash between defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) and RCB at the historic Eden Gardens. However, weather may play spoilsport. With an orange alert issued for Kolkata due to heavy rain forecasts, there’s a real chance the opening match could be postponed or canceled.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
