As the IPL 2025 season continues to thrill and entertain cricket fans all over the world, one thing that has stood out is the impressive performances of batsmen in the powerplay overs. With the rules and format of the tournament constantly evolving, teams have become more aggressive and have been able to score at a rapid pace in the first six overs. However, amidst all the high-scoring games, there have been a few teams who have struggled to get going in the powerplay, resulting in some of the lowest powerplay scores in IPL 2025 so far. Let’s take a look at these teams and their struggles in the first six overs.
The powerplay overs, also known as the mandatory fielding restrictions, have always been crucial in the shortest format of the game. With only two fielders allowed outside the 30-yard circle, batsmen have the opportunity to go for big shots and set the tone for their team’s innings. In IPL 2025, we have seen teams like Mumbai Indians, Chennai Super Kings, and Royal Challengers Bangalore dominate in the powerplay and set up big totals. However, for some teams, the powerplay overs have been a major struggle, resulting in low scores and ultimately, losses.
One of the lowest powerplay scores in IPL 2025 has been recorded by Kolkata Knight Riders, who managed to score only 34 runs in their first six overs against Delhi Capitals. This was a game where KKR had a solid opening pair of Shubman Gill and Rahul Tripathi, but they failed to provide a good start for their team. The Delhi Capitals bowlers, led by the experienced Ishant Sharma, were able to restrict KKR’s batsmen and pick up crucial wickets in the powerplay. This low score proved to be detrimental for KKR as they lost the match by a huge margin of 8 wickets.
Another team that has struggled in the powerplay is Sunrisers Hyderabad, who have recorded two of the lowest powerplay scores in IPL 2025. In their match against Mumbai Indians, SRH could only manage to score 38 runs in the first six overs. This was a game where the SRH batsmen were completely dominated by the MI bowlers, especially Jasprit Bumrah, who picked up three wickets in the powerplay. Despite a valiant effort from their middle order, SRH could not recover from the poor start and eventually lost the match by 38 runs.
In another match against Rajasthan Royals, SRH again struggled in the powerplay and managed to score only 39 runs. This time, it was the RR bowlers who put up a brilliant display and did not allow the SRH batsmen to score freely. With wickets falling at regular intervals, SRH could not build any momentum in their innings and eventually lost the match by 5 wickets. These two low scores in the powerplay have been a major cause of concern for SRH and they will have to find a way to improve their performance in the first six overs.
Apart from these teams, even defending champions Rajasthan Royals have had their share of struggles in the powerplay. In their match against Chennai Super Kings, RR could only manage to score 41 runs in the first six overs. Despite having explosive batsmen like Sanju Samson and Jos Buttler in their lineup, RR failed to capitalize on the powerplay overs and could not post a challenging total. This low score proved to be costly as CSK chased down the target with ease and won the match by 7 wickets.
These low powerplay scores by different teams have showcased the importance of a good start in the IPL. With the tournament becoming more competitive each year, teams cannot afford to have a slow start in the powerplay. The pressure of scoring runs quickly can often lead to poor shot selection and wickets falling at regular intervals, as seen in the above-mentioned matches. Teams will have to strategize and find a way to improve their performance in the first six overs to stay ahead in this highly competitive tournament.
However, these low scores in the powerplay should not be seen as a negative aspect of the game. On the contrary, it shows the depth and balance in the teams, where even the best batsmen can struggle under pressure. It also makes for an interesting contest between bat and ball, with bowlers having the opportunity to showcase their skills and restrict the batsmen. In fact,
