IPL 2025 — 10 big moments from 18th edition of Indian Premier League

The 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) delivered an unforgettable season filled with thrilling encounters and record-breaking performances. From nail-biting finishes to individual brilliance and surprising upsets, this year’s tournament captivated fans worldwide.

Here are the top 10 moments that defined IPL 2025:

Dhoni returns as CSK captain

MS Dhoni returned to captain Chennai Super Kings in the absence of Ruturaj Gaikwad, who was ruled out of IPL 2025 with an arm fracture.

The encounter against the Kolkata Knight Riders at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium on April 11 was Dhoni’s first match in charge since the IPL 2023 final, when the side beat Gujarat Titans in a last-ball thriller in Ahmedabad to seal its fifth IPL title.

RCB and Kohli finally winning IPL after 18 years

Royal Challengers Bengaluru defeated Punjab Kings in the IPL 2025 final to finally lift the trophy after 18 attempts.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s captain Rajat Patidar, Virat Kohli and others celebrate with the championship trophy.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

Fittingly, it was also a tribute to the franchise’s longest-serving cricketer and former captain, Virat Kohli — who, in his own words, gave his “youth, prime and experience” to RCB and helped shape it into what it is today.

Chahal takes hattrick vs CSK

Punjab Kings spinner Yuzvendra Chahal claimed a hat-trick in his team’s league match against Chennai Super Kings at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium.

The legspinner registered the second hat-trick of his IPL career, removing Deepak Hooda, Anshul Kamboj, and Noor Ahmad in the penultimate over.

READ MORE | Yuzvendra Chahal picks hat-trick for Punjab Kings against Chennai Super Kings

14-year-old Suryavanshi hits 100

Rajasthan Royals’ Vaibhav Suryavanshi hammered the second-fastest hundred in Indian Premier League (IPL) history during a match against Gujarat Titans.

Rajasthan Royals player Vaibhav Suryavanshi celebrate after scoring his first maiden century during the IPL T20 match against Gujarat Titans at the Sawai Man Singh Stadium in Jaipur.
| Photo Credit:
MOORTHY RV/The Hindu

The 14-year-old reached his century off just 35 balls, launching a six off Rashid Khan to get there. It is the fastest IPL hundred by an Indian batter.

Bumrah’s lethal yorker to Washington

Mumbai Indian’s pace ace Jasprit Bumrah showcased his pedigree as he bowled a perfect yorker to Washington Sundar of Gujarat Titans during the Eliminator game of IPL 2025.

Mumbai Indians bowler Jasprit Bumrah celebrate the wicket of Washington Sundar during their IPL T20 eleminator match at the New Chandigarh Stadium.
| Photo Credit:
MOORTHY RV/ The Hindu

While trying to defend, the left hander fell on the ground as the snuck between his legs and uprooted the leg stump. This was undoubtedly one of the finest balls of the tournament.

Kamindu Mendis catch of the tournament

Sri Lankan all-rounder Kamindu Mendis plucked a ball out of thin air to sent Dewald Bravis back to the pavilion during Sunrisers Hyderabad’s match against Chennai Super Kings.

What looked like a sure six off Bravis’ bat was spectacularly caught by the Lankan fielder at long off, who sprinted left and dove full length to snag the ball with both hands. The effort was later awarded catch of the tournament.

Shreyas hits Bumrah’s yorker for 4

Punjab Kings skipper played one of the best innings during Qualifier 2 against Mumbai Indians. He scored 87 of just 41 balls to guide his side to the finals.

Punjab Kings’ batter Shreyas Iyer plays a shot during the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 Qualifier 2 cricket match between Mumbai Indians and Punjab Kings.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

During the knock, Shreyas played of the most iconic shots of the tournament when he masterfully steered a searing yorker to the third man boundary by opening the face of his bat at the very last second.

Sudharsan, Gill chase down 200

Sudharsan remained unbeaten on 108 and Shubman Gill blasted 93, forging an unbroken 205-run partnership. Their dominant performance allowed Gujarat Titans to effortlessly chase down a 200-run target against Delhi Capitals at the Arun Jaitley Stadium in Delhi.

Gujarat Titans’ captain Shubman Gill celebrates his half century with Sai Sudharsan during an Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 T20 cricket match between Delhi Capitals and Gujarat Titans, at the Arun Jaitley Stadium.
| Photo Credit:
PTI

Titans’ 10-wicket win helped seal a playoff berth for the Ahmedabad-based franchise.

Dharamsala match gets abandoned amid India-Pakistan military tension

The 58th game of the league stage, played between Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals in the hilly town of Dharamshala in Himachal Pradesh, was stopped after 10.1 overs in the first innings due to security reasons.

Abhishek Sharma vs Digvesh Rathi 

Sunrisers Hyderabad Abhishek Sharma and Digvesh Rathi of Lucknow Super Giants got involved in a heated spat.

Sunrisers Hyderabad Abhishek Sharma and Digvesh Rathi of Lucknow Super Giants having argument during post match handshake.
| Photo Credit:
SANDEEP SAXENA/ The Hindu

The argument between Abhishek and Rathi occurred during Sunrisers Hyderabad’s batting innings when Abhishek was at the crease facing Rathi. The spat became heated enough to require intervention from Super Giants captain Rishabh Pant and the on-field umpires. The tension between the two players apparently lingered, as they were seen continuing their argument even during the post-match handshakes.