IPL 2025: AB de Villiers predicts four teams who might qualify for the playoffs

AB de Villiers last played in the IPL in 2021.

The 18th edition of the biggest franchise league – Indian Premier League (IPL) will kickstart on Saturday, March 22. The opening game of the tournament will feature defending champions Kolkata Knight Riders taking on Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Eden Gardens in Kolkata.

Thanks to the mega auction preceding IPL 2025, all 10 franchises have undergone major changes. The upcoming season promises to be more competitive than ever, with all teams rebuilding their squads.

The tournament will feature a total of 74 games. The playoff stag, consisting of Qualifier 1, Eliminator, Qualifier 2, and the final, will begin on May 20, with the final scheduled for May 25.

Days before the start of the competition, RCB legend AB de Villiers has predicted four teams who would make it to the playoffs.

AB de Villiers drops his prediction for the top four teams in IPL 2025

Speaking on his YouTube channel, de Villiers picked Mumbai Indians, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, Gujarat Titans, and Kolkata Knight Riders as the teams likely to secure a place in the playoffs.

De Villiers said, “I think Mumbai Indians can reach the playoffs. I definitely think RCB will also reach the playoffs this time. Because this time the team is in balance and then Gujarat Titans is also a contender for the playoffs.“

“I think defending champions KKR will also be in the playoffs race and can be successful in making its place in the playoffs. These are my four teams that can reach the playoffs.“

Discussing why he left out five-time champions Chennai Super Kings from his predicted top four, de Villiers noted that while they are a strong side, he prefers to go with the aforementioned four teams.

He added, “Yes, I have not kept CSK. It is a strong team, CSK fans may be disappointed, but I will go with these four teams only.“

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