David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban lifted after 6 years: eligible to captain Sydney Thunder
On Friday, Cricket Australia (CA) officially announced that David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban has been lifted. Thus, Warner can captain his side in the Big Bash League, which is Sydney Thunder.
On Friday, Cricket Australia (CA) officially announced that David Warner’s lifetime leadership ban has been lifted. Thus, Warner can captain his side in the Big Bash League, which is SydneyThunder.
The 37-year-old David Warner received this after 6 years of his exile. The decision was made after a thorough review by an independent three-member panel.
Why was David Warner banned?
In 2018, Warner was involved in the Sandpaper scandal known as “Sandpaper Gate,” during the third test against South Africa at Cape Town. CameronBancroft, who actively participated in the scandal, and Steve Smith, under whose leadership it happened, were the two names involved.
Warner, who was the vice-captain of the Australian team at the time, was alleged to be the main instigator behind the scandal. As a result, he received a one-year suspension from playing cricket, and a lifetime ban from leadership.
The then-captain, Steve Smith, received a 12-month leadership ban, while Cameron Bancroft was suspended for nine months for his direct involvement in tampering with the ball.
Warner's lifetime leadership lifted as he followed all the restriction
Earlier this month, Warner appealed to the independent review panel. He not only presented his case but also presented references from the present Australian captain Pat Cummins, coach AndrewMcDonald, and his former IPL teammate KaneWilliamson.
The panel unanimously found Warner to have fulfilled all the criteria required for the ban to be lifted. The panel noted Warner’s "respectful and contrite tone" and acknowledged his “genuineremorse” for his actions.
"David Warner's conduct and behavior since the imposition of the sanction have been exemplary," the panel said, highlighting his substantial personal growth.
They were also confident that Warner would not further engage in similar conflicts in his remaining career. Not only that, the panel has highlighted his sportsmanship and that he no longer involves himself in sledging or provoking his opponents.
Cricket Australia’s Statement and Future Prospects
Nick Hockley, CEO of Cricket Australia, expressed satisfaction after Warner's lifetime captaincy ban has been lifted.
"We updated the Code of Conduct to ensure a fair and rigorous process for reviewing long-term sanctions," Hockley said. "David has shown immense growth, and we are pleased he is now eligible to assume leadership positions again."
With Warner's lifetime ban being lifted, he is all set to captain Sydney Thunder in the upcoming BBL season. Despite retiring from international cricket in 2024, Warner’s renewed eligibility for leadership roles opens up new opportunities for him in domestic competitions.
Bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah, Pat Cummins, and more, have dominated the WTC 2023-25 cycle. Discover the highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25 and get their stats and best bowling figures.
As the ICC World Test Championship 2023-2025 is getting closer to the grand final, it is now time to look back at the bowlers with standout performances. They have constantly troubled batsmen which led to their team's success.
Who do you think are the ones with most wickets? Take a look at the highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25.
Jasprit Bumrah | India
Jasprit Bumrah in the World Test Championship 2023-2025. Image | Instagram
Jasprit Bumrah had a remarkable campaign in WTC 2023-25 cycle and has taken the most number of wickets. He took 77 wickets in 15 matches, with an average of 15.09.
Bumrah recorded five 5-wicket hauls in the cycle and also had his best bowling figure of 6/45 in an innings against England.
Pat Cummins in the World Test Championship 2023-2025. Image | BBC
The Australian skipper, Pat Cummins, has done wonders with the ball, by taking 73 wickets in 17 matches. He is the leading wicket taker for Australia and can also be on top by showcasing his wicket-taking skills in the WTC final against South Africa.
His best bowling performance in the tournament was a 6-wicket haul for 91 runs.
Mitchell Starc in the World Test Championship 2023-2025. Image | Instagram
Yet another Australian legend to feature in this list, who is just behind Cummins by one wicket. This fiery left-arm pacer have always been a key bowling of their team. He took 72 wickets in 18 matches total.
Mitchell Starc's best bowling figure in WTC 2023-25 includes a 6-wicket haul for 48 runs.
Mitchell Starc stats in WTC 2023-2025
Span
Matches
Innings
Balls
Overs
Maidens
Runs
Wickets
BBI
Avg
Economy
SR
2023-2025
18
35
3062
510.2
77
1964
72
6/48
27.27
3.84
42.52
Other players with 60+ wickets in WTC 2023-25
Seems like the Aussies and Indians have purely dominated the bowling sides and got most wickets up their sleeves.
Cricket, a sport loved by millions around the world, has witnessed the rise of several legendary players. In the modern era, four exceptional batsmen have stood out with their consistent brilliance, earning them the title of the “Fab Four players.” Their performances are often compared under the widely discussed Fab four Stats.
Virat Kohli recently announced his retirement from Test cricket earlier today (May 12) with a post on his official Instagram handle. He ended his 14-year illustrious career in the format.
In this article, we will take a closer look at their remarkable careers, comparing their updated statistics and achievements to understand what makes them the finest batsmen of the modern era in Test cricket.
So, let's take a look at the statistics of the Fav Four in Test cricket.
Fav four in Test cricket | Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith
Test cricket, often considered the ultimate test of a player’s skill and temperament, has seen these four players shine brightly. Here’s how they stack up in the longest format.
Virat Kohli's peak in Test cricket arrived well before the likes of Joe Root and Kane Williamson. Steve Smith matched him toe to toe during that period, but the 12-month ban due to the sandpaper gate overshadowed his brilliance in the format.
However, when we compare the numbers of Fab four in 2025, Kohli has fallen way behind his contemporaries. Root is at the peak of his powers in Test cricket in the last five years while Williamson has never really been out of form in the whites.
Smith has been on and off over the last couple of years, but his form has never been a concern for Australia in Tests. When it comes to runs, averages and centuries, Kohli ranks last among Fab four and a lot of it has to do with his downfall in the format since November 2019.
Fav four in Test cricket | How Kohli finished in Tests compared to Fab four
It is certain that Virat Kohli, who was once untouchable in the debate of Fab Four, will remain at the bottom forever when compared to his contemporaries. Only if his form hadn't dropped after November 2019, the 36-year-old, today, has stepped down from the format with some unreal numbers.
If anyone has followed cricket casually over the last decade, they're likely familiar with four key names: former Indian captain Virat Kohli, batting genius Steve Smith, English great Joe Root, and New Zealand's all-time leading run-scorer Kane Williamson.
They together are known as the 'Fab Four' in the modern era of cricket.
Each of them has set new benchmarks for performance, continually pushing one another to enhance their skills. These four batsmen have not only dominated the world of cricket but have also met the expectations of their respective nations.
In this article, we will examine the statistics of the Fab Four across all formats.
Fav Four in cricket: How many runs & centuries have they scored in International Cricket?
Virat Kohli has been the most prolific all-format batter among the fav-four. Kohli, till now in his 550 international games, has scored 27,599 runs with an outstanding average of 52.27. His record of 82 international centuries is only second to Sachin Tendulkar's 100 international centuries.
Joe Root comes in second among them with 20,724 runs so far for England across formats. However, undoubtedly, he has been the best test batter of his generation with 12972 test runs, which sets him as the highest test run scorer for England. Root has also scored 53 international hundreds, of which 36 came in tests only.
Kane Williamson, New Zealand's highest runscorer in international cricket, comes at number three in terms of international runs among the fav four. The former Kiwi leader has scored 19,086 runs so far in his career at an average of 48.56. Kane is now only two short of reaching 50 international hundreds.
Aussie great Steven Smith comes at four with 17,165 runs at an average of 47.81. A late bloomer with the bat, Smith has been outstanding for Australia in tests and ODIs. Along with Root, Smith has also been one of the greatest test batters of this generation.
Here is a comparison of international stats of the fav four.
Yashasvi Jaiswal's breathtaking 13-ball half century stands strong at the top of the table. Get ready to be thrilled as we dive into the top 10 fastest fifties in IPL history.
Some IPL innings leave you speechless. The talented players in this tournament have taken the stage to another level with their explosive batting over the years.
Check out the entire article to know some names that will definitely shock you.
10. Suresh Raina (2014) | 16 balls
Suresh Raina during his half-century knock off 16 balls against Punjab. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Suresh Raina is one of the players to score the fastest half-century in the early seasons of IPL. He took only 16 balls to reach his fifty, making it look super easy for the fans.
Raina was the opening batter for CSK and scored this in a match against PBKS in IPL 2024. The endless boundaries that came off his bat in this inning is hard to forget!
Jake Fraser-McGurk celebrating his 15-balls half century against SRH in IPL 2024. Image | NDTV
Jake Fraser-McGurk, who played for Delhi Capitals in IPL 2024, stunned the spectators with his back-to-back fastest fifties in 2 matches. He scored both the fifties off 15 balls which is quite astonishing as it was his debut season.
McGurk’s consecutive fifties secured both the 9th and 8th position in top 10 fastest fifties in IPL history.
He proved to be highly impactful for DC and these half centuries against MI and SRH made him more impressive. Moreover, he smashed 330 runs in 9 matches with a strike rate above 200.
Nicholas Pooran's iconic celebration after his fastest half century against RCB in IPL 2023. Image | BBC
The West Indies power-hitter, Nicholas Pooran, put up a shower of boundaries during his fastest fifty of IPL career from just 15 balls. He scored 62 runs (off 19 balls) in his knock, hitting 7 sixes and 4 fours.
Pooran had a strike rate of 326.32 which says a lot about the kind of mindset and form he was in during the match of LSG vs RCB.
6. Sunil Narine (2017) | 15 balls
Sunil Narine celebrates his fastest fifty against RCB in IPL 2017. Image | Hindustan Times
This superstar from the West Indies has never failed to amaze us, be it with the ball or bat. Sunil Narine showcased his exceptional batting skills with this 15-ball half century in IPL 2017.
Narine has played several crucial knocks for KKR in the history of IPL, but with this one, he proved how he is equally capable with the bat and can do wonders.
5. Yusuf Pathan (2014) | 15 balls
Yusuf Pathan after his fastest fifty off 15 balls against SRH. Image | Ani News
Yusuf Pathan scored a sensational fifty against SRH off 15 balls in IPL 2014. He single-handedly took the game home for KKR with his 72 runs off just 22 balls in this inning, with a strike rate above 300.
It shows that KKR indeed had some fearless power-hitters in their team throughout IPL history.
Romario Shepherd hitting the ball hard for a six during the match of RCB vs CSK in IPL 2025. Image | OneCricket
Romario Shepherd became the only batter in IPL 2025 to score a fifty so fast that could make its way to the top 10 fastest fifties in IPL. He helped RCB reach a 200+ total during the first inning against CSK, which was enough to be a defendable total.
Shepherd hit 6 sixes and 4 fours to score 53* off 14 balls. He was also given player of the match award for his spectacular knock.
3. Pat Cummins (2022) | 14 balls
Pat Cummins celebrating his fastest 50 off 14 balls for KKR in IPL 2022. Image | Pinterest
Here comes a surprising half-century from the Australian all-rounder, Pat Cummins, who scored 50 off 14 balls for KKR in IPL 2022. He helped to seal the victory for his team against MI by 5 wickets (24 balls left).
Cummins unveiled his boundary-hitting capabilities with 4 fours and 6 sixes, leaving the fans shocked. It is considered to be one of the finest knocks in IPL where he truly showcased his batting skills when needed.
2. KL Rahul (2018) | 14 balls
KL Rahul celebrates his heroic fifty in just 14 balls against DC. Image | Instagram
KL Rahul, who is now known for his calm and composed batting style, holds the second position in the list of top 10 fastest fifties in IPL history. Quite shocking, isn't it?
This was back in IPL 2018 when Rahul showed no mercy to the bowlers of Delhi Capitals with his magnificent fifty off just 14 balls.
He was the opening batter of PBKS, who kept the fans on the edge of their seats from the beginning of the inning.
Yashasvi Jaiswal during his record-breaking fastest fifty in the history of IPL. Image | Pinterest
An all-time shocker of an innings from Yashasvi Jaiswal, which remains unmatched till date! He scored fifty off 13 balls, making it the fastest half-century in IPL history.
Jaiswal scored a total of 98 runs (from 47 balls) in this match against KKR and led Rajasthan Royals to victory. He hit the ball out of the boundary line in every direction possible, and was barely seen running between the wickets.
This performance goes down the history of unbelievable knocks in IPL.
IPL records - Batters with most 500+ runs seasons: Kohli breaks Warner's records
With his fourth consecutive fifty in the IPL 2025 in the RCB vs CSK match, Virat Kohli has now gone past 500 runs for 8th time in his career. Here are the players to have the IPL records of the most 500+ runs seasons.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a stage for batting brilliance, with a select group of players consistently amassing over 500 runs in multiple seasons. With this fourth consecutive fifty of the IPL 2025, Virat Kohli now leads the pack, followed by David Warner, KL Rahul, and Shikhar Dhawan.
Here are all the batters having the IPL records of having the most 500+ runs season in IPL.
4. Shikhar Dhawan: 5 Seasons
Shikhar Dhawan, the former Indian cricketer with five 500+ run seasons, has been a reliable run-getter for multiple franchises, notably Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Known for his crisp cover drives and steady starts, Dhawan’s 618 runs in 2019 reflect his ability to deliver under pressure.
Dhawan first crossed 500 runs in the 2102 season, playing for Delhi Capitals. That season, he scored 569 runs at a 40.64 batting average. Four seasons later, in 2016, Dhawan scored 501 runs while playing for SRH.
He then crossed the 500-run mark in three consecutive seasons in 2019, 2020 and 2021. All fo those runs came for Delhi Captials.
KL Rahul has notched up 500+ runs in six IPL seasons, showcasing elegance and consistency for his teams. Be it at the top of the order or in the middle overs, KL Rahul has always shown versatility to score at his will for his team.
His 670-run haul in 2020 underlines his prowess as a modern T20 great. From 2018 to 2022, Rahul went past the 500-run mark in five consecutive seasons. The first four seasons were for Punjab Kings while the 2022 season was while playing for LSG.
Rahul's last 500+ run season was in 2024, while playing for LSG. With already 371 runs this season, it looks like he will go past the 500-mark this season as well.
David Warner, with seven 500+ run seasons, is one of the greatest batters in IPL history. The former Australian opener’s aggressive style and knack for big scores have been pivotal for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals in the past.
Warner’s three Orange Cap titles highlight his consistency, with his 2016 season (848 runs) being a standout.
From 2014 to 2020, he scored 500+ runs in six seasons, with only 2018 being a miss, when he did not play. In the 2023 season, he managed his 7th 500+ runs season with 516 runs for Delhi Capitals.
1. Virat Kohli: 8 Seasons
Like many other IPL records, Virat Kohli now also holds the record for the most 500+ runs season. He has now scored 500+ runs on 8 occasions, going past David Warner's record.
Kohli scored more than 500 runs in 2011 (557 runs), 2013 (634 runs), 2015 (505 runs), 2016 (973 runs), 2018 (530 runs), 2023 (639 runs), 2024 (741 runs) and 2025 (505 runs and counting).
Kohli's record 973 runs in the 2016 season is still the most runs scored in an IPL season.
Follow Us
/sportzpoint/media/media_files/2024/10/25/tCmGfaWVr61Wj5rJvfnM.jpeg)
/sportzpoint/media/media_files/2024/10/25/p3o017cGFoxQIj7tzO2v.webp)
