IPL 2025 may be far away, but speculation and rumors are running high. From releasing players to not renewing coaches’ contracts, a lot is happening as franchises target one goal and that is IPL silverware. IPL 2024 was a watershed moment for many teams, as several underperformed, leading to expectations of significant changes ahead of IPL 2025. With the mega auction approaching and high expectations from teams, here’s a look at three franchises expected to make big changes before IPL 2025.
IPL teams that could make big changes in IPL 2025
Kolkata Knight Riders
Not the team that underperformed, as they emerged as champions in IPL 2024. Now have three IPL trophies in their Eden Gardens cabinet. However, this team is on the list because they no longer have a mentor like Gautam Gambhir, who is now India’s head coach.
Also, Abhishek Nayar, who served as the batting coach for the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR), is now an India batting coach. And their dedicated fielding coach, Ryan ten Doeschate, is also no longer with the team. KKR needs a fine balance and capable individuals for these positions, which they had in the past. It is worth noting that under Ryan ten Doeschate, the team dropped 10 catches in IPL 2024.
As for the players, the middle order remains an issue for them. And along with the need to build more spin-bowling depth. They have Varun Chakravarthy and Sunil Narine, who was the MVP in IPL 2025, but there is still a possibility they may hunt for spinners in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Punjab Kings
No doubt, the team undergoing the most changes is the Punjab Kings (PBKS). It is expected that there will be changes from the captain to the coach. With Trevor Bayliss likely to step down as head coach. Bayliss, who has overseen 42 games with 18 wins and 24 losses, has a win percentage of 42.9% during his tenure with PBKS. Appointed as head coach in September 2022, succeeding Anil Kumble. Bayliss is now facing the possibility of his contract not being renewed.
In IPL 2024, the team finished 9th with 5 wins and 9 losses, leaving no doubt that the management will likely replace the head coach. Reports suggest that Sanjay Bangar could be the next head coach for PBKS.
At times, Shikhar Dhawan has led the team, and at other times, Sam Curran has taken the reins. This has been the picture for PBKS in 2024, but this is not the first time they have frequently changed their captaincy. While they got the captains but they have not achieved the results. The team will look to secure a more permanent captaincy option, ideally someone they can retain for 3-4 years.
Also, their inconsistent top order, featuring Shikhar Dhawan, Jonny Bairstow, and Prabhsimran Singh, has struggled to convert starts into big runs. There is also speculation that the team may not retain Shikhar Dhawan and Jonny Bairstow for the next season.
Mumbai Indians
Last but not least, there is millon anticipation surrounding one of the most successful franchises, the Mumbai Indians. After a disappointing IPL 2024, where the team finished tenth under the new captain Hardik Pandya, changes are expected. It is possible that Hardik Pandya may not be retained as captain, despite his redemption in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Also, players like Rohit Sharma and Jasprit Bumrah might leave the team.
Given these potential changes, there is also a strong possibility that MI may dismiss head coach Mark Boucher. Under his tenure, the team played 42 games, winning just 16 and losing 26. With two finishes in tenth place (in 2022 and 2024). It is highly likely that not only will the captain be changed. But the management may also face a significant overhaul for the next IPL season in 2025.
