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As Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 reaches its halfway point, the season has already served up a rich mix of drama, unpredictability, and memorable moments.
Harsha Bhogle’s IPL 2025 mid-season prediction on the big three
Traditional powerhouses like Chennai Super Kings, who boast five IPL titles, find themselves languishing at the bottom of the table, an unfamiliar position for a franchise known for consistency and success. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians, who also share five titles, endured a nightmarish start but have now staged a strong comeback, rejuvenated by a string of wins.
On the other hand, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, under new leadership, have been dominant on the away road but curiously winless at home. Gujarat Titans, led by the young and dynamic Shubman Gill, have soared to the top of the points table, further redefining the season’s narrative. In light of this mid-season volatility, renowned cricket commentator and analyst Harsha Bhogle recently shared his predictions for the second half of the season on Cricbuzz ‘s “Will It or Will Not” segment, offering his measured verdicts on each franchise’s fate.
RCB: Home fort to be breached?
The first question posed to Bhogle was centered on RCB: “Will RCB win a home game this season?” Under the stewardship of newly appointed captain Rajat Patidar, RCB have turned heads with their away performances. From conquering Chepauk to silencing Wankhede, they have created history on the road. Yet, Chinnaswamy their home fortress remains winless for them.
Bhogle, however, struck a tone of optimism. “Yes. Too good a side. I mean it happens. Sometimes you go through a phase, but no, they will” he affirmed confidently. His faith in the squad suggests that the barren home run might just be an anomaly, and a turnaround at their fortress is likely in the second half.
CSK: The legacy of a champion faces its toughest test
Next came the question that perhaps tugged at the heartstrings of many loyal fans: “Will CSK qualify for the playoffs?” For CSK, the 2025 season has been a test of resilience. Their trusted fortress, Chepauk, has been breached multiple times this year, and a major blow came in the form of skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad’s injury. Even the return of their talismanic former captain MS Dhoni hasn’t been enough to steady the ship, and with just two wins in eight games, the situation looks dire.
Bhogle offered a realistic yet somber prediction: “No. Strong team. Everybody likes CSK, but no not from here.” Despite their rich legacy, Bhogle believes the uphill battle may prove too steep this time around, suggesting that Chennai might be headed for one of their rare playoff misses.
Mumbai Indians: A phoenix-like rise or a false dawn?
The final and perhaps most intriguing question of the segment was about Mumbai: “Will MI finish in the top 3?” After winning only one of their first five matches, Mumbai looked down and out. However, under Hardik Pandya’s leadership and bolstered by Rohit Sharma’s return to form highlighted by a blistering unbeaten half century against CSK the team has now won three consecutive games and appears to be regaining its groove.
Bhogle responded with cautious optimism: “Won’t it be a phenomenal IPL if they come up from there? But don’t know,” While he stopped short of making a definitive prediction, his statement reflected the romantic allure of an MI comeback, a narrative IPL seasons have seen before. Whether they can climb into the top three remains one of the tournament’s most thrilling prospects.
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