The wait is over! The IPL 2025 schedule is finally out, and it’s packed with thrilling matchups, intense rivalries, and game-changing fixtures. The tournament kicks off on March 22, 2025, with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) vs. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens.
A total of 74 matches will be played, including the playoffs and the grand final. With a fresh start after the mega auction in Jeddah, teams have undergone major transformations—new captains, new coaches, and blockbuster trades. This season? One of the most unpredictable yet!
Let’s break down the biggest talking points from the IPL 2025 schedule.
1. A Blockbuster Opening Weekend
The first few days are set to be electrifying! Here’s why:
- KKR vs. RCB kicks things off—both teams have new captains, adding a layer of intrigue.
- Mumbai Indians (MI) vs. Chennai Super Kings (CSK) on Day 2—the most iconic rivalry in IPL history.
- Delhi Capitals (DC) vs. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)—Rishabh Pant and KL Rahul face their former teams. Talk about drama!
More big matchups in just the first weekend? Yes, please!
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2. MI’s Tough Road vs. CSK’s Home Comfort
While all teams play an equal number of home and away games, the way they’re scheduled can make or break a season.
- Mumbai Indians (MI) face a tough road ahead, starting with back-to-back away games. They only get one home-friendly stretch in the middle of the season.
- Chennai Super Kings (CSK) start strong, with four of their first six matches at home. A perfect chance to build momentum!
3. 13 Venues for 10 Teams: Unfair Advantage?
This season, IPL matches will be played across 13 different venues, even though there are only 10 teams. Some teams won’t even get to play at their true home ground.
- Punjab Kings (PBKS), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Delhi Capitals (DC) will have to play in Dharamshala, Guwahati, and Vizag instead of their regular home grounds.
- Guwahati’s unpredictable weather could create headaches for RR.
- While the extra venues bring IPL fever to more fans, is it fair to teams that lose home-ground advantage? That’s up for debate.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) have completely opposite schedules, yet both need to navigate tough stretches.
4. RCB & SRH: Opposite Journeys, Same Challenge
- RCB start rough, facing KKR and CSK away. But their last few matches? Home-heavy—just like last year when a strong finish secured their playoff spot.
- SRH start strong at home, playing four of their first six matches in Hyderabad. But their final two games are away, making their playoff push tricky.
5. Eden Gardens: The Grand Finale Returns
The grand final will be played at Eden Gardens—a return to the biggest stage after a decade!
- Last IPL final in Kolkata? 2015.
- This season, Eden Gardens will also host Qualifier 2 and the opening match.
- With KKR as the defending champions, their fans couldn’t have asked for a better way to close the season.
Can KKR defend their title at home? That’s the million-dollar question!
Also Read: WPL 2025: DCW vs RCBW Preview And Prediction
