IPL 2025 Returns May 17 with RCB vs KKR Clash, Final on June 3 | Winexch
IPL 2025 Returns May 17 with RCB vs KKR Clash, Final on June 3 | Winexch
Blog Article
The much-awaited resumption of Tata IPL 2025 is finally set to kick off this Saturday, May 17, with Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) locking horns with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in Bengaluru. With the tournament hanging in balance due to a temporary suspension, teams now have a limited number of games to secure a playoff spot. As per the revised schedule released by the BCCI, 17 matches will be played across six cities, leading up to the grand finale on June 3. With the league standings tightly contested, Tata IPL 2025 match predictions are heating up. RCB and KKR will be eager to gain early momentum after the restart, while franchises like Delhi Capitals, Gujarat Titans, and Mumbai Indians are locked in fierce battles to clinch a top-four finish. The remaining fixtures will test squad depth, adaptability to new venues, and overseas player availability—making every game unpredictable and full of drama.
The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) made the announcement official on Monday, May 12, confirming the tournament’s resumption. The decision was taken after extensive consultations with government bodies, security agencies, and IPL stakeholders. The temporary one-week halt came after heightened border tensions between India and Pakistan following Operation Sindoor, leading to the abrupt cancellation of the Punjab Kings vs Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala on May 8. Safety concerns led several overseas players to fly home, and their return remains uncertain with international series and the World Test Championship Final just around the corner.
According to the revised schedule, the action resumes with the high-voltage RCB vs KKR clash at the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru on May 17. The following day, May 18, sees a double-header with Rajasthan Royals facing Punjab Kings in Jaipur in the afternoon, followed by Delhi Capitals taking on Gujarat Titans in Delhi in the evening. From there, the fixtures unfold swiftly across key venues—Delhi, Lucknow, Jaipur, Mumbai, Ahmedabad, and Bengaluru—right up to the final week of the league stage.
Here's a snapshot of the revised schedule:
May 17: RCB vs KKR – Bengaluru
May 18 (Double Header): RR vs PBKS – Jaipur, DC vs GT – Delhi
May 19: LSG vs SRH – Lucknow
May 20: CSK vs RR – Delhi
May 21: MI vs DC – Mumbai
May 22: GT vs LSG – Ahmedabad
May 23: RCB vs SRH – Bengaluru
May 24 (Double Header): PBKS vs DC – Jaipur, GT vs CSK – Ahmedabad
May 25: SRH vs KKR – Delhi
May 26: PBKS vs MI – Jaipur
May 27: LSG vs RCB – Lucknow
May 29: Qualifier 1 – Venue TBC
May 30: Eliminator – Venue TBC
June 1: Qualifier 2 – Venue TBC
June 3: Final – Venue TBC
Interestingly, only two double-headers feature in this leg, both scheduled on Sundays. The board has yet to reveal the venues for the playoff matches, keeping fans in suspense about where the high-stakes knockout games will unfold.
A key takeaway from the updated fixture list is the change in venues. Contrary to earlier speculation that the entire remainder of the tournament would be held in southern cities like Chennai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru, the BCCI has opted to spread the games across six cities. Chennai Super Kings, Sunrisers Hyderabad, and Punjab Kings will not play any further home games in their traditional stadiums. Instead, their remaining matches are now relocated, with Delhi hosting CSK's final match against RR on May 20 and SRH’s last game versus KKR on May 25.
Punjab Kings, whose match was suspended midway in Dharamsala, will now replay the fixture against Delhi Capitals in Jaipur on May 24. In fact, PBKS will play all their remaining matches in Jaipur, with Mullanpur not featuring among the resumed venues. This decision affects the team's home advantage and could potentially influence their qualification chances.
Mumbai Indians, who are still in the playoff race, will get to play their last home fixture at the iconic Wankhede Stadium against Delhi Capitals on May 21. This game is expected to be a key decider in shaping the final points table. Meanwhile, teams like CSK and SRH—already out of playoff contention—will look to finish the season on a high and play party spoilers in their final games.
One of the lingering challenges for franchises will be the return of overseas players, especially Australians and South Africans. With the World Test Championship Final scheduled to begin on June 11, players like Mitchell Starc and Kagiso Rabada may prioritize national duties over franchise commitments. This will test team combinations and strategies in the final stretch of the tournament, as every franchise hopes to make the most of their remaining matches.
With so much at stake and playoff qualification still wide open, fans can expect a thrilling ride from May 17 to June 3. For those wanting deeper insights, real-time match predictions, Prediction tips, and fantasy strategies, Sign Up now on Winexch – the ultimate platform for Tata IPL 2025 coverage. From pitch reports to player stats, and from toss analysis to live match odds, Winexch brings the most detailed breakdowns for every IPL fixture. Don’t miss a single ball – track every twist of this season’s thrilling conclusion only on Winexch.
Report this page