AB De Villers announces his retirement from all forms of cricket on November 19, 2021. Now, let's see his records for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL.
AB De Villiers marks the end of an Era after announcing his retirement from all forms of cricket. The South African legend took social media to announce his retirement on Friday. De Villiers retired from the international forms of cricket back in 2018. This time he chose to retire from all the forms of cricket. The 37-year-old cricketer was playing for Royal Challengers Bangalore franchise in IPL. Started playing in 2011, he was clearly one of the strongest backbones of the team. He supported and contributed for the team to reach 5 playoffs.
However, now we will see his records and stats in detail for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL.
AB De Villiers has scored 4491 runs for RCB in a total of 156 matches including 11 seasons( since 2011). However, the 37-year old has also smashed 37 half-centuries and 2 centuries for RCB in the league. His average was near about 40 in the league with a whopping strike rate of 151.68. AB De Villiers's highest score is 133* and that came against Mumbai Indians in the 2015 edition for RCB.
Also, he is the second-highest run-scorer behind his RCB teammate, Virat Kohli. He is the record holder for the second and the third-highest individual run total in the history of RCB as well.
De Villiers also has kept the wickets for RCB on such occasions. In which, he grabs 96 catches for his team. He has been a finisher par excellence, hitting a sublime hundred in Mumbai in 2015 and another in Bengaluru against Gujarat Lions in 2016. With Virat Kohli, AB has posted five 100+ partnerships for RCB and two 200+ partnerships, the only pair in the world to post two such partnerships. He made 687 runs in 2016, finishing third on the runs chart.
The ICC Women's World Cup 2025 is to be jointly hosted by India and Sri Lanka and a total of 8 teams are to participate in it. But even before the tournament starts, a big change has been made in its schedule.
After the stampede in Bengaluru, the ICC has now decided to shift the matches to be held at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to the ground in Navi Mumbai, the International Cricket Council (ICC) announced on Friday.
Matches cancelled in Bengaluru due to RCB stampede case
After 17 years of long wait, RCB team finally won the IPL 2025 title. After this, RCB players gathered at M Chinnaswamy Stadium in Bengaluru to celebrate the victory. There was a huge crowd to see them and after this many fans lost their lives due to a stampede.
Then the Karnataka government formed a commission, which declared the Bengaluru ground unsafe for big events. Now after this, the ICC has decided not to hold matches on the Bengaluru ground.
Matches will be held at Navi Mumbai ground
The match between India and Sri Lanka was to be held on 30 September at Bengaluru ground, which will now be played at Guwahati ground. The match between England and South Africa was also scheduled to be held on 3 October, which will now be held in Guwahati. The match between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh on 20 October was to be played at Colombo ground, which will now be played at Navi Mumbai ground.
On the other hand, Navi Mumbai has got two more matches to be played in Bengaluru. These include India vs New Zealand (23 October) and India vs Bangladesh (26 October). There is also a strong possibility that the ICC Women’s World Cup 2025 final will be held either in Navi Mumbai or Colombo, Sri Lanka.
Jay Shah expressed satisfaction about the new venue
"Navi Mumbai has emerged as a genuine home for women’s cricket in recent years. The support it has received during international fixtures and the Women’s Premier League has been remarkable, creating an atmosphere that elevates the players and inspires fans. I am certain that the same energy will define the big matches of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup as it returns to India after 12 years," Jay Shah said in an ICC release.
“We stand at a pivotal moment in the journey of the women’s game. This World Cup has the potential to be remembered as one of those defining milestones that shaped the sport’s future, not only in India but across the cricketing world.
“While unforeseen circumstances required us to adjust the schedule and replace a venue, we are pleased to now have a line-up of five world-class venues that will showcase the very best of the women’s game. The stage is set, and I am confident this tournament will capture imaginations and inspire a new generation of fans.”
Sachin-Sourav, Mahela-Sanga: 5 best cricketing friendships in history
From Sachin Tendulkar & Sourav Ganguly to Kumar Sangakkara & Mahela Jayawardene, on Friendship Day special, we talk about the 5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history.
Cricket is a game played in partnership. No matter how good you are, you can not survive without a partner at the non-striker end. Therefore, cricketers form bonds that extend beyond the cricket field and last a lifetime. On this Friendship Day, we bring you the 5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history.
5 best cricketing friendships in cricket history
#1 Sachin Tendulkar & Sourav Ganguly
Sachin and Sourav scored 8227 ODI runs together, which is the highest by any pair in ODI history. Image | IndiaTimes
Well, if you talk about partnerships in cricket and do not talk about Sachin and Sourav, you are doing a sin. The Indian pair is one of the most successful opening pairs in cricket history. Their cricketing friendship dates back to U-17 days. Sourav and Sachin met each other there and toured with the India U-17 team. Although Sachin went on to represent India at a very young age, their friendship remained the same.
In fact, it was Sachin and Sourav who transformed the Indian team post the match-fixing scandal. They both scored 6609 runs as an opening pair in ODI cricket, which is a record in itself. Also, they scored the most number of hundred-run partnerships in ODI cricket, with 21 as an opening pair and 26 overall.
They scored 8227 ODI runs as a pair in ODI cricket, a record that might not be broken ever.
#2 Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene
Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene have the record for the highest partnership in test and first-class cricket (624). Image | ICC on X
These two Sri Lankan stalwarts dominated world cricket as a pair throughout their career. In fact, they were the only reason, along with Muralitharan, that Sri Lanka ruled cricket in the mid-2000s. Sri Lanka became unbeatable on their home soil on the banks of partnerships of Sanga and Mahela.
They both piled up runs with ease in international cricket. Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardene scored 6554 runs together in test cricket, which is only second to Dravid and Tendulkar's 6920 runs. Their 624-run partnership against South Africa in 2006 is still the highest at any batting position in test cricket.
Kumar and Mahela now own restaurants together. Also, they are trying to help Sri Lankan cricket get back on their feet.
Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath are one of the grestest bowling pairs in cricket history. Image | ICC on X
Probably the greatest bowling pair in cricket history, Shane Warne and Glenn McGrath played together and ended their cricket careers together. Perhaps it was because of them that Australia would win against any opposition and at any place.
Ashes to Ashes, Dust to dust, If McGrath can't get you, Warne must.
This old saying about Warne and McGrath reveals their greatness. Moreover, it talks about how they used to hunt in pairs. Though Warne was a bit flamboyant in his life, this duo's cricketing friendship ended many batsmen's careers. Warne is the highest wicket-taker in Ashes history with 195 wickets, while McGrath is the second highest with 157 wickets. They both played 104 Tests in tandem and took 1,011 wickets. In fact, Wisden has stated them to be the greatest bowling pair of all time.
Styen and ABD is known as one of the best friends in cricket alongside Faf du Plessis. Image | RCB
The only batting-bowling pair on our special list of best cricketing friendships. Dale Styen and AB de Villiers started their career together and literally made South Africa the best cricket team in the world.
Though the pair could not win any major ICC trophies for South Africa, they were the best Test team in the world during their time. Steyn finished his career as the highest test wicket-taker for South Africa (439), beating Shaun Pollock's record of 421 test wickets. Meantime, AB Deviliers is known as one of the most complete batters ever.
Wasim and Waqar took 1,147 wickets while playing together. Image | ICC on X
Waqar and Wasim are probably the most lethal bowling pair in modern cricket. The duo from Pakistan dominated the world with sheer pace and swing. Perhaps, Waqar is said to be the best reverse-swing bowler ever, while Wasim Akram is said to be the "sultan of swing" (king of swing).
If Waqar could break your toes, Wasim could too. They both complemented each other so well that they took 500 test wickets in 61 test matches together. They are both probably the best pacers that Pakistan has ever produced.
Other than these pairs, the world has seen many great friendships like Virat-ABD, Bravo-Pollard, Dravid-Kumble and Smith-Marnus over the years. We have chosen the best from 5 separate countries.
Note: The article was first published on Aug 1, 2021 and then got updated over time.
In the thrilling world of international cricket, hitting sixes remains one of the most entertaining aspects of the game. Over the years, power-hitters have delighted fans by clearing boundaries with ease and rewriting records with their big-hitting skills.
Let's take a look at the batters with most sixes in international cricket history.
Most Sixes in International Cricket History
10. AB de Villiers | 328 Sixes
Former South African player AB de Villiers gets the 10th spot on this list. The former right-handed batsman slammed 328 sixes in international cricket. De Villiers shattered 64 sixes in Tests, 204 in ODIs, and 60 in the shortest format. During his career from 2004 to 2018, De Villiers was known as Mr. 360 due to his ability to smash sixes all over the ground.
9. Eoin Morgan | 346 Sixes
England’s limited-overs skipper Eoin Morgan represented both Ireland and England. From 2006 to 2022, he hit 346 sixes in international cricket. The English player has slammed 6 sixes in Tests, 220 in ODIs, and 120 in T20Is. Morgan captained England to their first ICC Cricket World Cup win in 2019.
8. Sanath Jayasuriya | 352 Sixes
Former Sri Lanka cricketer Sanath Jayasurya grabs the 8th spot on this list. Jayasuriya, who played from 1989 to 2011, was widely popular for his ability to smash sixes. The former left-handed batsman slammed 352 sixes in international cricket during his active career. The former Sri Lanka opener smacked 59 sixes in Tests, 270 in ODIs, and 23 in T20Is. Jayasuriya retired in 2011 from international cricket.
7. MS Dhoni | 359 Sixes
Former Indian captain and wicketkeeper-batsman MS Dhoni bags 7th spot in this list. Dhoni accounts for 359 sixes in international cricket. Dhoni, who played for India from 2004 to 2019, slammed 78 sixes in Tests and 229 in ODIs. The wicketkeeper-batsman slammed 52 sixes in the shortest format as well. His leadership and batting prowess led India to numerous victories, including the 2011 ICC Cricket World Cup.
6. Jos Buttler | 369 Sixes
Jos Buttler, England's dynamic wicketkeeper-batsman, has been a key player since his debut in 2011. By 2025, he amassed 369 sixes in international cricket. Buttler's innovative stroke play and aggressive batting have been instrumental in England's recent successes.
5. Martin Guptill | 383 Sixes
Martin Guptill, another prominent New Zealand batsman, has been a consistent performer since his debut in 2009. As of 2022, he has hit 383 sixes in international cricket. In Tests, the right-handed batsman has shattered 23 sixes. The opening batsman has also slammed 187 sixes in ODIs and 173 sixes in T20Is.
Former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum grabs the 4th spot in this list. The former right-handed batsman accounts for 398 sixes in international cricket. The former Kiwi opener slammed 107 sixes in Tests, 200 in ODIs, and 91 in T20Is. Mccullum played for New Zealand from 2002 to 2016.
3. Shahid Afridi | 476 Sixes
Shahid Afridi, affectionately known as "Boom Boom," was famous for his explosive batting style. Representing Pakistan from 1996 to 2018, Afridi hit 476 sixes in international cricket. The former Pakistan skipper accounts for 52 sixes in Tests, 351 in ODIs, and 73 in T20Is. Afridi retired from international cricket in 2018.
2. Chris Gayle | 553 Sixes
West Indies cricketer Chris Gayle steals the second spot in this list. Gayle, known as the "Universe Boss," is one of the most destructive batsmen in cricket history. Over his career spanning from 1999 to 2021, he amassed 553 sixes in international cricket. Gayle has slammed 98 sixes in Tests, 331 sixes in ODIs, and 124 sixes in T20Is.
1. Rohit Sharma | 637 Sixes
Rohit Sharma, the current captain of the Indian cricket team in ODI formats, is renowned for his exceptional batting prowess. He holds the record for the most sixes in international cricket, with a total of 637 sixes across all formats. Notably, he also holds the record for the highest individual score in a One Day International (ODI) match, with 264 runs.
Major setback for BCCI as Bombay HC orders to pay ₹538 crore to defunct IPL team Kochi Tuskers Kerala
An impact of legal ruling marks a major setback for BCCI as Bombay HC orders to pay ₹538 crore to defunct IPL team Kochi Tuskers Kerala. Get the complete story here.
For years, the Board of Control for Crock in India (BCCI) has navigated various challenges. However a recent coury order is set to have a major financial impact on the sport's governing body.
This ruling revisits a past chapter involving a former IPL team and a long-standing dispute with them. The decision has arrived after a decade of the case, and brings a major setback for BCCI as Bombay HC orders to pay ₹538 crore to defunct IPL team Kochi Tuskers Kerala.
Read the full story to know why.
How the BCCI-Kochi Tuskers Kerala dispute began
BCCI authorities, 2025. Image | Facebook
The root of this major legal battle dates back to 2011, when the BCCI terminated the contract of the IPL team Kochi Tuskers Kerala. The team, managed by Kochi Cricket Private Limited (KCPL), had only played in one IPL season.
The BCCI claimed they ended the contract because Kochi Tuskers failed to provide a required annual bank guarantee by a deadline in March 2011. This was seen by the BCCI as a serious breach of their agreement.
However, the team owners had a different view. They argued that their delay was due to several issues, including problems with the stadium in Kochi and delays in getting necessary approvals. They also stated that the BCCI continued to deal with them and even accepted payments for months after the March deadline.
The team owners believed this showed the BCCI had waived or overlooked the deadline, making their sudden contract termination unfair.
Taking the matter to arbitration:
Because they felt the termination was wrong, the Kochi Tuskers owners took the matter to arbitration in 2012. An independent tribunal looked at all the facts. In June 2015, this tribunal ruled in favor of Kochi Tuskers Kerala.
The tribunal specifically directed the BCCI to pay ₹384.83 crore to Kochi Cricket Private Limited (KCPL) for lost earnings and ₹153.34 crore to Rendezvous Sports World (RSW) for a wrongfully cashed bank guarantee. These amounts also included interest and legal costs.
The Financial Fallout: Why ₹538 crore to be paid now?
Bombay High Court. Image | Wikipedia
The BCCI challenged the 2015 arbitration award in the Bombay High Court, arguing it was unfair and that the damages were too high. However, the recent Bombay HC ruling upheld the original arbitration decision.
This means the BCCI is now legally requiredto pay a total of over ₹538 crore, including accumulated interest since 2015, to the KTK owners. This represents a major financial loss and a significant legal defeat for the Indian cricket board.
Recently the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle ended. The final match of which was won by South Africa. South Africa was successful in winning its first ICC trophy after 27 years after defeating Australia. But amidst all this, former South African captain AB de Villiers has raised questions on the WTC format and has demanded several reforms from the International Cricket Council (ICC).
AB de Villiers has strongly advocated making the World Test Championship schedule more fair and consistent for all Test playing nations. De Villiers, 41, has suggested a four-year cycle like the ODI World Cup, instead of the current two-year cycle, to ensure every team can compete against other Test-playing sides.
Speaking to BBC Sport, AB de Villiers expressed his disappointment. He said, “We’ve had some very disappointing and sad ends to a lot of campaigns, especially the World Cups, but now it’s time to start believing that we can do this more often,”
“[This moment] won’t be lost. It was too big and too special for all South Africans – it was a Test match no one will ever forget. But yes, to a certain extent, something needs to be done.”
De Villiers advocates making WTC a balanced system
AB de Villiers further elaborated during this interaction, “I saw the schedule that came out for the next cycle of the WTC and there is an improvement, but I still feel there’s work that needs to be done there to just to get it as consistent as possible and as fair as possible for all for all Test-playing nations.”
“You want to get to that final feeling like you’ve played against all these nations,” De Villiers added. “Maybe a four-year cycle would be nice. We’ve done that in the past with one-day internationals, so why not in Test cricket? It would make sense and it would give the organisers just so much more time to get a really fair, well-balanced system out there.”
De Villiers believes a longer cycle will allow teams to play a sufficient number of matches, making a team's journey to the final more credible.
South Africa played least number of Test matches in WTC 2023-25
De Villiers' comments come at a time when the Proteas have played the least number of Test matches (12) among the nine teams during the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle. The number was a full 10 matches less than England's 22, while Australia, who face South Africa, played 19 matches during the World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle.
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