The pause in IPL could help sides like DC, MI, or PBSK to reassess and improve: Sunil Gavaskar

Former India cricketers Sunil Gavaskar and Suresh Raina opened up on the race to the IPL 2025 playoffs -discussing team momentum, the role of young Indian captains, and the key battles for the Orange Cap, while analysing how different teams are peaking at the right time.

IPL 2025, which had to be halted for a week following the cross-border tensions between India and Pakistan, resumes with Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s clash with Kolkata Knight Riders at Bengaluru’s M Chinnaswamy Stadium on May 17.

Gavaskar reflected on how the break in the league might impact team rhythm and shift the league dynamics, stating that while the stoppage could assist teams like Delhi Capitals or Punjab Kings in assessing their plans, it could also snap momentum for teams like Gujarat Titans and RCB.

"We’ve often seen a batter lose rhythm after spending time at the non-striker’s end without facing much strike—just that short pause can affect momentum. Similarly, the recent break in the tournament might slow down teams that were on a winning streak,” Gavaskar said on Star Sports Press Room.

“For sides like Delhi Capitals, Mumbai Indians, or Punjab Kings, the pause could help—they can reassess and figure out how to improve. The next 8–10 days will be very interesting. At the start, the league is like a marathon with 14 games. But now, with only 2-3 matches left, it’s a sprint to the finish—to break into the top four, or ideally, the top two," he added.

Gavaskar co-panellist Suresh Raina agreed with his viewpoint but backed RCB to resume their campaign and go all the way in bringing home the elusive trophy with Virat Kohli.

“There are strong chances because Royal Challengers Bengaluru is playing in a different league this year. They’ve defended scores like 150 and 136 at Chinnaswamy, and their bowling unit has stepped up. The new captain has beaten Chennai Super Kings twice—once in Chennai and again at home, which speaks volumes. The dressing room is positive, and these are signs of a team that can go all the way. Yes, Mumbai Indians, Gujarat Titans, and Punjab Kings are also doing well, but this might finally be Virat’s year to lift the trophy after 18 years.” 

Raina also touched upon the tight, see-sawing race for the Orange Cap this season, with only ten runs separating the current holder, Suryakumar Yadav (510), with the fifth-placed Jos Buttler (500 runs). There are B Sai Sudharsan (509), Shubman Gill (508) and Virat Kohli (505) in between Suryakumar and Buttler, highlighting the tense battle for the top spot.

“The difference in runs between Orange Cap contenders is just two runs, eight runs, and ten runs, and Suryakumar Yadav deserves a lot of praise. He is not an opener and comes slightly lower in the order. Since the time Mahela Jayawardene gave him the number 3 position, the Mumbai Indians’ batting order has looked very strong. When you try to finish games from number 3, such runs come—and you win not just the Orange Cap, but the trophy as well," he concluded.