With IPL 2025 just a day away, cricket enthusiasts and experts are making their playoff predictions for the upcoming season. Virender Sehwag, former Indian opener and renowned cricket analyst, recently made some bold predictions about the IPL 2025 playoff teams during a show on Cricbuzz.

Sehwag’s Surprising Picks for IPL 2025 Playoffs

Sehwag's predicted playoff teams for IPL 2025 exclude some of the most successful franchises. Chennai Super Kings (CSK), a five-time champion under the leadership of MS Dhoni, and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), led by the charismatic Virat Kohli, have been left out of Sehwag’s list.

Instead, Sehwag has backed Mumbai Indians (MI), Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), Punjab Kings (PBKS), and Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) to make it to the playoffs. Notably, both Punjab Kings and Lucknow Super Giants have never won an IPL title and Sehwag has shown confidence that these two teams might surprise everyone by making it to the final four.

Sehwag’s Predicted Teams for IPL 2025 Playoffs:

• Mumbai Indians (MI) – The most successful franchise with 5 IPL titles.
• Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) – Consistent performers in IPL over the years.
• Punjab Kings (PBKS) – Looking for their maiden IPL title.
• Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) – A strong contender with a balanced squad.

Contrasting Opinions from Other Cricket Experts

Sehwag’s picks for the IPL 2025 playoffs have sparked debates as other experts have put forward their own lists with contrasting opinions.

• Adam Gilchrist (Former Australian Cricketer): Predicted PBKS, MI, SRH, and Gujarat Titans (GT) as his final four teams.
• Shaun Pollock (Former South African All-rounder): Backed MI, CSK, SRH, and PBKS to qualify for the playoffs.
• Stephen Fleming (Ex-New Zealand Captain): Predicted CSK, KKR, SRH, and PBKS to advance.
• Rohan Gavaskar: Picked RCB, SRH, DC, and MI in his playoff predictions.
• Harsha Bhogle: Named SRH, MI, KKR, and RCB as his predicted playoff entrants.

RCB and CSK: Surprisingly Left Out

Sehwag’s exclusion of RCB and CSK has raised eyebrows as both teams have a strong fan base and a history of making deep runs in the tournament. RCB, despite not having won an IPL title, has often been a playoff contender, while CSK has been one of the most consistent teams with a winning mentality.

However, Sehwag seems to believe that MI and SRH are better placed to secure playoff spots this season, while PBKS and LSG have shown potential to outshine the bigger names.

New Rule Changes in IPL 2025

The IPL 2025 season will witness a few important rule changes aimed at enhancing the competition and ensuring fairness:

1. Saliva Ban Lifted: The ban on using saliva to shine the ball has been revoked for IPL 2025.
2. No Captain Bans for Slow Over-Rates: Captains will not face bans for slow over-rate offences but will incur fines and demerit points which will stay active for three years.
3. Introduction of Second Ball for Night Matches: IPL 2025 introduces a new rule where a second ball will be used in the second innings of night matches to counter the dew factor, which tends to favor chasing teams.

Why Sehwag’s Predictions Matter

Virender Sehwag has a knack for making sharp observations and IPL 2025 is no different. His playoff predictions have stirred discussions among cricket enthusiasts and experts alike. By backing two winless teams to make the playoffs, Sehwag is betting on potential over legacy, which could make IPL 2025 one of the most unpredictable and thrilling seasons yet.

What Lies Ahead for IPL 2025?

As the tournament kicks off with the opening clash between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru on March 22, 2025, all eyes will be on how the teams perform. Will Sehwag’s predictions hold true? Can PBKS and LSG break their title jinx? Will CSK and RCB prove their doubters wrong and stage a remarkable comeback?

Only time will tell, but with the new rule changes, high-voltage matches, and intense competition, IPL 2025 promises to be a roller-coaster ride for fans and players alike!

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