Increasing impact of toss in IPL 2025: Big change in strategy
The league stage of IPL 2025 has concluded, and the playoffs are set to begin today. This season has witnessed several intriguing changes and statistics that distinguish it from the previous one. Let’s compare IPL 2024 and 2025 to understand what’s new this time.
1. Significant Changes in the Top-4
In 2024, only Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) among the playoff teams managed to secure a spot in the top four again in 2025. Teams like Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) failed to make it to the playoffs this time. Meanwhile, Punjab Kings (PBKS) showcased an impressive performance, finishing at the top of the league stage.
2. Changes in Scoring Patterns
i. Increase in 200+ Scores, Decrease in 250+ Scores
In 2024, teams scored over 200 runs in an innings 41 times, which increased to 48 times in 2025. However, the number of 250+ scores decreased from 6 in 2024 to just 2 in 2025, both achieved by Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH).
ii. Run Rate and Batting Average
The average run rate slightly decreased from 9.61 in 2024 to 9.60 in 2025. However, the batting average improved from 29.86 to 30.50, indicating more consistent performances from batsmen.
3. Boundaries and Centuries
i. Decrease in Centuries
The number of centuries dropped from 14 in 2024 to 9 in 2025. However, half-centuries increased from 122 to 138. SRH had three players scoring centuries, while Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) had two centurions.
ii. Number of Sixes and Fours
Sixes increased from 1,208 in 2024 to 1,217 in 2025, and fours rose from 2,070 to 2,138. LSG hit the most sixes (152), followed by RR with 146, but both teams failed to reach the playoffs.
4. Impact of Toss
In the 2025 Indian Premier League (IPL) season, the outcome of the toss played a more significant role compared to previous years. Teams winning the toss secured victories in 60% of the matches, a notable increase from the 45% win rate observed in the 2024 season.
A deeper analysis reveals that teams choosing to bat first after winning the toss had a higher success rate. Specifically, 73% of these teams emerged victorious, indicating a strategic advantage in setting a target. Conversely, teams opting to bowl first after winning the toss had a 58% win rate, suggesting that while chasing remains a viable strategy, batting first provided a more substantial edge in this season.
This shift in success rates may be attributed to various factors, including pitch conditions, team compositions, and the effectiveness of setting a challenging total. The data underscores the importance of strategic decision-making post-toss and how it can influence match outcomes in the IPL.
5. Dominance of Left-Handed Batsmen
In 2024, 145 right-handed batsmen scored 10 centuries and 76 half-centuries. In 2025, this reduced to 3 centuries and 70 half-centuries. Conversely, 66 left-handed batsmen scored 6 centuries and 50 half-centuries, showcasing their superior performance this season.
6. Influence of Spinners in Bowling
In 2024, 94 spinners took 218 wickets with an economy rate of 8.72. In 2025, 85 spinners claimed 291 wickets with an economy of 8.86. Meanwhile, pacers took 560 wickets in 2024, which decreased to 489 in 2025.
Conclusion
IPL 2025 brought several changes, including new teams in the top four, shifts in scoring patterns, and better performances from left-handed batsmen. The Qualifier 1 match between Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bangalore promises to be thrilling, with the winner advancing directly to the final.
Both teams have shown consistent performances throughout the season. RCB boasts experienced players like Virat Kohli, who has scored 602 runs this season, and pacer Josh Hazlewood, who has taken 18 wickets. PBKS relies on Arshdeep Singh, who has also claimed 18 wickets, strengthening their bowling attack.
The match will be held at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur. The pitch here is considered favorable for batsmen, but fast bowlers might find assistance with the new ball.
Both teams are vying for their maiden IPL title, making this encounter a golden opportunity to secure a spot in the final.
