IPL 2025 is getting closer to the playoffs, and the picture might have looked different if it weren’t for injury concerns on a number of teams. The season began with Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) facing Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at Eden Gardens. High-scoring games, such as SRH’s 286/6 against the Rajasthan Royals, have defined the tournament. Yet, injuries have cast a shadow, impacting team standings and morale. The injury impact is evident in teams’ struggles to maintain consistency.
Major Injury Cases and Team Impacts
Chennai Super Kings Have to Deal with the Gaikwad’s Absence
The most significant injury impact has been on Chennai Super Kings, with captain Ruturaj Gaikwad ruled out for the season due to an elbow fracture sustained against the Rajasthan Royals on March 30, 2025. Gaikwad, a reliable middle-order batsman, was pivotal for CSK’s batting stability. His absence has led to a drastic decline in performance, exemplified by a five-match losing streak.
In their match against KKR on April 11, 2025, CSK posted their lowest-ever IPL total at Chepauk: 103/9 in 20 overs. KKR chased the target in just 10.1 overs, winning by 8 wickets, with Sunil Narine’s 3/13 and 44 off 18 balls stealing the show. MS Dhoni’s return as captain brought emotional support, but the batting unit, reliant on Shivam Dube’s 31* off 29, crumbled under pressure. CSK’s ninth-place standing reflects the severe injury impact of losing Gaikwad.
CSK introduced 17-year-old Ayush Mhatre as Gaikwad’s replacement. Despite Mhatre’s domestic promise, his inexperience has limited his contribution, leaving CSK struggling to regain form. The team’s reliance on spinners like Noor Ahmad (12 wickets) has been a bright spot, but batting woes persist. If you want to bet on CSK to win the 2025 IPL, you can check out our article on the best IPL betting sites in India.
Mumbai Indians Struggle Amidst Bumrah’s Limited Absence
Mumbai Indians have faced challenges with Jasprit Bumrah missing early matches due to a minor injury. Bumrah, a world-class pacer, is crucial for MI’s bowling attack. His absence forced MI to lean on Deepak Chahar and Trent Boult, increasing their workload. In their loss to Delhi Capitals on April 13, 2025, MI conceded over 200 runs, highlighting their bowling vulnerabilities without Bumrah.
MI’s seventh-place standing reflects the injury impact, though their batting, led by players like Tilak Varma (59 off 33 against DC), has kept them competitive. Bumrah’s expected return by mid-April could bolster MI’s chances, but the early games without him have tested their depth.
Sunrisers Hyderabad Have a Spin Bowling Crisis
Sunrisers Hyderabad lost key spinner Adam Zampa to injury, replaced by Smaran Ravichandran. Zampa’s absence has weakened SRH’s spin attack, contributing to their ninth-place position with a net run rate of -1.245. In their 44-run loss to Punjab Kings on April 12, 2025, SRH’s bowling struggled to contain PBKS’s batting, underscoring the injury impact.
SRH has relied on Abhishek Sharma’s batting to stay afloat, but their bowling inconsistencies highlight the challenge of replacing an experienced spinner like Zampa with a less seasoned player like Ravichandran.
Punjab Kings With The Ferguson’s Setback
Punjab Kings face a significant blow with Lockie Ferguson likely ruled out for the season. Ferguson was expected to lead PBKS’s pace attack alongside Arshdeep Singh. His absence has reduced their bowling depth, making it harder to defend totals. PBKS’s sixth-place standing, despite Shreyas Iyer’s 250 runs, reflects the injury’s impact on their bowling strategy.
Gujarat Titans Suffer Phillips’s Loss
Gujarat Titans lost all-rounder Glenn Phillips for the season, impacting their middle-order flexibility. Despite this, GT tops the points table with a net run rate of 1.081, driven by Sai Sudharsan’s 329 runs. Their loss to LSG showed some vulnerabilities, but GT’s depth has mitigated the injury impact better than most teams.
Lucknow Super Giants and Bowling Injuries
Lucknow Super Giants have been hit by multiple bowling injuries, including Mayank Yadav, Mohsin Khan, Avesh Khan, and Akash Deep. Shardul Thakur replaced Mohsin Khan, but LSG’s death bowling remains a concern. Under Rishabh Pant’s leadership, LSG’s batting, led by Pooran’s 349 runs, has secured fourth place, showing resilience despite the injury impact.
Injury Effects on All IPL 2025 Teams
- Gujarat Titans: Glenn Phillips’ absence tests batting depth.
- Delhi Capitals: Minimal injuries ensure strong performance.
- Kolkata Knight Riders: Umran Malik’s injury affects pace attack.
- Lucknow Super Giants: Multiple bowlers are out, rely on batting.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru: No major injuries, squad was balanced.
- Punjab Kings: Lockie Ferguson’s absence weakens bowling.
- Mumbai Indians: Jasprit Bumrah’s early absence hits bowling.
- Rajasthan Royals: No major injuries, but the form has been inconsistent.
- Chennai Super Kings: Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury causes a batting collapse.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad: Adam Zampa’s absence hurts spin attack.
Resilience and Tactical Adjustments
Despite the injury impact, teams have shown resilience. GT’s ability to lead the table despite Phillips’s absence highlights their squad depth. DC, with minimal injuries, has climbed to second place, driven by performances like Karun Nair’s 89 off 40 against MI. RCB, under Rajat Patidar, has thrived with Virat Kohli’s 248 runs, including his 100th T20 half-century against RR.
CSK has leaned on spinners like Noor Ahmad, who leads with 12 wickets, to compensate for batting woes. MI experiments with replacements like Mujeeb Ur Rahman, while LSG’s batting firepower, led by Pooran and Mitchell Marsh (265 runs), offsets bowling injuries. PBKS has adjusted by relying on domestic bowlers, but their inconsistency persists.
Season Highlights Amidst Injuries
Despite injuries, IPL 2025 has produced memorable moments. Pooran’s 349 runs at a strike rate of 192.89 have been a standout for LSG, earning him the Orange Cap lead. Noor Ahmad’s 4/18 debut for CSK against MI showcased his wrist-spin brilliance. Kohli’s milestone and RCB’s nine-wicket win over RR highlight the tournament’s competitive spirit. These performances show that while injuries disrupt, individual brilliance continues to shine.
Broader Context Of Injuries in T20 Cricket
Injuries are a recurring challenge in T20 cricket due to its high-intensity nature. The IPL’s packed schedule increases risk for fast bowlers like Bumrah and Ferguson, who face strain from repetitive actions. Fielding injuries, like Gaikwad’s, stem from aggressive efforts. The BCCI’s medical protocols aim to mitigate risks, but the injury impact remains significant, as seen in past seasons with absences like KL Rahul’s in 2023.
As IPL 2025 progresses, the injury impact will shape the playoff race, starting May 20, 2025, in Hyderabad. CSK and SRH risk missing out unless replacements step up. GT and DC’s depth could secure top-four spots, while MI’s fortunes hinge on Bumrah’s return. Upcoming matches, like PBKS vs KKR on April 15, 2025, will test teams’ ability to adapt.
The injury impact in IPL 2025 has been profound, with teams like CSK, SRH, and MI facing significant challenges due to key absences. Gaikwad’s injury has crippled CSK’s batting, while Bumrah’s absence has tested MI’s bowling. Yet, teams like GT and LSG show resilience, driven by standout performances from Sudharsan and Pooran. Injuries test squad depth and adaptability, but the IPL’s competitive spirit endures, promising more thrilling moments as the season unfolds.