The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season is heating up, and the race to the playoffs promises its usual blend of excitement and unpredictability. While the Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings are the ones always in the spotlight with clear favorites, the unpredictability of IPL is what makes it entertaining. The following five teams are ready to upset and make a dramatic entry into the IPL 2025 playoffs and spoil the title pursuit, with each one of them having the potential to disrupt the title race.

Punjab Kings (PBKS)

Punjab Kings have been IPL underachievers for years, but 2025 might be their year. With the able captaincy of Shreyas Iyer, PBKS has assembled a team full of talent. N Wadhera and M stonis provide explosive batting, and P singh provides flair. Their bowling attack, with the swing of Arshdeep Singh, is supported by G Maxwell and Y Chahal's spin. With Ricky Ponting at the helm as coach, PBKS are eager to shed their nearly-men tag. If they can stay consistent, their firepower might take them deep.

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Delhi Capitals (DC)

Delhi Capitals are always in the mix, and 2025 could be the year they finally make it through. With his leadership style, Axar Patel has the right balance. F du Plessis class and aggressive strokeplay from Jake Fraser-McGurk help hold the batting together. The returning KL Rahul's adds muscle and wizardry as the wicketkeeper. In the bowling department, the speed of Mitchell Starc is complemented by the death-over smarts of M Kumar, and the spin of Kuldeep Yadav cuts off the runs. DC's flexibility, particularly at the high-scoring Arun Jaitley Stadium, makes them a dark horse for a playoff berth.

Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Ever since they made their IPL debut, the Lucknow Super Giants have been reliable performers, but 2025 could be the year they break through. Rishabh Pant's attacking leadership motivates a side that has Quinton de Kock's reliability and Aiden Markram's adaptability. Ayush Badoni adds depth to the batting. Mayank Yadav's raw pace, if fit, could be the game-changer, while Ravi Bishnoi's googlies bring control. With Justin Langer's input to strategy, LSG's attacking style could make them crash the playoff party.

Gujarat Titans (GT)

Gujarat Titans stunned the IPL with a championship in 2022 and remain a threat. Shubman Gill's calm captaincy and smooth batting set the tone, and Jos Buttler's purpose and Sai Sudharsan's calmness add depth. Rashid Khan's world-class spin, backed by P Krishna's swing, gives GT a deadly bowling edge. Their skill at winning close games, honed under Ashish Nehra, makes them a threat. GT's balance might quietly propel them into playoff contention once more.

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Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Royal Challengers Bengaluru has the hopes of several million people resting on them, and this might be the year ending their title drought in 2025. “The hunger” of Virat Kohli, “fireworks” in Phil Salt's powerplay , and “local intelligence” added by Rajat Patidar's captaincy propel the batting. A revamped bowling department is supported by the accuracy of Josh Hazlewood and pace of Yash Dayal. With the batting-friendly surfaces of Chinnaswamy, RCB’s aggression can help register the points, making them a dark horse for the playoffs.

The playoffs, starting May 20 in Hyderabad and culminating at Eden Gardens on May 25, will test their mettle. Don’t be surprised if one of these underdogs ends up stealing the show. Which team are you backing to shake up IPL 2025?