IPL 2025: Predicting the top four teams in the group stage

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to begin, with all ten teams ready for the new season after building strong squads. As always, fans expect thrilling matches and unforgettable performances with both bat and ball. 

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Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will enter as the defending champions, but their title defence might not be easy. Looking at the other teams’ squads, KKR could face a tough challenge to even secure a playoff spot.

Here are the predicted top four teams in the group stage in the IPL 2025

Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

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CSK is one of the most successful teams in IPL history. Once again, they are favourites to finish in the top four this season. Their biggest strength is their strong core, including Ruturaj Gaikwad, MS Dhoni, Ravindra Jadeja, Devon Conway, Rachin Ravindra, and Shivam Dube. They have kept key players and added new ones in the auction. 

Ravichandran Ashwin's return will also be a big boost, strengthening their spin attack and adding depth to their batting. It will be a fresh challenger for Ruturaj, the skipper, but MS Dhoni is still there to support him, especially in the crunch situations. With experienced and proven stars, CSK looks set for another strong season.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

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LSG made headlines in the auction by signing Rishabh Pant for INR 27 crore, making him the most expensive player in IPL history. Now, under his leadership, LSG looks like a one of the top four teams. Their middle order, featuring David Miller, Rishabh Pant, and Nicholas Pooran, could be a game-changer this season. 

They also have the spinning all-rounder Shahbaz Ahmed and an all-Indian pace attack with Akash Deep, Mohsin Khan, Mayank Yadav, and Avesh Khan. Ravi Bishnoi, their main spinner, could also play a key role. Exciting youngsters like Arshin Kulkarni are there who are expected to be key for their success. 

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

A new era begins for PBKS, with Shreyas Iyer leading the team in search of their first IPL title. Iyer, who led KKR to victory last season but was not retained, will now aim to guide PBKS to a top-four finish. PBKS paid a mammoth amount of INR 26.75 crore for his services. The squad has strong options to support him. 

Arshdeep Singh will lead the pace attack, while Yuzvendra Chahal adds spin magic. In the power-hitting department, PBKS has big names like Glenn Maxwell and Marcus Stoinis. Young domestic talent Suryansh Shedge has also impressed with his hitting ability. 

Other key players include Vijaykumar Vyshak, Yash Thakur, Marco Jansen, Josh Inglis, Lockie Ferguson, and Azmatullah Omarzai. Both Omarzai and Jansen will add firepower to the lower order with the bat. 

Josh Inglis has also impressed in the chances he has received for Australia across all three formats. This mix of experience and fresh talent gives PBKS an edge over other teams.   

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

SRH will aim to go all the way this time after falling short in last season’s final against KKR. They played aggressive cricket throughout the tournament and are expected to do the same again.

Captain Pat Cummins will lead the charge, supported by key players like Abhishek Sharma, Nitish Reddy, Heinrich Klaasen, and Travis Head. New signings such as Mohammad Shami, Harshal Patel, Ishan Kishan, Rahul Chahar, and Adam Zampa will also play important roles.

With a strong squad and batting-friendly pitches, SRH fans can expect another season full of high-scoring thrillers. Although more challenges are expected this year as other teams will come up with better and improved plans against them, SRH still have quality in every department. It would be surprising if they fail to qualify for the playoffs.

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