Announcing the Coronation of Standout Cricket Stars in the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025
Check out the buzz from the 1xBet survey before IPL 2025
Ready to know who's stealing the show less than a month before the IPL 2025 season kicks off? International brand 1xBet has got the scoop, seeking to unveil fans' favorite players and teams ahead of the big tournament. Over 3,500 respondents were quick to dispense not only their preferences but also their explanations behind their picks.
Virat Kohli and the gang: Who's winning the hearts
In a landslide victory, Virat Kohli rises as the undisputed champ, earning 27.4% of the votes. This star player, currently representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru, is nothing short of a legend and a GOAT. Fans credit these four standout factors for Kohli's dominance:
- Impeccable technique
- Aggressive yet unique playstyle
- Charisma
- Winning mentality
These qualities place Kohli's game as a true work of art, paintings worth a fortune, if he were an artist. Kohli draws the most support from two age groups: 25-34 (46.8%) and 20-24 (33.1%). However, those aged 60+ only gave him a modest 0.6% of their votes.
Among the top 13 choices, the older generation only recognized Kohli's popularity. Interestingly, Kohli's appeal is consistent across regions—from 12% in Karnataka to 7.2% in Maharashtra.
What about the others
Rohit Sharma finishes a close second with 12.4% of the votes, but his impressive achievements speak for themselves. He has won five IPL trophies as captain of the Mumbai Indians and led the Indian team to a T20 World Cup title. Fans admire Sharma for his elegance, strength, and leadership qualities. In the 25-34 age group, Sharma even outshines Kohli (48.9%). Sharma is also well-liked by the 20-24 group (29.4%). He has the most extensive fan base in Maharashtra (12.9%), followed by Karnataka (9%), Uttar Pradesh (9%), Andhra Pradesh (8.6%), Bihar (8.2%), and Telangana (7.3%).
MS Dhoni is hailed as a generational icon and the best captain in cricket history. Dhoni has led both the India national team and Chennai Super Kings to numerous victories. His game intelligence, calm demeanor, leadership skills, and results earned him the admiration of fans in the two most active age groups: 25-34 (45.2%) and 20-24 (35.7%). Dhoni has the most significant fan base in Andhra Pradesh (16%), narrowly edging out Virat Kohli in Uttar Pradesh (11.8%) and Telangana (10.9%).
Other notable mentions include Abhishek Sharma, a rising cricket star with an impressive 11.1% of the votes. Jasprit Bumrah, the brilliant bowler and style shaper, has 4.3% support. Hardik Pandya also scores well with 4% of the votes, as does Rishabh Pant (2.9%), KL Rahul (2.5%), Heinrich Klaasen (2.4%), Suryakumar Yadav (2.4%), Sanju Samson (2.3%), and Shubman Gill (2.3%).
Top teams in the running for IPL 2025
The race for the top teams is less defined, with the winner's lead narrower compared to the player poll. However, the results hint at Virat Kohli's influence once again.
- Royal Challengers Bengaluru stands as the favorite among fans (28.5%), with many hoping to witness Kohli lead the team to its very first IPL title.
- Mumbai Indians come in a close second with 21.6% support, buoyed by their vast history of victories and the strength of their core players.
- Chennai Super Kings garner 20.4% backing due to their consistency, champion mentality, and opportunities for young talent. Unsurprisingly, the cult of MS Dhoni plays a significant role in the team's popularity.
- Sunrisers Hyderabad have 10.3% backing from the fans, who believe the team's youthful balance, captain Pat Cummins' leadership, and an aggressive style will lead them to victory.
- Finally, Kolkata Knight Riders pick up 6.4% support from the fans, buoyed by Shah Rukh Khan's dedication as owner. The Knight Riders are not just champions on the pitch—their following in the stands and engaging social media presence contribute to their growing appeal.
In the 1xBet survey before IPL 2025, Virat Kohli, the star player of Royal Challengers Bengaluru, was chosen as the favorite player by a significant portion of fans (27.4%), admired for his impeccable technique, aggressive yet unique playstyle, charisma, and winning mentality. Meanwhile, the top European leagues, particularly the Premier League, might find some football fans rooting for their favorite teams while enjoying a round at the casino, as they bet on their preferred sports and players.
