Twist in the Tale: Why IPL 2025 Was All About the Spinners

If IPL 2024 was a batting wonderland, then IPL 2025 is a refreshing twist based on spin. After a season of never-ending sixers and flat track bullies, it seemed almost impossible for spinners to even be considered in the T20 format. Just as one might think that there is a grim outlook for the art of spin in the IPL, the spinners have returned with a bang in 2025. From quirky mystery spinners to clever veterans, the spinners haven’t just survived – they flourished! So what accounted for the turnaround?

The Pitch Has Shifted—Literally and Tactically

One of the most notable changes this year? The pitches. 2024 was a feast for batters, but in 2025, we have seen curators of the various venues actively trying to create balance in terms of pitch preparation. While we can’t turn back the clock, slightly slower decks with some grip enabled the ball to stop, turn, and tease batters again. With the bonus of an early Indian summer drastically reducing dew, spinners found themselves not essentially bowling with a bar of soap by the second innings.

But looking beneath the surface, it’s also about how captains have used their spinners. Unlike before, where spinners got shelved by the 15th over, we’re seeing brave calls for using them at the death of games in 2025. Take Digvesh Rathi, for example, who not only held his nerve, but his line, in the death overs and had one of the best economy rates in that phase. Enter Chahal in the 19th—four scalps, one over, and the match flipped like a coin in a hurricane. The antiquated thinking that a spinner can’t bowl in the final overs? Disproved.

Also read:- Kohli vs Raina After 205 IPL Games: Who Dominated the League More?

Evolution is the Name of the Game

You could say no other bowling style has transitioned as immensely as spinners in T20s. These players are the ones the batters go after, often from the get-go. But the pressure that was once a threat to them is now their problem solver. We’ve seen loads of spinners in IPL 2025 take their own styling to the next level.

Leg spinners like Suyash Sharma, who has an incredible journey behind him and a quixotic pace, have made batters reconsider every ball. Carrom balls, sliders, seam-up balls that are only laid down slightly – nowadays, spinners have as many tricks as a Las Vegas magician. Not only are they better at hiding the ball, but they are also hiding their intentions. Even mavericks have been thrown into the fire early on, like an understated player such as Vipraj Nigam, and are showing maturity well beyond their years.

Captaincy, Courage and Spinner Trust Are Finally in Sync

Another big reason behind this spin revival? Leadership inspiration. Too many times in the past, leaders have held back their spinners – and sometimes foolishly – at key moments for fear of being taken to the cleaners. But with 2025 comes an appetite for change. Now, leaders are not only employing spinners for tactical reasons but are also considering spinners for high-pressure moments.

We have witnessed Santner change games by throwing his leg spinner into the bowl a clutch over in the middle, and Khan Sharma turn the momentum of a game with a replaced ball in the 19th over. Leaders are not just looking to keep runs off the board anymore/they are there to win while employing spin. That intention, and the wanting to back a spinner in the death overs or bowl one of a spin option in the early overs of the powerplay, has had a huge effect.

Who’s your favorite spinner from this season, and do you think this is the new normal or just an aberration?