James Buttler of the Cricket Badger Podcast finds the best bets for the 2025 Indian Premier League and certainly doesn't rate Mumbai Indians chances.
IPL 2025 Betting Preview
The teams are listed in the order James fancies them to finish
10th - Mumbai Indians (To win: 11/2 favs)
MI are always fancied because of their past performances, but recent form doesn’t support the price. Two bottom finishes in four years and growing doubts over Jasprit Bumrah’s fitness suggest caution.
They’ve added power but remain overly reliant on aging stars. Value lies in overs on sixes at the Wankhede. The loss of Jos Buttler and Yazvindra Chahal. The XI is still solid, with bowling the main strength. But power hitting remains a weakness. Watch for unders on par scores in tougher batting conditions.
BET: RR will be in the hunt for bottom spot and 5/1 is a good pick.
BET: I simply cannot see them living up to their favourites price tag and prefer the 28/1 on them to finish bottom.
9th - Rajasthan Royals (To win: 18/1)
The bettings markets have overreacted to the loss of Buttler and Chahal. The XI is still solid, with bowling a strength. But power hitting remains a weakness. Watch for unders on par scores in tougher batting conditions. A team to avoid in 2025.
8th - Punjab Kings (To win: 14/1)
PBKS had a great auction with Marcus Stoinis and Yazvindraw Chahal boosting their lineup. The Indian core looks settled. Late-order acceleration could be a profitable betting angle, but they could be highly inconsistent.
7th - Royal Challengers Bengaluru (To win: 11/1)
RCB's bowling looks thinner after key departures, and Josh Hazlewood’s fitness is critical. Despite always valuing stars over a cohesive team unit, they’ve made four playoffs in five years. I don't see them qualifying for the final stages this time. They will always attract money as they have Virat Kohli in the side.
BET: Virat Kohli at 12/1 to be the top tournament batter.
6th - Delhi Capitals (To win: 12/1)
Mitchell Starc will be vital with the ball and a solid bowling support attack suggest DC could punch above their odds.
But Harry Brook withdrawing late has unsettled their batting plans and Fraser-McGurk’s form is a concern. KL Rahul has a lot on his shoulders at the top of the order, maybe too much.
5th - Gujarat Titans (To win: 10/1)
GT have lost Mohammad Shami and look thin despite the presence of Shubman Gill, Jos Buttler, and Rashid Khan. Shahrukh Khan and Washingtom Sundar as middle-order rocks don't inspire confidence. Sai Sudharsan offers value in individual innings and tournament top bat markets.
4th - Kolkata Knight Riders (To win: 8/1)
Defending champions KKR have kept a strong Indian spine but Rahane as skipper caused a dramatic market wobble. Even so, their squad depth, all-round balance, and home-ground advantage keep them in top-four conversations. Varun Chakaravarthy is a former architect tourned leg-spin genius and his overs will be vital.
BET: Varun Chakaravarthy to be top IPL 2025 bowler at 12/1
3rd - Chennai Super Kings (To win: 6/1)
CSK’s bowling remains elite and served up the best economy in the 2024 edition. Their batting is more frail and cost them last season. The additions of Rahul Tripathi and Vijay Shankar are underwhelming, and while Rachin Ravindra offers promise, the top order still lacks explosive power. A fit Devon Conway and home dominance is their best chance.
2nd - Sunrisers Hyderabad (To win: 6/1)
SRH were runners-up but crumbled with the bat in the final. Mohammad Shami and Harshal Patel are smart additions to shore up a leaky bowling unit, and a top-five of Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Ishan Kishan, Nitish Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen looks strong and powerful. Still, fielding and consistency must improve.
BET: Back Head and Sharma to score the highest partnership in each SRH match.
1st - Lucknow Super Giants (To win: 11/1)
They will be captained by Rishabh Pant this season who may be tempted to bat at the top of the order, especially given the fact that LSG don't have many designated opening options.
The major issue with LSG will be around the fitness of some key players, including Mitchell Marsh and Mayank Yadav. If the team pyhsio is not busy, LSG have a team that can go the distance.
The best bets for IPL 2025 - Rishabh Pant to star
Lucknow Super Giants to win at 11/1
Rishabh Pant to be top LSG batter at 3/1
Virat Kohli to be top IPL 2025 batter at 12/1
Mumbai Indians to finish bottom at 28/1
Rajasthan Royals to finish bottom at 5/1
Varun Chakaravarthy to be top IPL 2025 bowler at 12/1
Please always gamble responsibly.
Comments