What makes IPL 2025 more popular than any previous season?

The IPL 2025 is set to begin in just a couple of days and there is a lot of hype for this tournament. This will be the tournament’s 18th edition, which will once again feature some of the best players in international cricket with ten teams battling for the prestigious trophy.

Though there have been plenty of great seasons since the inauguration of the tournament in 2008, there are some reasons that make this season even more popular than the rest. It is time to discuss the reasons that will make this tournament more iconic than the last 17 editions which also featured some great performances and thrilling matches. There are many reasons why the fans might feel that this tournament is going to be an absolute classic.

Here are the three reasons why IPL 2025 is going to be more popular than any of the previous editions:

1. New skippers announced by franchises 

This will also be a season where there will be some leadership changes. There will be some players like Axar Patel who has led the Delhi Capitals side in only one match and it will be interesting to see what he can accomplish as a full-time skipper. On the other hand, his former DC teammate and skipper Rishabh Pant will be leading the Lucknow SuperGiants (LSG) in the upcoming season.

The biggest leadership change took place in the Kolkata Knight Riders squad where the defending champions released their former skipper Shreyas Iyer and announced Ajinkya Rahane as their new skipper who is now the only player to lead three IPL franchises. Meanwhile, Shreyas will be leading Punjab Kings (PBKS). This is what will get all the people excited to see what these changes can lead to.

2. Last IPL for MS Dhoni this season

There is no doubt that MS Dhoni’s aura and achievements have made him a godlike figure in each IPL season. Dhoni has done it all for the Chennai Super Kings whether it is winning big matches or winning the titles. There is still a loud cheer whenever he comes into bat not only at Chepauk but every game he plays.

However, the people will also know that this is not the captain cool at his peak and though he has still shown that he is capable of playing the big shots, he has been moving himself lower and lower down the order. Dhoni is also 43 years old and despite still having a lot of love from the fans still love him this could be the last time they see him on the field.

3. Start of a new cycle after biggest mega auction in IPL history

Following the retention, some large purchases were made to kick off the IPL 2025 mega auction. Three players exceeded the 20 cr threshold, and some teams had a lot of money in their pockets. This is the first time it has occurred during the auction, and it has also caused some notable changes inside the teams.

Out of all the previous auctions, this one had the highest expenditure, totalling over 600 crore. Shreyas Iyer (26.75 cr), Venkatesh Iyer (23.75 cr), and Rishabh Pant (27 cr) are the three most costly bidders. The fact that all of the players are Indian and would be expected to perform well in the event is what makes it so memorable.