India's star batter Virat Kohli has been in controversies over the past few weeks in the 2023 Indian Premier League. Last month, everyone noticed a no-handshake between Kohli and former BCCI President Sourav Ganguly, which created a furor on social media. The two did meet warmly on RCB's return leg to Delhi Capitals last week but his conversations with Gautam Gambhir& tussle with Naveen-ul-Haq after RCB's game against Lucknow Super Giants continued to draw opinions on Twitter.
The tussle between Virat Kohli and Naveen-ul-Haq is still on
Kohli initially had a spat with LSG's Afghanistan bowler Naveen-ul-Haq during the match. After the game, Naveen and Kohli had a full-blown argument following which Naveen pushed the RCB star's hand. Kohli, then, had a spat with Gambhir, who is the mentor for the Super Giants. And it seemed the argument wasn't confined to the field. On Tuesday, Naveen-ul-Haq posted a couple of cryptic Instagram stories that fans deduced to be a dig at Kohli. He posted right after Kohli's dismissal. The Afghanistan bowler also posted one of the stories when MI required 8 runs to win in the 17th over.
It looks like Virat Kohli has also come up with a response through the same medium. Kohli shared a video of American Actor and Comedian Kevin Hart, who spoke on "grudges" and moving on from "negativity."
"No matter how much emotions and feeling you have, or how much hurt you have, life has to go on. Life doesn't stop for anybody. So if you don't process that, and understand you're stuck in whatever time period it is, you are hurt forever. Grudges, anger, negativityโฆ I don't have time for it. Because I'm living so many positive things. I can't stand in the past, and bathe in what was wrong," Hart could be heard saying in the video.
Virat Kohli Latest Instagram Story ๐ฐ Words๐ Bodied Haters, King for reasons๐ฅ pic.twitter.com/4EmdhZmkqF
With the IPL 2025 playoffs just around the corner, the tension is reaching its peak. Over the years, the Indian Premier League has given fans plenty of memorable moments full of surprises at the fag end of the group stage. Generally, the fans have to wait till the last over of the group stage to know who will qualify for the IPL Playoffs.
Sometimes, it even goes to the final ball as well, to decide the fourth team to qualify.
From teams that regularly reach the playoffs to underdogs whoโve shocked everyone, the path to the final four has always been full of drama.
Let's take a look at the IPL Playoffs teams from 2008 to 2025.
Which team has qualified for IPL playoffs most times?
Which team has qualified for IPL playoffs most times? Find out the ultimate answer to this major question and get the name of your favourite franchise among the pack of strong contenders.
Achieving consistent playoffs mark is a big flex for IPL franchises. Some teams have made their way to the playoffs so many times that now it feels weird when they don't qualify.
We are very close to the playoffs of IPL 2025, and some teams have already booked their berth, adding a number to their playoff appearance.
So which team has qualified for IPL playoffs most times? It is time to find out.
Chennai Super Kings (12 times)
CSK lifting the trophy after being the champions of IPL 2023. Image | Instagram
Chennai Super Kings stands as the IPL playoffs King, having qualified 12 times in their 16 seasons. This unmatched legacy grows even stronger with their title winning history.
CSK also holds the record of reaching the IPL finals most number of times (10 times), and winning 5 out of them, in the years 2010, 2011, 2018, 2021, and 2023.
Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
Royal Challengers Bengaluru reached the 10-time playoff qualification mark in IPL 2025. They were among the first three teams to qualify for the playoff this season, which made it their 10th qualification.
This side is yet to grab the title despite having qualified several times. It will be interesting to see if they can achieve that in this season itself.
Mumbai Indians lifting the IPL trophy in 2019. Image | Instagram
Mumbai Indians are another IPL powerhouse with exceptional playoffs record. They qualified for IPL playoffs 10 times and are also the five-time champions.
Their current position in IPL 2025 points table look pretty steady, and a win against DC would secure their spot in the playoffs, which obviously increases their count.
Can they make it to the playoffs for the 11th time? We will know soon.
Every IPL season delivers its share of moments, but some stay in our minds longer. Remarkable sportsmanship, brilliant athleticism, and performances under pressure is what truly defined the season.
Get ready to dive into those bittersweet moments that IPL 2025 brought to us. From KL Rahul's "This is my ground" to Suryavanshi touching Dhoni's feet. Here are 10 best moments of IPL 2025.
1. Suryavanshi touching Dhoni's feet
Vaibhav Suryavanshi touching MS Dhoni's feet after their last match of IPL 2025. Image | Hindustan Times
A recent heartfelt moment occurred after the end of RR vs CSK's match that many will remember. The 14-year-old star, Vaibhav Suryavanshi approached MS Dhoni, and bent down to touch his feet during the post-match handshakes.
The clips of this heartwarming moment was widely shared across the internet, highlighting the impact and inspiration Dhoni continues to provide the next generation cricketers.
2. "This is my ground"- Kohli and Rahul's viral banter
KL Rahul and Virat Kohli laughing it out after the clash between RCB and DC. Image | Instagram
Beyond the scoreboard, IPL offers moments of pure fun. KL Rahul and Virat Kohli provided one such moment with their "This is my ground" banter.
It started with Rahul's playful Kantara-style gesture at Chinnaswamy Stadium after both the teams met in their first encounter in IPL 2025. Later, Kohli returned the favour in Delhi, mimicking Rahul's move after RCB won in their second encounter.
This lighthearted exchange showed the great bond between these rivals.
3. Riyan Parag's historic 6 consecutive sixes against KKR!
Riyan Parag during his six-hitting blitz against KKR in IPL 2025. Image | France 24
Riyan Parag unleashed an incredible display of power-hitting against KKR, by smashing 6 consecutive sixes across 2 overs. He left the crowd and the bowlers (Moeen Ali and Varun Chakravarthy) stunned with his brilliance.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi celebrating his maiden IPL century against GT in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, who became the youngest player to debut in IPL history, announced his presence by hitting his first ball in the IPL for a flat six! It intensifies in the later stage, when Rajasthan Royals faced GT, and this young boy scored 101 runs off 38 balls.
He not only became the youngest debutant, but also the youngest centurion in IPL history, and we're sure there's more to come in the future.
5. Punjab Kings defend lowest ever IPL total (vs KKR)
Punjab Kings celebrating the dismissal of Andre Russell during their match against KKR in IPL 2025. Image | ESPNcricinfo
IPL 2025 gave us a huge surprise when Punjab Kings pulled off an unexpected victory against KKR by successfully defending 111 runs.
The match initially seemed like an easy win for KKR after the first inning, but the bowlers of PBKS, especially Yuzvendra Chahal (4/28) and Marco Jansen (3/17) completely turned things around!
PBKS bowled them out in 15.3 overs and sealed the victory. This became the lowest total ever defended in IPL.
6. Abhishek Sharma's papercut and record-breaking century
Abhishek Sharma during his papercut celebration after scoring a century against PBKS. Image | Instagram
Abhishek Sharma won hearts with his record-breaking knock of 141 runs off just 55 balls against PBKS in IPL 2025. He pulled a small note out of his pocket after reaching his century, with the message "This one is for Orange Army."
This gesture went viral and people talked about his dedication after knowing the fact that he was carrying the note for several games!
He also became the highest scoring Indian batsman in an innings in IPL history with this knock.
Virat Kohli and Jasprit Bumrah sharing words between the match between RCB vs MI. Image | InsideSport
In a highly charged match between RCB and MI, where Jasprit Bumrah returned to action for MI, making his comeback after injury layoff, an extraordinary drama took place. Virat Kohli welcomed Bumrah with a massive six on the very first ball bowled to him.
This instantly ignited the intensity of the game where we saw two legendary players going against each other.
8. MS Dhoni's vintage run-out vs LSG
MS Dhoni in action behind the stumps during a match against LSG in IPL 2025. Image | NDTV
MS Dhoni delivered a classic no-look flick run-out against Lucknow Super Giants in a match in IPL 2025. The LSG batter, Abdul Samad, was caught short by Dhoni's brilliance, where he swiftly and almost effortlessly flicked the ball to get him out.
This display of precision and speed with direct-hit was pure vintage Dhoni.
Shreyas Iyer walks down the ground with Shashank Singh after his 97* in the first innings against GT. Image | Instagram
Shreyas Iyer scored a commendable 97* off 42 balls against GT in their first match of IPL 2025. What made his knock memorable was his decision to prioritise the team over individual milestone.
Despite being just 3 runs away from a century, Iyer consciously allowed his batting partner, Shashank Singh, to continue batting and hitting boundaries.
Eventually, Iyer remained at the non-striker's end, sacrificing his hundred and being just happy for the team.
10. The Salt-David relay catch!
Phil Salt and Tim David during their magnificent relay-catch against MI in IPL 2025. Image | NDTV
A spectacular moment in IPL 2025 saw Phil Salt and Tim David execute a breathtaking relay catch against MI. Salt leaped to take the catch, flicking the ball mid-air for David before crossing the boundary line.
This catch was taken during a crucial stage at the game, which left the fans stunned by their perfect sync and teamwork.
First Hat-trick of IPL 2025: Yuzvendra Chahal took 4 wickets in a single over, including a hat-trick against CSK.
Super over in IPL after 4 years: The first and only tied match of IPL 2025 till now, between RR and DC, which was an absolute roller-coaster.
Rinku Singh's match-winning fielding: Rinku Singh executed a quick pickup and one-bounce throw in the last over against RR, which bagged KKR a crucial 1-run victory.
Yash Dayal in last overs for RCB: Yash Dayal has consistently showcased his power to restrict the run flow in high pressure matches in the last overs for RCB.
IPL 2025: Mumbai Indians makes additions to their squad with signings of Bairstow, Asalanka, and Richard Gleeson
As the IPL 2025 playoffs approach, Mumbai Indians have made strategic additions to their squad with the signings of Jonny Bairstow, Charith Asalanka, and Richard Gleeson.
3 teams have made their place in the IPL 2025 playoffs and only one team is yet to be decided. There is a fierce battle going on between Mumbai Indians and Delhi Capitals for the remaining playoff spot. Meanwhile, Mumbai Indians have made a three new changes in their squad.
Mumbai has announced the replacement of three foreign players. The team has included Jonny Bairstow, Charith Asalanka, and Richard Gleeson in the squad in place of Will Jacks, Ryan Rickelton, and Corbin Bosch. These three foreign players of Mumbai Indians are going to join their respective national teams after playing the last league match. In such a situation, the franchise had no other option but to bring their replacements.
Mumbai Indians have included England's experienced wicketkeeper-batsman Jonny Bairstow in the team as a replacement for Will Jacks for Rs 5.25 crore. Bairstow has had good experience in IPL and is considered an aggressive batsman in the T20 format. His presence is expected to strengthen the top order batting of Mumbai Indians.
At the same time, English fast bowler Richard Gleeson has been included in the team in place of Ryan Rickelton. Gleeson has been added to Mumbai Indians for Rs 1 crore. He has been signed by Mumbai Indians for Rs 1 crore. Gleeson's fast pace and ability to bowl yorkers in the death overs can prove to be important for the team.
Sri Lankan all-rounder Charith Asalanka has been included in the squad in place of Corbin Bosch for Rs 75 lakh. Asalanka can not only bat aggressively but can also give options to the team with his part-time off-spin bowling.
Mumbai Indians are currently in the playoff race. If the team qualifies for the next round, then these three new replacement players will be available for the team from the playoff matches. This will help the team to create balance and fill the gap of foreign players.
It is worth noting that Mumbai Indians have 2 matches left in the league stage. In one match, the team will face Delhi Capitals, while in its last league stage match, it will face the challenge of Punjab Kings. Punjab has already made its place in the IPL 2025 playoffs.
Can Shubman Gill or Sai Sudharsan break Kohli's record of most IPL runs in a single season?
Virat Kohli's 973 runs in IPL 2016 stands as a monumental record. Can Shubman Gill or Sai Sudharsan break Kohli's record of most IPL runs in a single season?
Breaking records is what IPL is all about and Virat Kohli's record of 973 runs in IPL 2016 is unmatched for 9 years. IPL 2025 can be the record-breaking year, as GT's opening pair is having an incredible season with the bat, shuffling the orange cap with every match.
As we are heading towards the end of the tournament, it will be a major thing to keep an eye on.
Can Shubman Gill or Sai Sudharsan break Kohli's record of most IPL runs in a single season? Or maybe it is truly unbreakable.
How big is Virat Kohli's 973-run record?
Virat Kohli celebrating his 3rd century of IPL 2016 season. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Virat Kohli set the batting standards up in IPL 2016 that everyone talks about till date. He scored 973 runs in 16 matches with an 80+ average.
He scored 4 centuries and 7 half-centuries for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, bagging the Orange cap in that season.
This is the phenomenal record of most runs in a single IPL season that no one could break since 2016.
Shubman Gill in action for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. Image | TOI
The only player who ever came to Kohli's record is Shubman Gill, with his 890-run season in IPL 2023. He is having another successful one in IPL 2025 and has already surpassed the 600-run mark.
The way Gill is firing this season for Gujarat Titans, he might just break the record and get in top. He scored 601 runs in 12 matches with 6 half-centuries to his name so far.
Calculating the remaining target for Shubham Gill
With potentially 5 innings left (2 league matches + playoffs), the race is heating up. This is subject to GT to lose Qualifier 1 and get an extra innings to go play for the IPL title.
Required: 974-601 = 373 runs more (to break Kohli's record)
Required Avg for next 5 innings: 74.6 runs per inning
Required Avg if they get 4 innings to play: 93.25 runs per inning
Sai Sudharsan in action for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Sai Sudharsan is currently the leading run-scorer in the race for Orange Cap in IPL 2025. He scored 617 runs in 12 matches, with 1 century and 5 fifties to his name.
This rising star has remarkable potential to with the kind of explosive form he has right now.
Calculating the remaining target for Sai Sudharsan
As for GT, Sudharsan also gets the same number of innings as Gill. It is either 2 league matches and 2 playoff matches, or a loss in Qualifier 1 to get an extra innings, making it 5 innings in total.
Required: 974-617 = 357 runs more (to break Kohli's record)
Required Avg for next 5 innings: 71.4 runs per inning
Required Avg if they get 4 innings to play: 89.25 runs per inning