With the extremely anticipated 18th season of the Indian Premier League (IPL) simply days away, pleasure amongst cricket followers has reached fever pitch. Defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) are set to tackle Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) within the season opener at Eden Gardens on March 22. As groups finalize their methods and followers gear up for an additional electrifying event, knowledgeable predictions have began rolling in, with former Indian opener Virender Sehwag providing his insights on the important thing performers and potential title winners.
Talking to Cricbuzz, Sehwag joined a panel of specialists discussing their predictions for IPL 2025, together with the Orange Cap (most runs), Purple Cap (most wickets), Most Precious Participant (MVP), the 4 playoff groups, and finally, the title winner. Recognized for his simple and fearless opinions, Sehwag made some daring selections whereas backing skilled gamers and rising stars to dominate the event.
Virender Sehwag’s decide for orange cap
When requested to foretell the best run-scorer of IPL 2025, Sehwag didn’t hesitate and instantly named KL Rahul, Delhi Capitals (DC)‘ newest marquee signing. Rahul, who has been in chic kind throughout codecs, was touted by Sehwag because the strongest contender for the Orange Cap.
“KL Rahul has been in large kind just lately, and I really feel he can emerge because the main run-scorer this season,” Sehwag remarked.
Rahul, identified for his fluent stroke play and skill to anchor an innings, has constantly been among the many prime run-getters in previous IPL editions. If he maintains his kind, he might be a significant asset for Delhi, who want to make a deep run within the event beneath the management of Axar Patel.
Sehwag’s decide for purple cap
For the coveted Purple Cap, awarded to the event’s highest wicket-taker, Sehwag backed India’s thriller spinner Varun Chakravarthy. The Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) bowler, who has turn out to be a key determine in India’s white-ball setup, was tipped to have a breakthrough season in 2025.
“Varun Chakravarthy might be the best wicket-taker on this IPL,” the previous Indian batter predicted.
Chakravarthy’s distinctive bowling model, coupled along with his expertise of main KKR’s spin assault in recent times, makes him a powerful contender. If he finds his rhythm early within the event, he may play a pivotal function in KKR’s title protection.
Additionally READ: Michael Clarke predicts the winner of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025
Sehwag’s most useful participant prediction
Whereas the MVP award is often dominated by all-rounders and gamers who contribute throughout a number of aspects of the sport, Sehwag as soon as once more positioned his religion in KL Rahul, believing that if Rahul wins the Orange Cap, he can even be named the event’s Most Precious Participant.
“If KL Rahul goes on to win the Orange Cap, then there isn’t any doubt he can even be the Most Precious Participant of IPL 2025,” the 46-year-old acknowledged.
Rahul’s skill to play match-winning knocks and his adaptability throughout situations make him a frontrunner for the celebrated award. His management and potential impression in essential video games may additional cement his standing as IPL 2025’s standout performer.
Sehwag’s 4 Playoff groups
Predicting the highest 4 groups that may qualify for the knockout phases, Sehwag named:
- Mumbai Indians (MI) – With a star-studded lineup and a historical past of success, MI stays a powerful contender each season.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – A crew identified for its explosive batting and revamped bowling assault beneath Pat Cummins.
- Punjab Kings (PBKS) – A shock decide, however with new management beneath Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting’s steerage, they’ve the squad to problem the perfect.
- Lucknow Tremendous Giants (LSG) – With a balanced squad and robust all-round choices, LSG was Sehwag’s one other decide
Sehwag’s IPL 2025 winner prediction
When it got here to predicting the IPL 2025 winner, Sehwag narrowed it right down to Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Tremendous Giants however finally picked LSG as his alternative for champions. His reasoning? The presence of his former Indian teammate Zaheer Khan, who has been appointed as LSG’s bowling coach this season.
“Both Mumbai or Lucknow may win, however I’m going with LSG as a result of I imagine Zaheer Khan, along with his tactical experience and expertise, can deliver out the perfect within the crew. His steerage might be the magic ingredient that helps LSG win their first IPL title,” Sehwag concluded.