South Africa batter Aiden Markram was on Wednesday officially ruled out of the remaining two T20I against India. Meanwhile, he had already missed the first three games after testing positive for COVID-19 before the opening match in Delhi. Markram, who tested positive after the first couple of practice sessions, will not be able to return to the competitive arena post the mandatory isolation period.

Also Read: Wanindu Hasaranga ruled out of the 2nd ODI with a Groin Strain

"Proteas batsman, Aiden Markram, has been ruled out of the remainder of the Proteas' tour of India. He spent seven days in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19 last week and will not be able to complete his return to play program in time to take part in the remainder of the T20 series."

a Cricket South Africa statement said

Read Also: INDIA vs IRELAND T20I series squad announced, Hardik Pandya to lead the team

"The player is healthy and well and has been cleared to return home to look after his mental and emotional wellbeing after isolation in a local facility, as required when an individual tests positive on tour," it added.

The statement further said that a decision on wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock's availability for the remaining two matches will be made in due course by CSA's medical team.

"Wicket-keeper batsman, Quinton de Kock, has made a marked improvement in his recovery from a wrist injury. The Proteas' medical staff will continue to assess his progress and make a decision on his availability for match four in due course,"

The statement read

South Africa leads the five-match series 2-1 with the fourth T20I scheduled to be played here on Friday.

Every year, the Indian Premier League witnesses some incredible amounts of talent. To recognize that talent, the "IPL Emerging Player of the Year" award is given to a young player who has excelled throughout the competition. This season is also not different. Many young players showed their potential throughout the competition. In this Article, We'll look at the players who have won the IPL Emerging Player of the Season Award from the inaugural edition to the 2024 season.

Read Also: Man of the match in every IPL final

Criteria for the IPL Emerging Player Winners:

1. The player should have been born after 1st April 1996.
2. Also, the player in contention should not have played more than 25 IPL matches at the start of an IPL season.
3. The player should not have played more than 20 ODIs and 5 Test matches.
4. The player in contention should not have won the award previously.

The slogan of the Indian Premier League is "Yatra Pratibha Avsara Prapnotihi," which translates to "Where talent meets opportunity." It explains a lot about the motto of the tournament as it provides a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent to the entire world.

Shreevats Goswami from Royal Challengers Bangalore became the first player to win the Emerging Player of the Season award in IPL 2008 while Rohit Sharma won it in the 2009 edition playing for Deccan Chargers. Mustafizur Rahman is the only foreign player to claim the award so far, winning it in the 2016 season.

MI's Saurabh Tiwary won the award in 2010 while CSK's Iqbal Abdullah won it in 2011. Both players struggled after getting the award as they failed to replicate their heroics going ahead in their careers.

The other prominent names to win the award are Sanju Samson (2013), Axar Patel (2014), Shreyas Iyer (2015), Rishabh Pant (2018), Shubman Gill (2019) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (2021). Speedster Umran Malik won the award in the 2022 season. Rajasthan Royals opener Yashasvi Jaiswal won the IPL 2023 Emerging Player of the Season Award. SRH's Nitish Kumar Reddy won the IPL 2024 Emerging Player of the Season Award.

IPL Emerging Player Winners List: From 2008 to 2023:

IPL 2008: Shreevats Goswami (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

U19 World Cup winner Shreevats Goswami was the first player to win the Emerging Player Award. He played for RCB that year and played a few brilliant knocks. He scored 82 runs in that season in four matches to get the award. 

IPL 2009: Rohit Sharma (Deccan Chargers)

Indian present captain Rohit Sharma already was coming after winning the T20 World Cup with India. In 2009, a young Rohit powered Deccan Chargers to their maiden IPL title. He scored 362 runs in 16 matches for his side and also picked up 11 wickets including a hat-trick. He later led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles. Rohit Sharma is the most successful player in terms of titles in IPL history.

IPL 2010: Saurabh Tiwary (Mumbai Indians)

Saurabh Tiwary was an excellent batsman for Mumbai Indians in 2010. He scored 419 runs and won the Emerging Player Award. The left-handed batter scored three fifties in that season. But, he couldn't replicate those performances in the following seasons. 

IPL 2011: Iqbal Abdulla (Kolkata Knight Riders)

KKR's Iqbal Abdulla was one of the key players in Gautam Gambhir's first season at the franchise. The left-arm spinner picked up 16 wickets in the tournament and took the Knight Riders to the playoffs, a first in their history. Abdulla was a very strict bowler who didn't concede many runs. He was awarded the Emerging Player Award but wasn't able to replicate those performances in the next season.

IPL 2012: Mandeep Singh (Kings XI Punjab)

Punjab Kings were known as Kings XI Punjab back then and Mandeep Singh was a key performer for them in 2012. Mandeep scored 432 runs in the tournament at an average of 27 and was the highest scorer for Punjab in that season. He won the Emerging Player of the Season Award in the 2012 season and has played for multiple franchises since then.

IPL 2013: Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)

Sanju Samson won the award in 2013. It was his breakthrough season at Rajasthan Royals and the Kerala-born scored 206 runs in that year. Rajasthan failed to advance to the playoffs but Samson was their brightest spark that season. He continued that performance in the following seasons and now he has become the skipper of that franchise. He also led Rajasthan to the Playoffs this season but couldn't qualify for the Final.

IPL 2014: Axar Patel (Kings XI Punjab)

Axar Patel was 20 years old in the 2014 season and he was exceptional to watch. Axar picked up 17 wickets in that season and Punjab also went to the Final of the tournament. Interestingly, that was the last time Punjab ever qualified for the playoffs. But, Axar has been one of the most brilliant spin bowlers in the history of the IPL. He currently plays for Delhi Capitals.

IPL 2015: Shreyas Iyer (Delhi Daredevils)

Shreyas Iyer and his journey in the IPL started with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). In the year 2015, which was Shreyas' first exposure to the league, the batter scored 439 runs in 14 matches and was the 4th highest Indian run-getter. He scored four half-centuries that season with a highest of 83 against Mumbai Indians. He is currently captaining KKR and they are in the Final of IPL 2024.

IPL 2016: Mustafizur Rahman (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Mustafizur Rahman is IPL's only foreign Emerging Player so far. The Bangladeshi pacer was phenomenal for Sunrisers in 2016 and was a key contributor in their title-winning campaign. He picked up 17 wickets in the season and had one of the best economies (6.90 rpo) that year. He has contributed so much doesn't matter which team it is. He played in the IPL 2024 season with Chennai and impressed the fans once again.

Read Also: Most Wickets in IPL 2024: Harshal Patel wins the Purple Cap

IPL 2017: Basil Thampi (Gujarat Lions)

Kerala's Basil Thampi had a stellar season with Gujarat Lions in 2017. Gujarat Lions replaced one of the suspended franchises Rajasthan Royals (2016 and 2017). Thampi picked up 11 wickets in that season and the Lions played the playoffs. However, they couldn't win the title. Basil wasn't able to replicate those performances in the following seasons that's why he is without a team right now.

IPL 2018: Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals)

Rishabh Pant was the 2nd highest run scorer in IPL 2018 with 684 runs for the Delhi Capitals. He was amazing for DC that season and scored with a Strike Rate of 173.6. His best knock that year came against SRH when he scored a superb 128 off just 63 balls. The left-handed wicketkeeper batter has grown so much since then and is now the captain of Delhi. He has won them so many matches and also is a key player of the Indian squad in all three formats.

IPL 2019: Shubman Gill (Kolkata Knight Riders)

Shubman Gill won the award in 2019 after scoring 296 runs in 14 matches at an average of 32. He was excellent for the Knight Riders that season including three half-centuries. He is currently captaining Gujarat Titans and also won the Orange Cap in the 2023 season. Gill is also an important member of the Indian squad.

IPL 2020: Devdutt Padikkal (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Devdutt Padikkal was the highest run-getter for RCB in 2020. The left-handed batter scored 473 runs in 15 matches including five fifties. But, since then he has failed to replicate those performances. 

IPL 2021: Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings)

It didn't start well for Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2021. But the Chennai Super Kings batter made a brilliant comeback and scored 635 runs for his team that season including 4 fifties. Gaikwad was 24 that season and since then he has become a key part of Chennai's squad. He is also the captain of Chennai Super Kings. 

IPL 2022: Umran Malik (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Umran Malik caused a lot of distress among batters in IPL 2022 with his raw pace. The SRH pacer was excellent with 22 wickets for them that season and won the Emerging Player Award. He also got an India call-up after his IPL heroics but couldn't do the same there. He also had a poor 2023 campaign in the IPL and due to that, didn't get enough opportunities in the 2024 season.

IPL 2023: Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals)

Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 625 runs for Rajasthan Royals in the 2023 season. He was just 21 years old at that time. He scored five fifties and a superb hundred, which came against KKR. Jaiswal's brilliant batting took him to places in the last twelve months as he has made his place in the Indian Test team as well.

IPL 2024: Nitish Kumar Reddy (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was awarded the Emerging Player title for the 2024 IPL season. The 21-year-old Nitish scored 303 runs at an average of 33.67 and a strike rate of 142.92, playing a crucial role in the SRH middle order. The right-handed batter’s best inning with the bat came against Rajasthan Royals, where he scored 76 runs in 42 deliveries with the help of 8 sixes. He also picked up three wickets while contributing with the bat.

IPL 2025: Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans)

Sai Sudharsan brushed off competition from Priyansh Arya, Noor Ahmad, and other youngsters and walked away with the Emerging Player of the Season award. Sudharsan ended at the top of the run-getters chart with 759 runs, ahead of Suryakumar, Shubman Gill, Mitchell Marsh and Virat Kohli. He had an average of 54.21, with a strike rate of 156.17, a century and six fifties.

The 2025 IPL season has delivered a brutal reality check for Rishabh Pant. After being picked up by LSG for 27 crore, he turned out to be the most expensive flop of this season.

Can a player sustain an international career after such disappointing performance? Is Rishabh Pant's T20I career nearly over after a horrific IPL 2025?

Let's dive into the cold facts.

The disappointing IPL 2025 numbers 

Rishabh Pant was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants as the most expensive player in IPL history for ₹27 crore, which proved to be totally not worth it. He only managed to score 151 runs in 13 matches with an average of 13.73 and a strike rate barely crossing 107.

He is the lowest scorer among all the LSG batters in IPL 2025. Apart from batting performance, he also failed as a captain. The team only won 6 matches out of 13 and lost their playoffs berth under Pant's captaincy.

Pant's questionable descision-making, poor shot selections, and a complete lack of form did not justify the big price tag ahead in the auction.

Read Also: Expensive flops? Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer's IPL 2025 disappointments

Rishabh Pant stats in IPL 2025

• vs DC: 0 runs (6 balls)
• vs SRH: 15 runs (15 balls)
• vs PBKS: 2 runs (5 balls)
• vs MI: 2 runs (6 balls)
• vs KKR: 0 runs (0 balls)
• vs GT: 21 runs (18 balls)
• vs CSK: 63 runs (49 balls)
• vs RR: 3 runs (9 balls)
• vs DC: 0 runs (0 balls)
• vs MI: 4 runs (2 balls)
• vs PBKS: 18 runs (17 balls)
• vs SRH: 7 runs (6 balls)
• vs GT: 16* runs (6 balls)

The T20I context: India's current pool and future outlook

Rishabh Pant's position is now critically questionable as India's T20 squad selection prioritizes consistency in batting, high strike rates, and adaptable wicket-keeping.

The current pool of contenders are highly competitive and has the potential to outperform Pant.

Read Also: BCCI Central Contract 2025: Talking points from BCCI's contract announcement

The wicket-keeper batsman contenders

• KL Rahul: His current form in IPL 2025 is magnificent and he has consistently performed well for the team. Rahul's ability to anchor and accelerate has again brought him into T20I contention.
• Sanju Samson: Yet another prime contender with high experience and quality performance. He also holds the ability to blend well into the format.
• Dhruv Jurel: A promising young talent who also has the ability to make impactful finish for the team.
• Ishan Kishan: The pocket dynamo who started his IPL 2025 season with a phenomenal century, and gained his spot in BCCI's central contract (2025), is another strong contender.

Where Rishabh Pant fits (or doesn't fit):

Following the poor performance of Rishabh Pant, several known names have speculated about his mental state and his inability to deal pressure. The former Indian cricketer, Kris Srikkanth, also suggested that Pant should consider taking a break from his format.

Read Also: Most Player of the Match awards in T20I cricket history

The modern T20 format demands a lot of things that Pant is completely missing:

• Insufficient strike rate 
• Lack of clarity in shot-making
• Inability to convert build innings 
• Diminished reliability as wicketkeeper-batter
• No longer an unique left-handed power option 
• Difficulty handling run-rate pressure 

Pant is missing the "X-factor" that he once possessed. Therefore, unless his form significantly improves soon and makes a comeback, his T20 career is effectively over.

After a promising start, Lucknow Super Giants' 2025 IPL campaign started to sink, leaving slim chances for playoff qualification.

Find out what went wrong and everyone's answer to the ultimate question: Can LSG make it to the top 4 in IPL 2025?

LSG in IPL 2025 so far

LSG won 5 matches out of 11 played so far, with a poor net run rate of -0.469 and 10 points. They had a decent start to the tournament with players like Nicholas Pooran, Mitchell Marsh, Aiden Markram, Ravi Bishnoi and Digvesh Rathi stepping out for the team. 

They struggled to build momentum later on in the tournament, which led them to just 1 victory in their last 5 matches.

Read Also: IPL Facts: Lowest Total Defended in IPL

Performance breakdown:

• Position: 7th position in points table
• Matches played: 11 matches 
• Wins: 5 matches
• Losses: 6 matches
• Points: 10 points
• Net Run Rate (NRR): -0.469, which is the worst among the top seven teams

What exactly went wrong?

The following factors significantly disrupted LSG's gameplay, which resulted in their miserable position for the playoffs:

• Rishabh Pant's poor form: Captain Rishabh Pant is having a disappointing season with the bat, which has practically crushed the team's backbone. He managed to score only 128 runs in 11 innings with a strike rate below 100.
• Inconsistent top-order: The opening pair, despite having good individual performances, haven't consistently fired together.
• Middle-order Reliance: Players like Ayush Badoni and Abdul Samad have shown brilliance in some matches, but they weren't enough to carry the team forward after their regular collapse of top order.
• Bowling Inconsistencies: LSG's bowling attack has failed with their execution in matches, and was seen struggling to contain the batters in the death overs.
• Poor Fielding: They dropped catches at crucial times in the game, which cost them heavily. Additionally, the players could have saved more runs with more on-field efforts.

Read Also: Rishabh Pant in IPL 2025 so far

Playoff scenario and hopes for a miraculous comeback 

LSG currently has a huge burden of net run rate, which can have a damaging impact even if they win their 3 remaining matches in IPL 2025. They can reach a maximum of 16 points to end the group stage.

In IPL, ending with 16 points would promise a place in the top 4, but the scenario for LSG is different this year. Additionally, they will also need other factors to be in their favour.

Factors and mathematical possibilities

The chances are slim, but here's what they need to consider for qualification:

1. Last 3 hurdles: They have 3 remaining matches to play with RCB (9th May), GT (14th May), and SRH (18th May).
2. Wins required: LSG must win all three matches with huge margins to make their NRR better.
3. Reliance on other teams: They will need to depend on other teams to lose which will be beneficial for them in case of tie-breakers of same points. The team having a better NRR will eventually qualify.
4. Elimination Scenario: LSG will be eliminated from IPL 2025 playoff contention if they lose a single match. They will also lose their chances of being in the top-4 if rain washes away any of their matches.

Fans had high expectations from Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) captain and the most expensive player of this season, Rishabh Pant, in the IPL 2025. Pant, who was bought for Rs 27 crore, was expected to tear apart the opposition bowlers with his aggressive batting, but his performance so far has been extremely disappointing.

Let's take a look at the performance of Rishabh Pant in IPL 2025 so far.

Also Read: Expensive flops? Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer's IPL 2025 disappointments

Worst strike rate by anyone

More than half of the season has passed in IPL 2025 and Rishabh Pant's bat has remained completely silent. He has scored only 128 runs in 10 innings of 11 matches played so far, out of which 63 runs have come in a single innings. His batting average is only 12.80 and strike rate is also limited to 99.22. Which is the worst among players who played at least 10 innings.

Rishabh Pant in IPL 2025 (Previous 10 Innings)

• vs PBKS: 18 runs (17 balls)
• vs MI: 4 runs (2 balls)
• vs DC: 0 runs (2 balls)
• vs RR: 3 runs (9 balls)
• vs CSK: 63 runs (49 balls)
• vs GT: 21 runs (18 balls)
• vs KKR: 0 runs (0 balls)
• vs MI: 2 runs (6 balls)
• vs PBKS: 2 runs (5 balls)
• vs SRH: 15 runs (15 balls)

LSG under Rishabh Pant's captaincy

The performance of Rishabh Pant in IPL 2025 as captain has also not been up to expectations. Lucknow Super Giants have won only 5 out of 11 matches, and their net run rate is -0.469. The team is at the seventh position in the IPL 2025 points table with 10 points. The hopes of playoffs seem almost over.

LSG have lost 4 of their last 5 matches, and the one match they won was also by just 2 runs against Rajasthan Royals. In such a situation, the team's confidence seems to be continuously declining. A minimum of 16 points will be required to make it to the playoffs in IPL 2025. However, looking at the current situation, it seems that even 16 points will not be enough for the fourth position, and the net run rate (NRR) can play a decisive role.

Also Read: IPL Table toppers: IPL Playoffs teams from 2008 to 2024

If LSG wants to stay in the playoff race, they will have to win all three of their remaining matches, that too by a big margin, so that their net run rate can improve. Lucknow will play its last three matches against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) on May 9, Gujarat Titans (GT) on May 14 and Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) on May 18.

IPL 2025 has been a mixture of talents and unpredictable moments. The spotlight always falls on the players who are bought for a high price in the auction.

In 2025 IPL, the spotlight is on two big names that fans were expecting big things from. This article examines Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer's IPL 2025 disappointments that sparked heated discussions for being expensive flops.

Rishabh Pant's ₹27 crore letdown 

Rishabh Pant, who captained DC in the last season, was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants as the most expensive player in IPL history for ₹27 crore. He is having an extremely disappointing IPL season this year. He scored 110 runs in 10 matches so far, with an average of 12.22 and a strike rate below 100.

LSG has won 5 out of 10 matches, and Pant has gone out for a duck twice in those. Fans expected him to take greater responsibilities this year as a captain, considering the kind of quality batter he is. 

The franchise has managed to win matches with team efforts, but lacked the support from their skipper. Pant scored 63 in 49 balls against CSK but failed to be consistent in the following matches.

Questions have also been raised about his annual contract with BCCI, and we are yet to see a steady comeback after his massive flop. The weight of the price tag definitely appears to have become a heavy burden.

Pant's IPL 2025 batting figures:

• vs DC- 0(6)
• vs SRH- 15(15)
• vs PBKS- 2(5)
• vs MI- 2(6)
• vs CSK- 63(49)
• vs RR- 3(9)
• vs MI- 4(2)

Venkatesh Iyer's costly silence 

Venkatesh Iyer's 2025 season with Kolkata Knight Riders serves as another big example of expensive letdown. He has delivered consistent performance for the franchise in previous years and was a major pillar of contribution for the defending champions. 

KKR reacquired him with a huge ₹23.75 crore with the hopes of him proving to be their key player, but it was all a flop show. The team is currently not doing well in the points table, having 4 wins in 10 matches, and this is the crucial stage where they need him to step out.

Venkatesh scored 142 runs in 10 matches, with an average of 20.29, which makes the question stand strong: was the big price worth it?

IPL 2025 batting figures:

• vs RCB- 6(7)
• vs MI- 3(9)
• vs SRH- 60(29)
• vs LSG- 45(29)
• vs PBKS- 7(4)
• GT- 14(19)
• vs DC- 7(5)