Virat Kohli is just one big hit away from reclaiming the Orange Cap as IPL 2025 resumes after a brief pause. Get the latest updates on key foreign player withdrawals and how they impact team strategies for the final stretch. BY FARAZ AKRAM KHAN
The IPL 2025 is to resume on Saturday evening after an eight-day suspension due to escalating cross-border tensions. While the clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) will light up the M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru at 7:30 PM IST, all eyes will be on Virat Kohli, who is a few runs away of reclaiming the Orange Cap.
Virat Kohli Orange Cap IPL 2025 – just one big hit away
Virat Kohli, the former India and RCB captain who a few days ago announced his retirement from Test Cricket, is currently in fourth place in the run-scorers list with 505 runs in 11 innings, including seven half-centuries. In his last match before the break, he hammered a fluent 62 off 33 balls against Chennai Super Kings, showing peak form. With just six runs separating him from the Orange Cap holder, Kohli could regain the top spot with even a modest start.
The top of the leader board is tightly packed. Suryakumar Yadav of Mumbai Indians leads with 510 runs, closely followed by B Sai Sudharsan (509), Shubman Gill (508), and Jos Buttler (500). With such a narrow margin separating the top five, Saturday’s match could see a swift change in rankings — especially if Virat Kohli continues his stellar form.
Given his track record and consistency, it wouldn’t be surprising to see Kohli notch up another fifty. If he does, it will be his eighth of the season, further strengthening his claim on the Orange Cap and bolstering RCB’s push for a playoff berth.
IPL schedule reshuffled, final now on June 3
The IPL calendar has seen a major shake-up. The IPL 2025 final, initially scheduled for May 25, has been postponed to June 3. This change has triggered significant complications, with several overseas players set to leave mid-season to fulfil international duties.
National boards of South Africa, England, Australia, and the West Indies have already recalled players due to upcoming bilateral series and the World Test Championship Final, affecting multiple franchises across the IPL.
Delhi Capitals hit hard by foreign withdrawals
The Delhi Capitals (DC) is among the worst hit. Mitchell Starc, DC’s leading wicket-taker with 14 wickets in 11 matches, has confirmed he won’t return for the remainder of the tournament. His departure is a huge blow to DC’s bowling unit and playoff hopes, especially with the team languishing in the lower half of the table.
Joining him on the exit list is Donovan Ferreira, who featured only once this season. While his exit has less tactical impact, it reduces the team’s depth significantly.
In response, DC has roped in Tristan Stubbs, a promising South African batter. However, he is part of South Africa’s squad for the WTC Final and will be unavailable for the playoffs should DC qualify. The situation is further complicated by uncertainty over vice-captain Faf du Plessis, whose return remains unconfirmed.
Punjab Kings and Mumbai Indians also affected
The Punjab Kings (PBKS) are also dealing with overseas player disruptions. Marcus Stoinis and Josh Inglis have agreed to rejoin but will miss the first post-resumption match on May 18, leaving a gap in Punjab’s starting XI.
Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians (MI) has received a timely boost as Will Jacks has confirmed his return. On Friday, he posted an image of his flight ticket to Mumbai on Instagram, delighting fans. He is expected to feature in MI’s final two league matches, which are critical for their playoff qualification.
However, MI’s gain may be short-lived. Like Jos Buttler, Jacks will leave for England’s white-ball series against the West Indies, which begins on May 29. This clash of schedules could cost MI dearly if they make it to the playoffs.
IPL 2025: An unpredictable finish awaits
As the league enters its final stretch, team strategies will hinge not only on form but also on player availability. The Virat Kohli Orange Cap IPL 2025 narrative adds a compelling layer of drama to the season, but the growing list of withdrawals might overshadow some of the cricketing brilliance.
Franchises now face the challenge of restructuring squads, finding replacements, and banking on local talent to step up. For fans, it’s a bittersweet return — high on excitement, but filled with uncertainty.
(Faraz is a cricket writer who grew up in India’s countryside, playing and closely following the game. He is an all-rounder who even hits the ground in his leisure time)
