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Can KL Rahul be the wicket-keeper batsman in Test cricket?

Can KL Rahul be the wicket-keeper batsman for India in Test Cricket? We give you every stats and reasons for you to decide it

Sep 4, 2021, 10:42 AM3 min read

We all know that Test Cricket is the best format of the game. Moreover, the hardest format in the game of cricket demands the highest quality and produces the toughest players. Also Wicket Keeping is one of the hardest job to do in the red ball format of the game. However, SportzPoint.com will discuss about Indian Batsman Kannaur Lokesh Rahul(known as KL Rahul). Can he became the wicket-keeper batsman for India in Test Cricket?

Also Read : Bowlers with best strike rates in Test Cricket

Rishabh Pant and Wriddhiman Saha in Test Cricket :

Wriddhiman Saha and Rishabh Pant | KL Rahul | SportzPoint.com
Wriddhiman Saha and Rishabh Pant
Image : sportskeeda.com

Read Also : Cricket records: Virat Kohli scores Fastest 23000 international runs

Indian Wicket-Keeper batsman, Rishabh Pant is currently playing as the wicket keeper batsman in the playing xi for India. On the other hand Wriddhiman Saha is there for as a replacement of Pant as a keeper batsman. But, Pant is not that level matured as a wicket keeper in the longest format till date. Although, he has batted well for India in both England and Australia. On the other side, Saha is a good keeper of this format but, he currently running out of form with the bat. Although, India is certainly in a big trouble with these two. So, that's why we are talking about KL Rahul as a permanent wicket-keeper batsman for India in Test cricket.

KL Rahul as a Wicket-Keeper batsman :

KL Rahul | SportzPoint.com
KL Rahul
Image : espncricinfo.com

Also Read : Most appearances in ICC Test team of the year

In test matches there is a need for a full time wicketkeeper. There might be time when you have to keep for 90 plus overs and at that time you will want to have a player as a wicketkeeper. KL Rahul has already keep wickets in the IPL(for Punjab Kings) and also in the limited overs game, in the absence of Pant. As we all know that KL Rahul currently playing so well at the opening spot. He certainly played back to back crucial knocks for India against England(happening currently) in both Trent Bridge and Lord's. Also he smashes a century at the Lord's and sealed his name at the Lord's honours boards. Although, Rahul has not played much as a wicket-keeper batsman in test cricket.

So, we have come with this question. Can Rahul became the wicket-keeper batsman that India wanted in the longest format of the game? Is there not any other options? And the answer is yes, there was a certain talk about KS Bharat. But, currently their is no hope about him in Internationals. Let's see KL Rahul's International stats.

Indian opener KL Rahul stats :

Format Matches Runs Average Highest Score
Tests 40 2297 35.34 199
ODIs 38 1509 48.68 112
T20Is 49 1557 39.92 110*
First Class 82 6155 46.27 337
List A 90 3519 45.11 131
KL Rahul stats

According to the stats KL Rahul is yet to prove his ability of keeping wickets at the International level. Though, he keep wickets already in ODIs and T20Is for India recently. However, he is yet to be tried as a wicket-keeper batsman in Tests. With his skills of wicketkeeping at the domestic level, where he keeps wicket often, it will be very tough not to try him as a wicket-keeper batsman in Test cricket.

N.B : The stats are accurate as of 04/09/2021.

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IPL Emerging Player Winners List From 2008 to 2025

Here is the list of the IPL Emerging Player Winners from the inaugural to the 18th edition of the competition.

Jun 4, 2025, 1:01 PM10 min read

IPL Emerging Player Winners List From 2008 to 2024

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)

Rohit Sharma was awarded the IPL Emerging Player of the season award in 2009
Rohit Sharma was awarded the IPL Emerging Player of the Season award in 2009 | Image: X

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
Sanju Samson won the award in 2013 | Image: BCCI

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 won the Emerging player award in the 2015 IPL season
Shreyas Iyer won the Emerging player award in the 2015 IPL season | Image: BCCI

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 scored scored 684 runs in the IPL 2018 season
Rishabh Pant scored 684 runs in the IPL 2018 season | Image: BCCI

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 Emerging Player of the Season award in the 2019 season
Shubman Gill won the Emerging Player of the Season award in the 2019 season | Image: BCCI

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)

Gaikwad won the Orange Cap and Emerging Player of the Season Award both in the IPL 2021 season
Gaikwad won the Orange Cap and Emerging Player of the Season Award both in the IPL 2021 season | Image: BCCI

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)

Yashaswi Jaiswal won the IPL 2023 Emerging Player of the Season Award
Yashaswi Jaiswal won the IPL 2023 Emerging Player of the Season Award | Image: BCCI

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)

IPL Emerging Player Winners List From 2008 to 2024

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.

Year Player Team
2008 Shreevats Goswami Royal Challengers Bangalore
2009 Rohit Sharma Deccan Chargers
2010 Saurabh Tiwary Mumbai Indians
2011 Iqbal Abdulla Kolkata Knight Riders
2012 Mandeep Singh Kings XI Punjab
2013 Sanju Samson Rajasthan Royals
2014 Axar Patel Kings XI Punjab
2015 Shreyas Iyer Delhi Daredevils
2016 Mustafizur Rahman Sunrisers Hyderabad
2017 Basil Thampi Gujarat Lions
2018 Rishabh Pant Delhi Capitals
2019 Shubman Gill Kolkata Knight Riders
2020 Devdutt Padikkal Royal Challengers Bangalore
2021 Ruturaj Gaikwad Chennai Super Kings
2022 Umran Malik Sunrisers Hyderabad
2023 Yashasvi Jaiswal Rajasthan Royals
2024 Nitish Kumar Reddy Sunrisers Hyderabad
2025 Sai Sudharsan  Gujarat Titans
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Orange Cap winners list in IPL since 2008

Sai Sudharsan won the Orange Cap after a stellar season for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. So, let's look at all the Orange Cap winners in IPL since 2008.

Orange Cap winners list in IPL since 2008

The player who scores the most runs in a single season of the IPL wins the Orange Cap award. This award has been given to the highest run-scorers since the first season of the Indian Premier League (2008). Cricketers must consistently play some brilliant innings and deliver match-winning performances in a season to win the Orange Cap.  So, let's look at all the Orange Cap winners in IPL since 2008.

Read Also: Rishabh Pant will serve a 1-match Ban and is fined for breaching a Code of Conduct

Orange Cap History:

  • Shaun Marsh (616 runs in 11 matches in 2008) was the first player to win the award.
  • The record for most runs in a single IPL season is held by Virat Kohli (973 runs in the 2016 edition).
  • David Warner has the record of winning the Orange Cap the most number of times (3).

Rules for Orange Cap:

  • The Orange Cap is awarded to the leading run-scorer of the IPL season.
  • The batsman who holds the Orange Cap during the season is allowed to wear it while in the field during the games, as long as he holds the top-scorer spot in the tournament.
  • In a season where two or more batsmen are tied on runs, the batsman with a better strike rate is awarded the Orange Cap.
  • In a season where an opposition batsman overtakes the tally of the current holder of the Orange Cap, the previous holder is allowed to wear the Cap until the end of that particular innings in which another batsman overtakes him.

Orange Cap winners list in IPL since 2008

2008 - Shaun Marsh

Shaun Marsh won the prestigious award in the inaugural IPL season
Shaun Marsh won the Orange Cap in the inaugural IPL season | Image: X

Shaun Marsh from Punjab Kings is the Orange Cap winner of the inaugural edition of the IPL. The Australian batsman started the IPL journey with a bang. He scored 616 runs in only 11 matches with an average of 68.4 and a strike rate of 139.68. His 616 runs include 1 century and 5 half-centuries.

2009 - Matthew Hayden

Orange Cap winners list: Matthew Hayden won the Orange Cap in the 2009 season
Matthew Hayden was the top run-scorer in the 2009 season | Image: X

The next Orange Cap winner is Matthew Hayden. Even after his international retirement from the Australian Cricket team in early 2009, he proved his worth in that season. He showed a spectacular performance and scored a total of 572 runs in 12 matches. In the 2nd edition of IPL, he played for Chennai Super Kings and scored 5 half-centuries with an average of 52 and a strike rate of 144.81.

2010 - Sachin Tendulkar

Sachin Tendulkar won the Orange Cap in the 2010 season
Sachin Tendulkar won the Orange Cap in the 2010 season | Image: IPL

The God of cricket, Sachin Tendulkar has also enlisted his name in this list of Orange Cap winners. In the 2010 IPL, the then captain of Mumbai Indians aggregated 618 runs including 5 half-centuries in 15 matches. He represented his team in the best way possible and took the team to the final as well but unfortunately, MI finished their journey as runners-up after losing against CSK in the finals. In the 3rd edition of IPL, he played in 15 matches with an average of 47.53 and a strike rate of 132.61

2011 - Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle
Chris Gayle won the 2011 Orange Cap | Image: Getty

What is a list of top T20 scorers without Chris Gayle? It is incomplete indeed. Chris Gayle is undoubtedly one of the best players in the T20 format and one of the greatest hitters in all the formats of cricket. In the 2011 IPL, he scored a massive 608 runs in only 12 matches. One of his most distinguished factors is his strike rate. He played with a strike rate of 183.13 which is the highest of any Orange Cap winners in the tournament. Also, his total runs include 2 centuries and 3 half-centuries with an average of 67.55.

2012 - Chris Gayle

Chris Gayle: Orange Cap winners list in IPL since 2008 | SportzPoint.com
Chris Gayle was the top run-scorer in the 2012 season | Image: Getty

In the very next year, Chris Gayle again created several storms on the field and became the top run-scorer in the IPL 2012 season. No one could ever dare to come in the way of his extreme rise in the T20 format. In the 4th edition of IPL, the Jamaican cricketer scored a massive 733 runs including 1 century and 7 half-centuries in 15 matches. He played with an average of 61.08 and a strike rate of 160.74.

Read Also: The IPL Effect: How the Tournament Transformed the Dynamics of T20 Cricket Worldwide

2013 - Michael Hussey 

Orange Cap winners list: Michael Hussey won the Orange Cap in the 2013 season
Michael Hussey won the Orange Cap in the 2013 season | Image: Getty

Michael Hussey, popularly known as Mr cricket has also made his name into this list with 733 runs in 17 matches. The Orange Cap winner of the 2013 IPL smashed 6 half-centuries with an average of 52.5 and a strike rate of 129.5. He made a huge contribution to CSK's entry into the finals. Unfortunately, MI won the title of the season.

2014 - Robin Uthappa

Orange Cap winners list: Robin Uthappa won the Orange Cap in the 2014 season
Robin Uthappa was the top run-scorer in the 2014 season | Image: X

One of the impactful players of IPL 2014 was Robin Uthappa. He played a key role in taking Kolkata Knight Riders into the finals and also winning their second title. Uthappa played in 16 matches and scored 660 runs including 5 half-centuries with an average of 44 and a strike rate of 137.78.

2015 - David Warner

Orange Cap winners list: David Warner won the Orange Cap in the 2015 season
David Warner won the Orange Cap in the 2015 season | Image: X

David Warner of Sunrisers Hyderabad was the Orange Cap winner of IPL 2015. The team played their debut match in 2013 and Warner made 2015 a good season for the team and the fans by scoring 562 runs in 14 matches. His total runs also include 7 half-centuries with an average of 43.23 and a strike rate of 156.54

2016 - Virat Kohli 

Orange Cap winners list: Virat Kohli won the Orange Cap in the 2016 season
Virat Kohli won the Orange Cap in the 2016 season | Image: Getty

A list of achievements by batsmen is incomplete without the King of Cricket Virat Kohli. The captain of Royal Challengers Bangalore is the highest run-scorer in a single edition of IPL. In 2016 IPL he smashed 4 centuries and 7 half-centuries to aggregate a total of 973 runs in 16 matches. In that season, he played with an average of 81.08 and a strike rate of 152.03. The 2016 IPL has been a good year for the team as they made it to the finals but unfortunately could not win the title.

2017 - David Warner

David Warner was the top run-scorer in the 2017 IPL season
David Warner was the top run-scorer in the 2017 IPL season | Image: SRH/X

Once again David Warner had a spectacular season in the marquee T20 league and became the Orange Cap winner of IPL 2017. The captain of the defending winning team smashed 641 runs including 1 century and 4 half-centuries in 14 matches. He played with an average of 58.27 and a strike rate of 141.81.

Read Also: ICC T20 World Cup 2024: Squads of Every Team

2018 - Kane Williamson

Kane Williamson: The Kiwi cricketer who scored 735 runs in 2020 IPL  | SportzPoint.com
Kane Williamson was the 2018 top run-scorer in the IPL | Image: Getty

IPL 2018 changed the T20 career of the New Zealand captain Kane Williamson. Before the season, he was not that appreciated as an impactful T20 player. But he utilized the opportunity and gave his best and proved his worth to everyone as a great batsman in all three formats. In 17 matches, he scored 735 runs including 8 half-centuries with an average of 52.5 and a strike rate of 142.44. The captain represented the team and took it to the final as well as won the Orange Cap.

2019 - David Warner

David Warner was the top run-scorer in the 2019 IPL season
David Warner was the top run-scorer in the 2019 IPL season | Image: Getty

The only cricketer to win the Orange Cap 3 times in IPL history is none other than David Warner. He achieved this milestone in IPL 2019 by scoring 692 runs in 12 matches. He smashed 1 century and 8 half-centuries to score a total of 692 runs with an average of 69.2 and a strike rate of 143.86. His impactful performances along with his opening partner Jonny Bairstow took the team to the playoffs in IPL 2019 but unfortunately, they did not win the title.

2020 - KL Rahul

Kl Rahul was the top run-scorer in the 2020 IPL season
Kl Rahul was the top run-scorer in the 2020 IPL season | Image: iplt20.com

The skipper of Punjab Kings, Kl Rahul won the 2019 Orange Cap. He and his teammates were unable to end the journey on a good note but the captain made sure to glorify the team's name and became the highest run-scorer of the season. In 14 matches he scored 670 runs with an average of 55.83 and a strike rate of 129.34. His whopping 670 runs also include 1 century and 5 half-centuries.

2021 - Ruturaj Gaikwad

Orange Cap winners list: Ruturaj Gaikwad won the Orange Cap in the 2021 season
Ruturaj Gaikwad won the Orange Cap in the 2021 season | Image: BCCI

Chennai Super Kings's present skipper Ruturaj Gaikwad won the IPL 2021 orange cao for his sensational batting. He scored 635 runs in 16 innings at an average of 45.35. He was one of the few reasons CSK won their fourth IPL title in 2021. Gaikwad struck 4 half-centuries and one century that season with a best score of 101 not out. 

2022 - Jos Buttler

Orange Cap winners list: Jos Buttler won the Orange Cap in the 2022 season
Jos Buttler was the top run-scorer in the 2022 season | Image: BCCI

Jos Buttler was just unbelievable in the IPL 2022 season. Rajasthan didn't win the title but Buttler won hearts. He struck 863 runs in 17 innings at an average of 57.53 with 4 centuries and as many as half-centuries. He also became the second batter after Virat Kohli to score 4 centuries in a single IPL season. Buttler also struck a whooping 45 sixes that season, the fourth highest by a player in a season of the Indian cash-rich league.

2023 - Shubman Gill

Orange Cap winners list: Shubman Gill won the Orange Cap in the 2023 season
Shubman Gill won the Orange Cap in the 2023 season | Image: iplt20.com

Gujarat Titans' present captain Shubman Gill had a season to remember in IPL 2023. He broke several records and won the prestigious Orange Cap. Gill finished as the leading run-scorer, amassing 890 runs in only 17 matches. He played big knocks in pivotal moments in the tournament to guide his side to back-to-back IPL finals. However, MS Dhoni’s Chennai Super Kings clinched their fifth IPL title by defeating GT in the final. Gill’s 890 runs came at an impressive average of 59.33 and a strike rate of 157.80 while scoring three centuries and four fifties.

2024 - Virat Kohli

Virat Kohli is leading the IPL 2024 Orange Cap race with 708 runs

The 2024 was a brilliant season for Virat Kohli with the bat and he finished at the top of the highest run-getter charts in the Indian Premier League. He couldn't take RCB to the Final but did his part with the bat. RCB qualified for the playoffs after making a stupendous comeback, winning all their last six group-stage matches and lots of credit goes to Kohli. But, they got knocked out of the tournament after losing to Rajasthan in the Eliminator. Virat scored 741 runs at a spectacular average of 61.75 and a great strike rate of 154.69 which includes five half-centuries and one century. He was by far the best batsman of the 2024 season and won his second-ever orange cap in the history of the competition.

2025 - Sai Sudharsan

Orange Cap winners list in IPL since 2008

Sai Sudharsan won the Orange Cap after a stellar season for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. It was the form of their top three that powered GT’s run to the playoffs this season and Sudharsan led the way in a lineup that included his captain Shubman Gill and an all-time T20 great in Jos Buttler. Sudharsan finished the season with 759 runs in 15 matches at an average of 54.21 and maintained a strike rate of 156.17. He scored six half-centuries and one century.

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ENG-A vs IND-A: Karun Nair makes solid return to India set up; scores unbeaten 186 on Day 1

Karun Nair headlined the day with a solid, unbeaten 186 with the bat for India A against England Lions, in the first unofficial test match. Sarfaraz Khan and Dhruv Jurel also scored fifties.

May 30, 2025, 6:27 PM2 min read

ENG-A vs IND-A: Karun Nair makes solid return to India set up; scores unbeaten 186 on Day 1 | sportzpoint.com

India A started their England tour on a great note with a solid Day 1 display against the England Lions in Canterbury. Karun Nair headlined the day with a solid, unbeaten 186 with the bat for India A.

England Lions captain James Rew won the toss and decided to bowl first on a greenish pitch at the St. Lawrence Ground. 

India A lost captain Abhimanyu Easwaran early on 8 while Yashasvi Jaiswal went back to the dressing room after adding 24. 

When it looked like that, Rew took the right decision of bowling first, Sarfaraz Khan and Karun Nair put up a 181-run partnership for the third wicket to give India A the advantage after Day 1’s play. 

Karun Nair, who last played a test match in 2017, continued his great form and completed his fifty in 85 balls. 

Soon, Sarfraz Khan, who was dropped from the test squad, completed his fifty in 84 balls as well. When both batters were looking to get to the hundred mark first, Sarfraz was caught down the leg side on 92 off 119 balls and missed his ton.

Nair, who was dropped on 89 off Ajeet Singh Dale, completed his 24th first-class ton off 155 balls.

Karun Nair completed his 24th first class ton for India A vs England Lions - sportzpoint.com

Post that, incoming batter Dhruv Jurel and Nair started smashing the bowlers and changed their gears. Nair reached the landmark of 150 in 205 balls while Jurel reached his fifty in just 68 balls.

At the end of Day 1 of the 4-day unofficial test match, Jurel remained unbeaten on 82 off 104 balls while Nair remained unbeaten on 186 from 246 balls, with India A finishing with 409/3. 

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Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History

Here is a list of the Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History. Punjab Kings are on the top as they chased 262 runs in IPL 2024.

May 28, 2025, 12:17 PM8 min read

Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has produced some of the most thrilling matches in cricket history, with some teams successfully chasing down mammoth targets to win games. Rajasthan Royals were the first team to chase down a 200-plus total when they scored 217/7 in 19.5 overs to overcome Deccan Chargers’ 214/5 in the IPL 2008. It was only the ninth match of the league. Over the course of the next 12 years, a lot of sides chased down totals over 200+, but none came anywhere close to scaling what RR achieved in 2008.

That record stood for a solid 12 years before the Royals eclipsed it again in IPL 2020 when they hunted down Kings XI Punjab’s 223/2 with 226/6. The mark stood for five years. Currently, Punjab Kings hold the record for the highest successful run chases in IPL history.

Here is a list of the Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History.

Read Also: Most Ducks in IPL

Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History

1. Punjab Kings vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2024) | 262 Runs

Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History

Punjab Kings hold the record for the highest successful run chases in IPL history. PBKS successfully chased down a target of 262 against Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens in IPL 2024. Tasked with chasing down a daunting target of 262 in front of a vociferous away crowd in Kolkata, PBKS had their task cut out for them. However, the Punjab team defied all odds.

Player of the Match Jonny Bairstow scored an unbeaten 48-ball 108, while Shashank scored an unbeaten 68 off 28 balls as Punjab pulled off the greatest run chase in IPL history.

In fact, Punjab Kings’ successful run chase against Kolkata Knight Riders is the only time a team has chased down a score of 250 or more in IPL history. It is also the highest successful run chase in T20 cricket as a whole.

2. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings (2025) | 246 Runs

Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History

Sunrisers Hyderabad are second on the list of highest successful run chases in IPL history and coincidentally, it came against Punjab Kings in IPL 2025. After PBKS posted 245/6 in the first innings, SRH chased down the target by reaching 247/2 in 18.3 overs with Abhishek Sharma playing a starring role with a 55-ball 141. Abhishek hit a 40-ball century, making it one of the fastest in IPL history.

Punjab started strong with an explosive opening stand from Prabhsimran Singh and young Priyansh Arya. The two added 66 runs in just 24 balls, giving the team a perfect start. After Prabhsimran fell for 42, captain Shreyas Iyer took charge, smashing a half-century in just 22 balls. Nehal Wadhera supported him well, and the Kings crossed 150 runs within 12 overs.

The strong foundation was capped off in style by Marcus Stoinis, who cleared the ropes four times in the closing overs, helping Punjab finish at 245, their highest total of the season so far and a testament to the batting unit’s depth and intent. But Sunrisers Hyderabad responded with a brilliant opening partnership between Abhishek Sharma and Travis Head. Their 171-run stand helped them chase down the target successfully.

3. Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Lucknow Super Giants (2025) | 228 Runs

Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History

Stand-in captain Jitesh Sharma's unbeaten 85 led RCB to chase down 228 runs against Lucknow Super Giants. After the win, they sealed a top-two finish in the very last league game of IPL 2025. This is also RCB's highest-ever successful chase in IPL history and they will now play in Qualifier 1 against Punjab Kings. Records galore for RCB don't stop there, as they have ended up winning all 7 away games in the regular season, which is just remarkable.

The chase saw significant contributions from Virat Kohli and Phil Salt in the powerplay, followed by Jitesh Sharma and Mayank Agarwal's unbeaten partnership. Agarwal scored 41 not out to support Sharma's match-winning innings.

Earlier, Lucknow Super Giants posted a formidable 227/3, powered by captain Rishabh Pant's spectacular 118.

4. Rajasthan Royals vs Punjab Kings (2020) | 224 Runs

Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History

A collective effort by Sanju Samson, Steve Smith, and Rahul Tewatia led the Rajasthan Royals to chase down a target of 224 runs against Punjab Kings in 2020, the highest successful run chase in IPL history. Samson was the top-scorer with an explosive 85 off just 42 deliveries but Rahul Tewatia became the centre of attraction because of his massive 7 sixes in the important moment. He smashed 5 sixes in an over against Sheldon Cottrell which changed the whole game.

5. Rajasthan Royals vs Kolkata Knight Riders (2024) | 224 Runs

Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History

Rajasthan Royals equalled the highest successful run chase in the IPL recorded by them in 2020, when they beat Kolkata Knight Riders at the Eden Gardens. In a battle for the position at the top of the IPL 2024 standings, KKR managed 223/6 on the back of Sunil Narine’s maiden T20 century. For the Royals, Avesh Khan and Kuldeep Sen took two wickets each. 

In the run chase, Jos Buttler stood tall with an unbeaten 107 off just 60 balls, steering his team over the line on the last ball. The Royals were on the backfoot at 121/6 in the 13th over. But a cameo from Rovman Powell and some late power-hitting from Buttler got the Royals home.

Interestingly, Punjab Kings surpassed this record 10 days later against the same opponent at the same venue, when they successfully chased 262.

6. Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings (2021) | 219 Runs

Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History

Mumbai Indians pulled off a stunning 4-wicket victory over their arch-rivals Chennai Super Kings in a match in 2021. Ambati Raydu & Faf du Plessis played blistering innings to put up that mammoth total at Delhi.

Chasing down the target of 219 runs, Mi didn't have a good start. Kieron Pollard's unbeaten 87 from 34 balls, including 6 boundaries and 8 sixes, played the most pivotal role in securing the win. He was also the best bowler for Mumbai in that match. Pollard conceded only 12 runs in his 2 overs and scalped 2 huge wickets.

7. Rajasthan Royals vs Deccan Chargers (2008) | 215 Runs

Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History

In the inaugural IPL edition, Rajasthan Royals chased a massive target of 215 runs against Deccan Chargers. Andrew Symonds' explosive 117 runs in just 53 deliveries helped Deccan Chargers to put up a huge total of 214 runs.

While Chasing, Graeme Smith and Yusuf Pathan laid the foundation with a 98-run partnership. The explosive knocks from Mohammad Kaif and Shane Warne at the end took Rajasthan to achieve victory.

Read Also: 5 batters with the most runs in IPL playoffs history

8. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Rajasthan Royals (2023) | 215 Runs

Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History

Sunrisers Hyderabad stunned Rajasthan Royals at their home to clinch a high-scoring last-ball IPL thriller. Leveraging on a crucial last-ball no-ball from Sandeep Sharma, Sunrisers snatched the cliffhanger to register for their fourth win of the season. With 17 needed off the final over and 4 needed off the final ball, power-hitter Abdul Samad smashed a six off the last ball to help Sunrisers register a memorable win.

The foundation of the chase was laid by top-order batters Abhishek Sharma (55) and Rahul Tripathi (47) but it was the Glenn Phillips 7-ball 25 cameo that turned the game on its head and reignited the chase.

9. Mumbai Indians vs Punjab Kings (2023) | 215 Runs

Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History

Ishan Kishan and Suryakumar Kumar produced a superb effort with the bat as Mumbai Indians completed a gigantic 215-run chase against Punjab Kings and won the match by six wickets in Mohali on Wednesday. The pair added 116 runs for the third wicket after Mumbai were 54/2 in the powerplay.

Ishan Kishan scored 75 in 41 balls. Tilak Varma and Tim David joined the chase and wrapped the contest in 18.5 overs with no issues.

10. Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Punjab Kings (2024) | 215 Runs

Highest Successful Run Chases in IPL History

Brushing aside the first-ball dismissal of the explosive Travis Head, his opening partner Abhishek Sharma showcased an amazing range of stroke-play to ensure Sunrisers Hyderabad finished off its league engagements in the IPL in style with a four-wicket win over Punjab Kings.

Chasing a target of 215, Sunrisers batting depth came to the fore as first Rahul Tripathi set the tone before Abhishek served another reminder of his growing stature as a future India star. The way he stood up and swung Rishi Dhawan and later carted spinner Harpreet Brar for two huge sixes was truly symbolic of his authority, class and timing against pace and spin alike.

Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klaasen came up with superbly-paced knocks to help the team’s cause on yet another perfect batting strip here.

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Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed

From the Abhishek-Digvesh altercation to other key heated exchanges, uncover every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed. Get the full recap of the season's drama.

May 27, 2025, 6:50 AM8 min read

Heated moments of IPL 2025 that you missed | sportzpoint.com

IPL 2025 got an additional layer of drama to the tournament with all the heated moments that took place. Some were just mere arguments, while some broke the internet with their intensity.

From arguments to fiery debates or controversial flashpoints, uncover every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed. You can also watch the YouTube video for the list. 

Anyways, if you like to read, here is the list. 

1. Abhishek Sharma & Digvesh Rathi (SRH vs LSG)

Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed | sportzpoint.com
Digvesh Rathi and Abhishek Sharma during their heated exchange in a match between SRH & LSG. Image | Instagram

IPL 2025 saw a fiery clash between the SRH opener, Abhishek Sharma, and LSG spinner, Digvesh Rathi. The point arrived in the eighth over of SRH's chase, when Abhishek got dismissed by Rathi, after an explosive knock of 59 runs (20 balls).

The moment occurred when Digvesh, who is known for his exclusive 'notebook' celebration, continued with the same after the dismissal. This gesture provoked Sharma, who was walking back to the dugout, and turned around with an angry reaction to it.

The entire team and the Umpires had to intervene to stop the verbal exchange between them. Both players were fined, with Rathi receiving a suspension.

Post-match Handshake

Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed | sportzpoint.com
Rathi and Sharma talking it out during post-match scenes. Image | Instagram

During the post-match handshake, Sharma and Rathi were seen having a conversation and shaking hands, displaying true sportsmanship.

Read Also: Best Celebrations of IPL 2025 so far: From Abhishek's papercut to Hasaranga's Pushpa move

2. Hardik Pandya & Sai Kishore (MI vs GT)

Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed | sportzpoint.com
Sai Kishore and Hardik Pandya during a heated exchange in a match between MI and GT. Image | TOI

A heated exchange occurred between the former teammates, Hardik Pandya and Sai Kishore, during a match between MI and GT. This was during the second innings when MI had to chase down a huge total set by GT.

After a dot ball, Sai Kishore gave Pandya and intense stare to build pressure, while Pandya did not back down and returned the glare with the same intensity. Pandya was also seen saying "f*** off" in response.

Umpires quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation. Kishore answered in a post-match interview saying "Inside the field it should be like that, but we don't take things personally."

Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed | sportzpoint.com
Kishore and Pandya hugging it out during the post match scenes. Image | Twitter

Both players hugged it out during the post-match handshakes, clearing out all the ongoing heat and confusion.

Read Also: Most times defending 200+ totals in IPL history

3. Jasprit Bumrah & Karun Nair (MI vs DC)

Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed | sportzpoint.com
Jasprit Bumrah and Karun Nair during a heated exchange during a match between MI and DC. Image | NDTV

A rare sight of Jasprit Bumrah being agitated was seen during a match between MI and DC in IPL 2025. It occurred when Karun Nair was having a phenomenal time with the bat for DC and smashed Bumrah for 18 runs in a single over.

The argument began when Nair collided with Bumrah while completing a second run between the wickets. He instantly apologised, but Bumrah was visibly angry and exchanged heated words.

Post-match Handshake

Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed | sportzpoint.com
Nair and Bumrah clearing the air during post-match scenes. Image | Twitter

Fans were pleased to see both players sorting things out during the post-match handshake. The official page of Delhi Capitals also posted the moment captured on camera, captioning "Sab theek hai bhai."

4. Virat Kohli & KL Rahul (RCB vs DC)

Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed | sportzpoint.com
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul during a heated exchange in a match between RCB and DC. Image | Instagram

While the friendly banter about KL Rahul's "Kantara" style celebration went viral, a sight of clear heated conversation was also seen in the match between RCB and DC. 

This happened in the first innings, when Virat Kohli was batting and Rahul was keeping behind the stumps. The exact words still remain unclear, but Kohli seemed frustrated with DC for delaying while setting up the field during the overs.

Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed | sportzpoint.com
Rahul and Kohli hugging it out at the end of the match between RCB and DC. Image | NDTV

DC secured a win against RCB in their first encounter where the heated exchange took place. KL Rahul, who was brilliant with the bat, was seen carrying out a "This is my ground" celebration.

However, things got better after both teams met for the second time, where Kohli mimicked Rahul's celebration after defeating DC, and both of them shared a good laugh.

5. Glenn Maxwell & Travis Head (PBKS vs SRH)

Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed | sportzpoint.com
Marcus Stoinis stepping in to confront Travis Head for a heated exchange with Glenn Maxwell. Image | BBC

IPL 2025 saw a surprising clash between the Aussie teammates, Travis Head (SRH) and Glenn Maxwell. The incident took place during SRH's massive run-chase, when Head smashed Maxwell for two consecutive sixes.

It was followed by a dot ball in that over, when Maxwell aggressively threw the ball back towards Head. Both teammates reacted sharply after that incident, increasing the tension between them.

Their fellow Aussie teammate, Marcus Stoinis, stepped in with a disappointed look, along with the Umpires, to intervene and resolve the matter.

Watch the clip on: reddit.com

6. Shubman Gill & Umpires (GT vs SRH)

Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed | sportzpoint.com
Shubham Gill lashing out on Umpires during GT vs SRH match in IPL 2025. Image | News18

Shubman Gill was at the centre of two heated moments involving umpires in IPL 2025.

The first one occurred when Gill (batting on 76) was given out via a controversial run-out decision. He was furious to be sent back, while the footage was unclear whether SRH's wicket-keeper, Klassen, had dislodged the bails with the ball or his gloves.

Things escalated in the second innings when captain Gill openly disagreed with an LBW decision for the SRH batter Abhishek Sharma, which went against his team. 

Read Also: Highest individual scores by players in IPL playoffs

7. Virat Kohli & CSK Pacers (RCB vs CSK)

Every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed | sportzpoint.com
Virat Kohli giving out an intense stare during Khaleel Ahmed's over in a match between RCB and CSK. Image | NDTV

This incident ignited when CSK's pacer, Khaleel Ahmed, bowled a sharp bouncer to Virat Kohli, and then followed through intensely with a stare. Khaleel got closer to him, while Kohli seemed to maintain the eye-contact and take this as a low-key disrespect.

The drama followed during the post-match handshakes where Kohli had a chat with Khaleel, tauntingly saying "ab tu aa," referring to their second encounter. As a result, Kohli smashed 3 sixes in Khaleel's over, when the teams met for the second time in IPL 2025. 

Additionally, Kohli also had an instance with CSK's Matheesha Pathirana, where he was hit on the helmet by a bouncer. Kohli immediately responded with a six and a four, while giving back a look.

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