The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) came to a thrilling close as Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally broke their title drought, lifting their maiden IPL trophy in a gripping final against Punjab Kings (PBKS). The match epitomized the IPL tournament in the best way possible, which had plenty of nail-biting moments throughout the matches, high-scoring games, amazing comebacks, and the rise of new cricketing talent. RCB’s triumph marked the culmination of years of near misses, with their balanced squad and clutch performances guiding them to glory.

IPL 2025 was more than just about the final—it was a season that showcased some of the most consistent and explosive individual performances in the league’s history. Young talents like B. Sai Sudharsan are proving to be incredible assets, and seasoned players like Suryakumar Yadav and Prasidh Krishna are demonstrating their class. From breathtaking knocks to game-changing bowling spells, this season delivered on every front, making it one of the most entertaining editions to date.

IPL 2025 Full Awards List

• Champions: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
• Runners-Up: Punjab Kings
• Most Valuable Player (MVP): Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai Indians) – 320.5 points
• Orange Cap (Most Runs): B Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans) – 759 runs
• Purple Cap (Most Wickets): Prasidh Krishna (Gujarat Titans) – 25 wickets
• Emerging Player of the Season: B Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans)
• Super Striker of the Season: Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals) – Strike Rate: 207
• Most Sixes: Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants) – 40 sixes
• Most Fours: B Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans) – 88 fours
• Most Dot Balls Bowled: Mohammed Siraj (Gujarat Titans) – 151 dot balls
• Best Catch of the Season: Kamindu Mendis (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – Against CSK to dismiss Dewald Brevis
• Fair Play Award: Chennai Super Kings
• Best Pitch and Ground: Delhi District Cricket Association (Arun Jaitley Stadium)
• Most Fantasy Points: B Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans) – 1495 points

Also Read: IPL 2025 Final: RCB vs PBKS Post Match Reactions

The IPL 2025 awards showcased the unusual and unique nature of IPL as newcomers came into the limelight and left an impeccable mark. The individual and team achievements, such as B Sai Sudharsan topping everything with the bat and on fantasy points leaderboards and RCB rewriting their own history, were a testament to the raw talent, rich strategy, and iron will. As franchises regroup and fans relive the highlights, IPL 2025 stands tall as a benchmark for competitiveness and entertainment in the world of T20 cricket.

Gujarat Titans (GT) delivered a powerful 10-wicket victory against the Delhi Capitals (DC) in Match 60 of IPL 2025. Chasing down a simple target of 200, GT’s openers Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill made quick work of the target with a record total 205-run partnership in only 19 overs. Although KL Rahul scored an unbeaten century, 112*, DC’s score was nowhere near enough to beat the clinical Titans. 

Delhi Capitals Innings 

Batting first, Delhi Capitals made 199/3, lead by KL Rahul’s magical 112* off 65 balls. He anchored the innings throughout and accelerated in the final overs.  Abishek Porel (30 off 19) and Axar Patel (25 off 16) were handy support, but DC struggled against the ability of the Titans’ bowlers, with only Arshad Khan (1/7 in 2 overs) exhibiting any control. Prasidh Krishna and Sai Kishore each took a wicket but went at a high economy.  

Gujarat Titans Innings  

Gujarat Titans replied as authentically as DC was unaware. As Sai Sudharsan ended with 108* off 61 balls, Shubman Gill with 93* off 53 balls, their unbroken partnership of 205 runs proceeded to dismantle the Delhi Capitals attack. They simply never created any pressure upon the GT batting, contributing to a free and easy run chase that ended with an over to spare and boosting their playoff chances dramatically.

Also Read: [WATCH] IPL 2025: KL Rahul smashes eye pleasing six off Kagiso Rabada in DC vs GT clash

RR vs PBKS: Post Match Reactions

Sai Sudharsan (Player of the Match): Sai was ecstatic to contribute towards the team goal, and he loved that he finished the match. He said that it has been a good break that has allowed him to look back and improve. He pointed to keeping his composure in the middle overs and learning from his mistakes meant he was able to stay till the end. He feels more mentally prepared as a player, and he still wants to get better against spin in the last 5 overs. He said he really valued the partnership with Gill, but it's about understanding each other on the same wavelength and rotating strike. 

Shubman Gill (GT captain): Gill was happy to secure a playoff spot and he mentioned there was some momentum to be gained. He mentioned being captain, and being independent from the batting side of things. After the match Gill reflected that they have given 15 extra runs, but commended the team for taking the chase rationally. Gill praised Sai's play and said that they said they both wanted to finish the match together.

Parthiv Patel (GT Assistant Coach): Parthiv complimented the low-risk cricket played by Gill and Sudharsan. He explained that as there was clear communication and understanding, the performance was inevitable. He attributed Ashish Nehra's ability to create the environment conducive to success and playoff qualification.

Axar Patel (DC Captain): Axar acknowledged that Titans' unbeaten batting and favorable conditions helped their chase. He viewed their total as par and saw batting form as a positive, though fielding and bowling need improvement.

Also Read: IPL 2025, Match 59: Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings Full Match Highlights

Delhi Capitals vs Gujarat Titans: Match Scorecard

Delhi Capitals – 199/3 (20 Overs)

Gujarat Titans – 205/0 (19 Overs)

The 2025 IPL season has produced some exciting contests amongst the top teams. The competitiveness of the most popular T20 tournament has reached new heights. This edition has witnessed some of the finest individual performances. In this article, we discuss three players who are favourites to win the Orange Cap.

The players mentioned in this post have produced some of the finest T20 performances, showcasing their class with the bat with a mix of power and effortless timing. The players mentioned in the list possess different skill sets as far as their technique, temperament, and approach are concerned, as per different conditions and wickets, but they have showcased consistency at different levels. We take a look at these players in detail:

1. Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai Indians)

"Sky", as he is fondly called, is undoubtedly amongst the finest T20 batters in world cricket. The 34-year-old has dominated the best bowlers in the 18th edition so far with his unorthodox and powerful batting style. The right-hander has stepped up during demanding situations, and his effortless strokeplay has been difficult to handle. 

He has so far scored 510 runs in 12 IPL games with an average of 63.75 and a strike rate of 170.56. His ability to hit the ball on the up is simply amazing, even on difficult batting wickets. His pick-up shot on the leg side is among his favorite shots. The Mumbai batter has scored 3 half centuries so in this season with a highest score of an unbeaten 68.

See Also: Former RCB player roped in as replacement of injured Devdutt Padikkal

2. Bhardwaj Sai Sudarshan (Gujarat Titans)

Sai Sudarshan has been among the most consistent run scorers for the Gujarat Titans. The 23-year-old Chennai-born batter has showcased a calm temperament in tough situations. The left-hander's batting is a mix of effortless strokeplay and placement. Sudarshan has showcased classic footwork while driving the ball and finding the gaps.

 His ability to attack the spinners highlights a fearless attitude to attack the bowlers at will. Sudarshan has scored 509 runs in 11 IPL games so far this season with an average of 46.27 and a strike rate of 153.31. He has scored 5 half-centuries with a highest score of 82 in the 2025 edition so far. The left-hander is surely amongst the favourites to win the Orange Cap.

3. Shubman Gill (Gujarat Titans)

The 25-year-old India opener has looked strong on all sides of the wicket, whether it is playing the square cuts, driving the ball, or pulling the ball. Gill has led the team impressively as a captain and has been the core of the Gujarat Titans' batting lineup. The Punjab-born has built his innings well, depending on the situation of every match.

Gill has worked hard on his wristwork, due to which his bottom hand grip allows him to play shots early. Gill has scored 508 runs in 11 IPL games so far with an average of 50.80 and a strike rate of 152.55. He has scored 5 half-centuries so far in the 2025 edition with a highest score of 90.

Gujarat Titans’ First IPL 2025 Victory Comes from Defeating Mumbai Indians by 36 Runs

Gujarat Titans clinched their first victory in IPL 2025 by overcoming the Mumbai Indians (MI) by 36 runs at the Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad.

Batting Wins the Game for GT

GT faced no trouble, as they comfortably managed 196 runs with 8 wickets taken in the 20 overs. Sai Sudharsan managed the innings, while both Shubman Gill (38) and Jos Buttler (39) played their parts. Rashid Khan and Rahul Tewatia’s cameos played a major impact as wickets fell regularly.

A Slow But Steady Chase by MI

MI’s chase began on a rough note as they lost Rohit Sharma early to Mohammed Siraj. Suryakumar Yadav struggled but managed a strong 48 runs off 28 balls. With Siraj and Prasidh Krishna’s amazing bowling skills, the rest of MI struggled as well. Hardik Pandya’s poor performance during the middle overs did not help MI's cause either, and at the end they fell short, scoring 160 with 8 wickets taken.

Also read:Watch: Hardik Pandya fight with Sai Kishore IPL 2025

Key Performances

• Sai Sudharsan (GT): Crucial innings refresher.
• Suryakumar Yadav (MI): Tried to keep MI stable, scored 48.
• Mohammed Siraj (GT): Smashed both Yadav and Sharma’s wickets early in the game.
• Prasidh Krishna (GT): Minimized MI’s scoring during the middle overs.

Post-Match Reactions

Mumbai Indians Captain, Hardik Pandya:
"It was a hard-fought game. The team showed great resilience, especially after our previous loss. Our bowlers executed the plans well, and the batsmen held their nerve during the chase. This win boosts our confidence moving forward.

Gujarat Titans Captain, Shubman Gill:
"Disappointed with the result. We were in the game till the end but couldn't capitalize on key moments. Credit to MI for their performance. We'll analyze our mistakes and come back stronger in the next match.

Also read:Suryakumar Yadav hit on helmet by Prasidh Krishna’s fiery bouncer

Player of the Match, Suryakumar Yadav:
"Happy to contribute to the team's victory. After being hit on the helmet, I took a moment to compose myself. The support from teammates helped me regain focus and see the game through.

Both teams acknowledged the competitive spirit of the game and emphasized learning from this encounter as they progress in the tournament.

The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League will unfold in the mode of a Mega Auction. The recent news of the retention list being released by the ten participating franchises has stirred up a lot of talk, primarily relating to some shocking releases of commendable contributors to their respective teams.

Though it also comprises the right performers being retained, the upcoming mega auctions would be a wild ride, with several top names making an entry under the hammer. But, there have been some retentions that were a steal and absolutely worth it. That said, here's a list of the top 5 best retentions made before the start of the 2025 IPL Mega Auction.

Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians- INR 18 Crore)

Jasprit Bumrah has been hailed as one of the best fast bowlers in the modern cricketing generation. Arising as a 2013 young pacer with Mumbai Indians, Bumrah's evolution as a reliable quickie is something not to forget. He has done it all, be it giving a nightmare to the batters in the powerplay or turning the game around by taking wickets during the final stages.

It was unsurprising to find his career shuttler retaining him for the highest amount of INR 18 Crore, signifying his importance in the future. In his 2024 IPL stint, he was the lone warrior in Mumbai Indians' disastrous campaign by scalping 20 wickets in 14 matches, making him the third-highest wicket-taker of that edition. 

Nitish Kumar Reddy (Sunrisers Hyderabad- INR 6 Crore)

Sunrisers Hyderabad has become one of the franchises that has given several emerging cricketers who have grown and significantly impacted the sporting world. Nitish Kumar Reddy is an emerging player from the Orange Army who has caught fanatics' eyes thanks to his commendable all-rounder performances in just a few appearances.

He was awarded the Emerging Player of the Tournament for his colossal 303 runs and three wickets in 13 matches. With him making a stellar international debut in the recent T20I series Bangladesh, it is not surprising to find him getting retained for just INR 6 Crores, which is a steal. 

Tilak Varma (Mumbai Indians- INR 8 Crore)

Tilak Varma is another emerging season campaigner who helped bolster Mumbai Indians' middle-order attack in the previous edition. By retaining him for INR 8 Crore, there is no doubt that it was a steal deal, as they primarily focused on the future prospects and were eager to have players onboarded for the long run.

Though they had many options to retain, Tilak Varma completes the balance quotient for the Mumbai Indians retention list, as it already comprises two strong top-order batters (Rohit Sharma & Suryakumar Yadav), one lethal pacer (Jasprit Bumrah) and a reliable captain all-rounder (Hardik Pandya). In his 2024 tenure, Varma has made 416 runs in 13 matches at a commendable average of over 42. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: Top 5 Worst Retentions during the 2025 IPL Mega Auction

Rinku Singh (Kolkata Knight Riders- INR 13 Crore)

Rinku Singh joined the Knight Riders in 2018 for a base fee of Rs 50 lakh and has remained with them since then. In his first few seasons, he did not get enough playing time. However, since 2023, he has increased in prominence. He became one of KKR's top finishers, capable of leading them to victory even in challenging situations. Rinku demonstrated the ability to maintain his calm under pressure.

As his success shows, he was retained by the Kolkata Knight Riders for a staggering INR 13 crore, signifying a 2264% hike. This also demonstrates how hard work and growth go hand in hand. In the 2024 edition, Rinku Singh made 168 runs in 14 matches, which might indicate low numbers, but the swashbuckling batter has always been a vital asset to the three-time champions. 

Sai Sudharshan (Gujarat Titans- INR 8.5 Crore)

Sai Sudharshan is another name to be added to the best retention list and an emerging player to check out. The Gujarat Giants retention list comprises an optimum mix of experienced and emerging players, with Sudharshan on the emerging side. Starting with a base salary of just INR 20 Lakh, he will get an enormous INR 8.5 Crore, indicating a 4150% hike.

His clean and power-hitting approach has brought him to fame; hence, this result is shown in the retention list of the 2022 champions. He had a memorable time with the bat in the previous edition, as he made 527 runs in just 12 matches with a century, making him the highest run-scorer for the team during that tournament. 

After scoring 43 in the 2nd Qualifier, Sai Sudharshan walked off retiring out realizing that his job has been done. On that day he struggled to get the ball moving as his timing evaded him. He made 43 off 31, a pretty good score, but given Shubman Gill’s innings before, and the nature of the surface Sudharshan needed to kick on.

In the Finals, Sai Sudharshan found himself in a similar situation, although much earlier. He was 10 off 12 at one stage and the fact that T20s are not his strongest format became evident. In the early parts of his career, Sai Sudharshan came into the light with his composure and his ability to play cricket steadily. Last season, and through most of this season too, Sai Sudharshan played some steady knocks with his focus on playing good cricketing shots rather than looking to force the ball to the fence.

His composure got Ravichandran Ashwin endorsing him as Ashwin bid heavily for him in the Tamil Nadu Premier League. The pair did not end up on the same side though but he did do the job for his team in the tournament as a new exciting talent from Tamil Nadu was on the rise. He was picked up by the Gujarat Titans at base price later, and took up the role as the sides anchor.

However, with Hardik Pandya moving up the order allowing for another bowler in the side, Sai Sudharshan’s role was reduced as he moved in and out of the side. Sudharshan though found his way back in the eleven after Hardik Pandya resumed his bowling duties, allowing Sudharshan to come back at number three.

He was put to the Test immediately and against the Chennai Super Kings, in the IPL Finals, the heat was on. His lack of big-hitting options was evident, but Sudharshan found his own style of play to set the ball rolling as he went on to scare the Chennai Super Kings. He took on Matheesha Pathirana in the 12th over and put Chennai’s death bowling specialist under pressure. With a good over under his belt, Sai Sudharshan was on his way and all of a sudden the gaps were coming with ease.

He did not spare any of the bowlers as Ravindra Jadeja conceded a six in the next over. The next thirty minutes were pure carnage as Sudharshan dug into Chennai’s death bowlers, Tushar Deshpande and Matheesha Pathirana. He showed his ability to play some innovative shots, and also displayed impressive stroke play as he managed to get under some good deliveries from Matheesha Pathirana.

The crowd was going wild as a special talent from Chennai was putting pressure on the Chennai Super Kings. He was dismissed in the Final Over for a well made 96, and on the way to his 96, Sai Sudharshan gave a really entertaining display. The T20 Format evidently is not his best, but when it mattered the most, Sudharshan managed to play a crucial innings, striking over 200 allowing Gujarat to get to a really strong total in the end.