AB de Villiers feels Chennai Super Kings will not qualify for the playoffs in the Indian Premier League 2025. The 18th season of the league will start on March 22, with Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.
The former South Africa captain mentioned that RCB, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, and KKR will be the top four franchises.
“Mumbai Indians will reach the playoffs. RCB will also be there with the Gujarat Titans. I think the defending Champions KKR will be among the top teams. These are my picks for the top four spots,” he was quoted as saying by Sports Tak.
CSK’s hopes of playing in another playoff last season were dashed by RCB. Meanwhile, CSK and MI have won the trophy five times, while KKR has tasted success thrice. CSK and MI will clash on March 23 at the M Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
KKR will be led by Ajinkya Rahane, who replaced Shreyas Iyer after the franchise did not retain the latter. Rajat Patidar is the new skipper of RCB, while Mumbai Indians leader Hardik Pandya will miss the opening game due to a slow over-rate offence in the previous season. Shubman Gill will continue to lead the Gujarat Titans.
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