IPL 2025: AB de Villiers predicts four teams that can reach the playoffs
The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) will start from March 22, 2025. Like every year, this time too the IPL is going to be exciting. In the opening match, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) will clash at Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
Big changes and tough competition in teams
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There have been significant changes in all 10 franchises due to the mega auction ahead of the 2025 IPL. After these changes, this season is considered to be very competitive. Every team has selected the best players to overcome their shortcomings, which is expected to increase the excitement in the tournament.
Date of playoffs and final
IPL 2025 will have a total of 74 matches, including important matches like Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2 and Final. The playoff round will start on May 20 and the final will be played on May 25. During this time, cricket lovers will get a full dose of exciting matches.
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AB de Villiers’ playoff team prediction
Ahead of the start of the IPL, former Royal Challengers Bangalore veteran AB de Villiers has predicted four teams that can make it to the playoffs. Speaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers has included Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bangalore, Gujarat Titans and Kolkata Knight Riders in the playoff race.
MI has a good chance of reaching the playoff
De Villiers believes that Mumbai Indians have a good chance of reaching the playoffs. According to De Villiers, “Mumbai Indians have an excellent balance and they can reach the playoffs.” He also included RCB in the playoffs, stating that the balance of the team is strong this time. Gujarat Titans which has performed brilliantly in the last few seasons, has also been considered a strong contender for the playoffs. Finally, defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders have also been ranked in the top four by de Villiers.
De Villiers’ opinion about Chennai Super Kings
However, De Villiers has excluded a strong team like Chennai Super Kings (CSK) from his prediction. He said that CSK is a strong team, but this time he would like to go with the four teams that he has selected earlier. He also admitted that CSK fans may be disappointed with his opinion, but he believes that these four teams can perform better this season.
ALSO READ: IPL 2025: New Over-Rate Rules Announced, Big Changes for Captains
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