From Virat Kohli to Shreyas Iyer: Team of the tournament for IPL 2025

From Virat Kohli to Shreyas Iyer: Team of the tournament for IPL 2025

The Indian Premier League 2025 was a saga of drama, redemption, and cricketing excellence. It had everything a fan could ask for—high-octane thrillers, commanding team efforts, redemption arcs, breakout stars, and, most significantly, a long-awaited crowning moment for Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). The tournament concluded in cinematic fashion as RCB etched their name into the annals of IPL history by lifting their first-ever title after 18 seasons of heartbreak, near-misses, and emotional rollercoasters.

On June 3, under the floodlights of the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad, RCB defeated Punjab Kings in a pulsating final that embodied the spirit and intensity of the tournament. What followed was a night of celebration not just for RCB fans, but for all cricket lovers who witnessed a season brimming with unforgettable moments. As the dust settles on IPL 2025, here’s our pick for the IPL Team of the Tournament—featuring the most consistent, impactful, and game-changing performers.

1. Virat Kohli (RCB) – Opener

  • Matches: 15

  • Runs: 657

  • Average: 54.75

  • Strike Rate: 144.11

Virat Kohli wasn’t the highest run-scorer of the tournament, but he was undeniably its heartbeat. The season was a culmination of years of toil and passion for the RCB stalwart, whose presence at the top of the order brought calmness, confidence, and class. Kohli anchored several tricky run-chases, managed the tempo masterfully, and served as the emotional glue of RCB’s title-winning campaign. His leadership presence—even if not the official captain—was magnetic. When he finally lifted the IPL trophy, tears in his eyes, it felt like the entire cricketing world stood still.

2. B Sai Sudharsan (GT) – Opener

  • Matches: 15

  • Runs: 759

  • Average: 54.2

  • Strike Rate: 156.2

Sai Sudharsan had a breakout season that redefined his identity. Once seen as a technically correct batter, he transformed into a modern-day T20 powerhouse. His ability to switch gears effortlessly allowed Gujarat Titans to build commanding starts. His unbeaten 108* and several fifties came in high-pressure scenarios. He received four season-end awards, including Emerging Player and Best Batter, solidifying his position as a future all-format Indian star.

3. Jos Buttler (GT) – No. 3

  • Matches: 14

  • Runs: 538

  • Average: 59.8

  • Strike Rate: 163.0

Jos Buttler redefined his role for Gujarat, shifting to No.3 with grace and tactical maturity. He ensured momentum was never lost after the powerplay and brought finishing flair when needed. His 97* under pressure showcased poise and experience. This season reaffirmed his stature as one of the IPL’s greatest-ever overseas contributors.

4. Shreyas Iyer (PBKS) – No. 4 & Captain

  • Matches: 17

  • Runs: 604

  • Average: 50.3

  • Strike Rate: 175.1

A story of resilience and transformation. Shreyas Iyer, once criticized for his strike rate, shut down doubters by leading Punjab Kings to their first-ever IPL final. His aggressive batting and fearless leadership earned him widespread praise. The highlight? An unbeaten 87 in Qualifier 2, where he orchestrated a tense chase with the calm of a monk. At ₹26.75 crore, he became the most expensive and—arguably—the most valuable player for PBKS.

5. Suryakumar Yadav (MI) – No. 5

  • Matches: 16

  • Runs: 717

  • Average: 65.2

  • Strike Rate: 167.9

Suryakumar Yadav had a record-setting season where he scored 25+ runs in every single match—a first in T20 history. His consistency and audacious stroke play helped MI out of frequent middle-order collapses. His ability to score from unconventional angles made him unplayable at times. He surpassed Sachin Tendulkar’s single-season scoring record for MI, further adding to his legacy.

6. Tim David (RCB) – Finisher

  • Matches: 12

  • Runs: 187

  • Average: 62.3

  • Strike Rate: 185.1

Tim David didn’t face many balls, but made each one count. His late-over blitzes changed games for RCB, with a stunning SR of 185.1. One of his standout performances was an unbeaten 50* that saved a rain-curtailed game and swung the net run rate in RCB’s favor. More than brute strength, he exhibited game sense and composure, becoming the finisher every team dreams of.

7. Krunal Pandya (RCB) – All-Rounder

  • Matches: 15

  • Runs: 109

  • Wickets: 17

  • Economy: 8.2

Krunal Pandya’s season was defined by big-match temperament. His spell in the IPL final—2/17—was match-defining, removing key PBKS batters. He also contributed with the bat when needed, with a standout 73* against Delhi. He joined an elite club by winning Player of the Match in two IPL finals (MI 2017, RCB 2025). His impact in clutch situations was crucial for RCB’s title march.

8. Noor Ahmad (CSK) – Spinner

  • Matches: 14

  • Wickets: 24

  • Average: 17.0

  • Economy: 8.2

One of the few bright spots in CSK’s forgettable season, Noor Ahmad turned heads with 24 wickets. His control, deception, and maturity stood out, especially in high-pressure situations. On pitches that didn’t offer much spin, he still managed to outfox top-tier batters. His best figures of 4/18 were a tactical masterclass and a reminder of Afghanistan’s ever-growing T20 bowling legacy.

9. Prasidh Krishna (GT) – Pacer

  • Matches: 15

  • Wickets: 25

  • Average: 19.5

After a long injury layoff, Prasidh Krishna stormed back into the limelight as the Purple Cap winner. His height, bounce, and variations made life miserable for batters. He led GT’s attack, especially in the powerplay, and consistently delivered under pressure. Though his rhythm dipped slightly post-suspension, his early season form had already cemented his reputation.

10. Josh Hazlewood (RCB) – Pacer

  • Matches: 12

  • Wickets: 22

  • Average: 17.5

Precision, patience, and perfect execution—Josh Hazlewood epitomized all three. Bowling both upfront and at the death, his disciplined line and hard length were central to RCB’s success. He mastered the challenging Chinnaswamy pitch and formed a potent partnership with Krunal in the knockout stages. His IPL 2025 performance further solidified his status as one of the most effective T20 seamers.

11. Jasprit Bumrah (MI) – Pacer

  • Matches: 12

  • Wickets: 18

  • Economy: 6.7

Returning from injury, Bumrah was a class apart. In a season where 200+ scores became the norm, Bumrah’s economy of 6.7 was jaw-dropping. He bowled deadly yorkers and game-turning spells, ensuring MI always had a fighting chance. His dismissal of Washington Sundar with a pinpoint yorker remains one of the most-watched clips of the season. Even in limited matches, Bumrah’s impact was nothing short of sensational.

Honourable Mentions:

  • Riyan Parag (RR): A coming-of-age season with 570+ runs and newfound composure.

  • Heinrich Klaasen (SRH): Continued his six-hitting spree with several explosive knocks.

  • Kuldeep Yadav (DC): Among the best spinners of the season, despite DC’s inconsistent form.

A Season to Remember

IPL 2025 was a tapestry woven with emotion, skill, and unexpected twists. RCB’s long-awaited title win served as the heart of the season, symbolizing hope, perseverance, and eventual glory. New stars emerged, old ones roared back, and the league once again showed why it is the greatest T20 tournament on the planet.

With young talents like Sai Sudharsan and Noor Ahmad making waves, and legends like Kohli and Bumrah still shining, the IPL’s future looks as bright as its glorious past. As fans already look forward to 2026, one thing is certain—the magic of IPL continues to evolve, surprise, and inspire.

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