The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 has presented twists, turns, and surprises in terms of the form of the individual franchises. In particular, we have seen some teams, after the mid-season break on May 16, change their fortunes for the better. Now that we are firmly into the latter stages of the IPL, it is clear that a few teams have managed to shift their form after that inflexion point. Call it strategy, call it players’ upgrades, or call it a sheer desire to perform better, some franchises have managed to make the story more compelling in the second half of the season. In this article, we will identify which teams have improved the most since May 16 and discuss what they have done differently in their first half that has defined their IPL journey up to that point.
Chennai Super Kings – Revival of Fortune
The Chennai Super Kings have been a team that knows how to peak at the right time, under the stewardship of its captain, MS Dhoni. Following May 16 in IPL 2025, the Super Kings have also improved their overall performance. They have had many players step up, like Ruturaj Gaikwad and Ravindra Jadeja, who both have been very consistent with the bat and ball. Further, the bowlers have played a MAJOR contribution as well, with the spinners having a great impact during the mid-innings.
One of the main contributing factors to the renewal has been the astute utilization of the players by Dhoni, who has constantly shown his level-headedness and tactical acumen. The evolution to adapt to different match conditions has seen them to the forefront of the second half of the season.
Mumbai Indians (MI) – The Comeback.
Since starting slowly in IPL 2025 Mumbai Indians have completed one of the most phenomenal turnarounds since May 16. They exhibited their traditional fight that people know MI for, led by the young talents of Tilak Varma and Naman Dhir. Rohit Sharma has also found his form, leading from the front with the bat. MI has managed to combine youth and experience to identify their winning combination, especially in the middle overs. Their bowling performance, primarily led by Jasprit Bumrah, has also improved from what we saw in the first half. MI’s resurgence after May 16 can arguably be perceived as a classic example whereby a champion team embodies the true meaning of overcoming tough situations and driving on a serious playoff run.
Delhi Capitals (DC) – A Brand New Look
Before May 16, Delhi Capitals struggled and faced various challenges, however, the growth shown since that date has been extraordinary. Most significantly, they have taken significant strides tactically. In addition to an improved batting and bowling unit led by David Warner, the DC franchise also seems to have alleviated the concerns surrounding their middle order, and players like KL Rahul and Faf Du Plessis now seem to be discovering their rhythm again.
Delhi has improved its bowling department, and within that, Mukesh Kumar and Kuldeep Yadav have been the big hitters in the control of the opponents’ run rate. In addition, the fielding standards have improved, which has changed the game in several close matches. Since May 16, they have been a combination of aggression and composure, which has positioned the team competitively for the playoffs.
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) – The Corner Has Been Turned
Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) is the quintessential definition of inconsistent; however, since May 16, RCB have arguably been playing some of their best cricket in IPL 2025. The pairing of Virat Kohli and Phil Salt at the top of the order has revolutionised RCB. Both players are in outstanding form, and the partnerships have lined the innings up for the remaining batting teammates.
RCB’s spinners, led by Suyash Sharma & Krunal Pandya, have been an efficient part of their bowling attack in the middle overs. In the second half of the season, RCB’s pace bowlers, led by Josh Hazlewood, have shown huge improvements and provided both depth and control in the death overs too. RCB’s transformation after May 16 has been extraordinary, and they are one of the teams to beat as they eye a position in the Playoffs.
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) – New Consistency
Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) has been one of the most improved teams in the post-May 16 stage of IPL 2025. While parts within the squad struggled for consistency earlier in the tournament, KKR has found a groove. The emergence of Ramandeep Singh has provided incredible stability to the middle order, while Venkatesh Iyer and Rinku Singh have taken flight in the upper order.
KKR’s bowling line-up has seen opportunities arise, and players like Sunil Narine and Andre Russell, with his T20 abilities, have been the perfect balance. KKR’s improvement after May 16 has been top of mind due to job changes and focus, making them a real threat in the final stages of IPL 2025.
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Conclusion
The evolution of teams after May 16 in IPL 2025 illustrates just how quickly fortunes can change in the world of cricket. From the tactical savvy of Chennai Super Kings to the final surge of Mumbai Indians, these teams have demonstrated the true spirit of IPL, where anything can happen in an instant. As the tournament goes on, the competition for the top two or three positions becomes even fiercer, and we cannot wait to see who ends up taking the IPL trophy this year.
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