The IPL 2025 season, already a cauldron of drama and anticipation, was thrown into further chaos by an unprecedented week-long suspension due to rising tensions between India and Pakistan.
As the league prepares to roar back to life on May 17, the landscape has shifted dramatically: star players have departed for national duty, injuries have forced last-minute changes, and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has rewritten the rules, allowing teams to sign replacements until the very end of the tournament-a first in IPL history.
1. Delhi Capitals (DC)
For DC, the return of Faf du Plessis is a story of hope and resilience. After doubts about his availability, du Plessis has been cleared to play the entire season, injecting experience and leadership into the squad. Mustafizur Rahman, the wily Bangladeshi pacer, is also available but only for three league matches, a bittersweet boost as DC juggles its bowling resources. The team had to bring in Mustafizur as a temporary replacement for Jake Fraser-McGurk, who withdrew due to personal reasons, marking the first ever temporary overseas signing in IPL history.
2. Punjab Kings (PBKS)
PBKS have navigated a storm of injuries and departures. Lockie Ferguson’s hamstring injury saw the towering Kyle Jamieson step in, while the finger injury to Glenn Maxwell (who was a late-season addition) led to the signing of Mitchell Owen. These changes have forced PBKS to rethink their bowling strategies, and with the team sitting third on the table, every replacement could be the difference between playoff glory and heartbreak.
3. Gujarat Titans (GT)
GT’s campaign took a hit with Jos Buttler leaving to prepare for England’s series against the West Indies. In his place, Kusal Mendis, the Sri Lankan dynamo, has been called up-his aggressive style could be the X-factor GT needs in the final stretch. Glenn Phillips’ groin injury brought in Dasun Shanaka, adding further Sri Lankan flavor to the squad.
4. Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)
Lucknow’s pace sensation Mayank Yadav, who had lit up the early part of the tournament, is out again with a back injury. William O’Rourke, a promising New Zealand quick, steps in as his replacement. The team also lost Mohsin Khan to an ACL tear, replaced by the experienced Shardul Thakur. These changes test LSG’s depth, but also offer new faces a chance to shine under pressure.
5. Mumbai Indians (MI)
MI’s cosmopolitan squad has been in flux. Will Jacks has left for England duty, replaced by Jonny Bairstow, whose explosive batting could be a game changer. Ryan Rickelton’s departure for national commitments sees Richard Gleeson come in, while injuries to Lizaad Williams and Vignesh Puthur have brought in Corbin Bosch and Raghu Sharma, respectively.
Also read: India tour of England: BCCI announces women’s squad for ODI and T20I series
6. Chennai Super Kings (CSK)
CSK’s season has been marred by the loss of captain Ruturaj Gaikwad to an elbow fracture-a cruel blow to their campaign. Into the breach steps 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre, a prodigy from Mumbai, ready to make his IPL debut. The narrative of a young player thrust into the limelight embodies the spirit of the league68910. Other injuries have forced CSK to bring in Dewald Brevis and Urvil Patel for Gurjapneet Singh and Vansh Bedi, respectively.
Adding to these changes, Daryl Mitchell is likely to be included in the CSK squad for IPL 2025 as a replacement for Jamie Overton, further bolstering their options for the remainder of the season
7. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)
SRH’s journey ended early, but not before a series of squad shuffles. Adam Zampa’s season-ending shoulder injury saw Karnataka’s Smaran Ravichandran get his IPL break, while Brydon Carse’s toe injury led to Wiaan Mulder’s inclusion. The team’s campaign was also impacted by the absence of Jofra Archer due to injury.
8. Rajasthan Royals (RR)
RR have been ruled out, but not without drama. Nitish Rana’s calf injury and Sandeep Sharma’s finger injury brought in Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Nandre Burger, respectively. Jofra Archer, a key bowler, was ruled out due to injury, ending his season prematurely.
9. Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)
RCB, in the hunt for a top spot, have had to replace Devdutt Padikkal (hamstring injury) with Mayank Agarwal. Rajat Patidar, who suffered a finger injury, has resumed training and could be a crucial addition as RCB push for playoff qualification.
10. Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
KKR’s changes have been less dramatic but still significant. Umran Malik’s injury led to the signing of Chetan Sakariya, while the team also had to adjust to the absence of other overseas stars due to national commitments.
The Ripple Effects: What It Means for the Season
The week-long suspension and the subsequent exodus of overseas players for international duty have left teams scrambling. The BCCI’s decision to allow replacements until the end has kept the tournament alive with fresh faces and new narratives. Teams with depth and flexibility will be preferred over those reliant on overseas stars and will also see their local talent tested.
The exodus of players such as Jos Buttler, Will Jacks, and Glenn Maxwell has left teams to reconsider batting orders and game plans altogether. Many teams have lost bowlers, and have asked themselves how to replace them-Mayank Yadav, Lockie Ferguson, and Jofra Archer have all succumbed to injury and will force teams’ resilience and scouting network to be tested. However, the introduction of players such as Ayush Mhatre and Smaran Ravichandran represents opportunities for new heroes for fans to back.
As IPL 2025 resumes, every squad change is not just a statistic-it’s a story of hope, adversity, and opportunity. The coming weeks promise high drama, unexpected heroes, and the relentless pursuit of glory that makes the IPL the world’s most captivating cricket league.
Written By Smita Singh
