The countdown to the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 is officially underway, with the much-anticipated IPL 2025 Captains’ Meet set to take place on March 20 in Mumbai. This customary gathering of all 10 team captains marks the final pre-season checkpoint before the action kicks off on March 22, with defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) in Kolkata. However, the decision to host the captains’ meeting in Mumbai, instead of the season-opener venue, has raised eyebrows.
With key leadership changes across multiple franchises, a major sponsorship push, and fresh IPL regulations to be discussed, this meeting will set the tone for the 18th edition of the tournament. Here’s a deep dive into the biggest storylines heading into the captains’ summit.
Why is the IPL 2025 Captains’ Meet Taking Place in Mumbai?
Traditionally, the captains’ meet and the iconic photoshoot featuring all 10 skippers holding the IPL trophy happen in the city hosting the tournament opener. Last season, Chennai hosted this event before CSK took on RCB in the curtain-raiser. However, this year, the BCCI has opted to host the meeting in Mumbai—home to the board’s headquarters.
The decision is strategic, with Mumbai being a hub for major cricketing operations. The event will be split into two parts:
A one-hour closed-door meeting at the BCCI headquarters, where captains and franchise managers will be briefed on rule changes and tournament protocols.
Sponsor-driven activities and the captains’ photoshoot at a luxury hotel, ensuring maximum media coverage ahead of the league’s launch.
New Captains & Leadership Changes: A Fresh Era for IPL Teams
IPL 2025 has witnessed a leadership shake-up across several franchises, with key captains stepping down or being replaced. Here’s a look at the significant leadership changes:
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB): Rajat Patidar will lead RCB, replacing Faf du Plessis. Backed by Virat Kohli, Patidar is expected to lead RCB into a new era.
- Lucknow Super Giants (LSG): Rishabh Pant takes charge in a blockbuster captaincy switch after KL Rahul moved to Delhi Capitals.
- Delhi Capitals (DC): With Axar Patel named captain, the franchise made another surprise move by appointing Faf du Plessis as vice-captain.
- Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR): Ajinkya Rahane replaces Shreyas Iyer as skipper. However, his poor form in recent practice matches raises concerns.
- Punjab Kings (PBKS): Shreyas Iyer is the new leader after being released by KKR, hoping to turn around PBKS’ fortunes.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians (Hardik Pandya), Chennai Super Kings (Ruturaj Gaikwad), Rajasthan Royals (Sanju Samson), Gujarat Titans (Shubman Gill), and Sunrisers Hyderabad (Pat Cummins) have retained their captains from the previous season.
Harry Brook’s IPL Ban: A Controversial Talking Point?
One of the biggest off-field controversies leading up to IPL 2025 has been Harry Brook’s two-year ban from the tournament. The English batter pulled out of the IPL 2025 auction citing personal reasons, but under new BCCI regulations, players withdrawing without valid justification face multi-year bans. England all-rounder Moeen Ali has supported the BCCI’s decision, stating that such rules ensure commitment to the league and franchise integrity.
Expect this topic to be discussed at the captains’ meet as franchises push for stricter policies on player availability and contractual obligations.
Mayank Yadav’s Return: A Boost for LSG’s Bowling Attack
LSG’s pace sensation Mayank Yadav is back in the nets, recovering from an injury at the BCCI’s Centre of Excellence. Although he isn’t bowling at full pace yet, his return is a huge boost for LSG’s bowling attack, which is already bolstered by Mark Wood and Ravi Bishnoi.
Rohit Sharma: A Leader On and Off the Field
In a heartwarming moment, former Mumbai Indians skipper Rohit Sharma protected his daughter Samaira from aggressive paparazzi after returning from a family vacation in the Maldives. While his IPL captaincy shift to Hardik Pandya made headlines, Rohit’s off-field moments continue to show his composed leadership and family-first approach.