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, professional 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 consultants discussing their predictions for IPL 2025, together with the Orange Cap (most runs), Purple Cap (most wickets), Most Helpful Participant (MVP), the 4 playoff groups, and finally, the title winner. Recognized for his easy and fearless opinions, Sehwag made some daring decisions whereas backing skilled gamers and rising stars to dominate the event.
Virender Sehwag’s choose 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 elegant type throughout codecs, was touted by Sehwag because the strongest contender for the Orange Cap.
“KL Rahul has been in super type not too long ago, and I really feel he can emerge because the main run-scorer this season,” Sehwag remarked.
Rahul, recognized for his fluent stroke play and talent to anchor an innings, has persistently been among the many prime run-getters in previous IPL editions. If he maintains his type, he may very well be a significant asset for Delhi, who want to make a deep run within the event underneath the management of Axar Patel.
Sehwag’s choose 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 grow to be a key determine in India’s white-ball setup, was tipped to have a breakthrough season in 2025.
“Varun Chakravarthy may very well be the best wicket-taker on this IPL,” the previous Indian batter predicted.
Chakravarthy’s distinctive bowling fashion, coupled together with his expertise of main KKR’s spin assault lately, 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 normally dominated by all-rounders and gamers who contribute throughout a number of sides of the sport, Sehwag as soon as once more positioned his religion in KL Rahul, believing that if Rahul wins the Orange Cap, he will even be named the event’s Most Helpful Participant.
“If KL Rahul goes on to win the Orange Cap, then there isn’t any doubt he will even be the Most Helpful Participant of IPL 2025,” the 46-year-old acknowledged.
Rahul’s capacity to play match-winning knocks and his adaptability throughout situations make him a frontrunner for the distinguished 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 levels, 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 recognized for its explosive batting and revamped bowling assault underneath Pat Cummins.
- Punjab Kings (PBKS) – A shock choose, however with new management underneath Shreyas Iyer and Ricky Ponting’s steering, they’ve the squad to problem the perfect.
- Lucknow Tremendous Giants (LSG) – With a balanced squad and powerful all-round choices, LSG was Sehwag’s one other choose
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 ultimately 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, together with his tactical experience and expertise, can deliver out the perfect within the crew. His steering may very well be the magic ingredient that helps LSG win their first IPL title,” Sehwag concluded.
