Indian all-rounder Hardik Pandya will be skipping the upcoming Ranji Trophy to solely concentrate and focus on the white ball Cricket. It has been quite a long since we saw Hardik Pandya playing for international cricket due to some injuries, operation, rehabilitation, and also or not getting selected. Hardik decided to make a comeback in a fit and more perfect all-rounder and hence, skipped the Ranji Trophy.
The 28-year-old remained on the sidelines since the 2021 T20 World Cup. He have to detach himself from cricket due to injuries, the recovery process, and unfortunately, he injured once again after recovering. Also, we all know Hardik Pandya as an all-rounder but when he started playing after recovering, he contributed to the team only as a batter. As a result, he had to receive and face a lot of flak for not bowling as well. Also, the last time Hardik played the red ball Cricket was December 2018. Different injuries became an obstacle for him especially in the longest format of cricket.
Hardik Pandya will now be seen as the skipper of the Ahmedabad franchise in IPL 2022 after playing for Mumbai Indians for so long. He is all set to come back in competitive cricket in a new and maiden form, the full-time captain.
BCCI President Saurav Ganguly expected to see the all-rounder appearing in the Ranji Trophy. He said in an interview to PTI, "Hardik was injured and a break was given to him to completely recover, so that he can continue to serve Indian cricket for a long period of time. I believe I will see him play some Ranji Trophy to start with. I expect him to bowl a lot more overs and his body will get stronger."
Details of Ranji Trophy:
Due to the outbreak of Covid-19 at various stages and waves, the Ranji Trophy got postponed quite a few times. Now Ranji Trophy will take place in 2 phases. The first phase will begin on 10 February till 15 March. And the second phase will resume after the IPL from 30 May to 26 June.
Kedar Devdhar is the captain of the Baroda team. Also Hardik Pandya's brother Krunal Pandya is also present in the squad.
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 who’ve 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.
From Pandya to Curran: Meet the Cricket brothers who ruled world cricket
From legendary pairs to modern-day stars, the world of cricket has got family on the field throughout. Meet the cricket brothers who ruled the world of cricket.
The bond of brothers is often strong, but when it extends to the cricket field, the results can be spectacular. We have witnessed such amazing pairs across the globe.
From Pandya brothers to Curran and Pathans, meet the cricket brothers who ruled world cricket. Read till the end to discover the pairs you didn't know about!
Pandya Brothers (Hardik Pandya & Krunal Pandya) | India
Hardik Pandya and Krunal Pandya playing for Mumbai Indians in IPL 2017. Image | Hindustan Times
The Pandya brothers are currently the most popular pair from India, known for their hard-hitting capabilities with the bat, and surprise bowling impact on the team. They started their career playing for their home city, Baroda, and later made their way to Mumbai Indians in IPL.
Hardik Pandya made his International debut in 2016 for India, and has been an integral part of the team ever since. His heroic contributions under pressure is something the nation will never forget. He also led India as a captain in 16 T20 matches, winning 10 among them.
Krunal Pandya debuted for India in 2018, which was only 2 years after his IPL debut for MI. In 2021, he became the fastest Indian to score a ODI half century in a debut match. He scored it off just 26 balls against England.
Curran Brothers (Sam Curran & Tom Curran) | England
Tom Curran and Sam Curran playing for the England Cricket Team. Image | Pinterest
The Curran Brothers are brilliant all-rounder pair from England. They both made their international debut at a young age and have evolved to be a popular name in the cricketing world.
Sam Curran is a key player for England, known for his brilliant transformation from bowling all-rounder to being equally aggressive with the bat. He was a part of the T20 World Cup winning squad in 2022.
Tom Curran made his debut for England at the age of 22, and has served as an efficient bowling all-rounder for his nation.
They also have another brother, Ben Curran, who currently plays for Zimbabwe national team.
Pathan Brothers (Yusuf and Irfan Pathan) | India
Yusuf Pathan and Irfan Pathan playing for their respective franchises in IPL 2016. Image | Instagram
The Pathan brothers played for India and earned worldwide recognition. Both were a part of the T20 World Cup winning squad of India in 2007.
Yusuf Pathan is the elder one, known for his explosive batting, especially in the limit overs format. His six-hitting abilities and raw power has significant impact of teams.
Irfan Pathan's swing bowling and batting contributions made him a fan favourite. He played as a vital all-rounder for India, especially during memorable victories.
Morkel Brothers (Albie Morkel & Morne Morkel) | South Africa
Morne Morkel and Albie Morkel playeing for their respective franchises during IPL 2012. Image | Facebook
The Morkel brothers represented South Africa and were one of the finest cricketers who played a major role behind the team's success. They became the first brothers in 56 years to be named as South African Cricket Annual cricketer of the year in the same season, in 2008.
Albie Morkel is the older brother, who played as a batting all-rounder, contributing by his powerful hitting.
Morne Morkel is a tall right-arm fast bowler, whose ability to generate pace and bounce made him an integral bowler in the bowling attack. He is currently the bowling coach of Indian Cricket Team, since 2024.
Chahar Brothers (Deepak & Rahul Chahar) | India
Deepak Chahar and Rahul Chahar playing for their respective franchises in IPL 2019. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The Chahar brothers are another pair of brothers who represents India in both ODI and T20 formats.
Deepak Chahar is the older one, who is a right-arm medium bowler and can also contribute with the bat. He took 6 wickets for 7 runs against Bangladesh in 2019, which is the best bowling figures in T20Is for India.
Rahul Chahar is the younger one, who is a right-arm leg-breal bowler. He made his IPL debut at only 17 years of age and strengthened the spin unit of his team.
Hussey Brothers (Michael Hussey & David Hussey) | Australia
Michael Hussey and David Hussey playing for their respective franchises in Big Bash League in 2015. Image | dailytelegraph.com
The Hussey brothers are another extremely popular pair in the world of cricket, hailing from Australia. They dominated the field with their batting power and consistency.
Michael Hussey was given the nickname "Mr. Cricket" because of his strong performances across all formats. He is one of the batting legends of the Australian team, having a highly successful career.
David Hussey is the younger brother who was more prominent in ODIs and T20Is than in Tests. He usually played as a right-handed batter, occasionally bowling off-break for the team.
Akmal Brothers (Karman Akmal & Umar Akmal) | Pakistan
Karman Akmal and Umar Akmal during their practice session for the Pakistan national team. Image | crictoday
The Akmal brothers played major roles representing Pakistan in International Cricket. They are basically a trip of cricketers, and all of them has played for the national team.
Karman Akmal is the eldest, who played as a wicket-keeper batsman. He has stuck with the team for a long time and was also am integral part of Pakistan's winning squad in the 2019 T20 World Cup.
Umar Akmal is known for his aggressive batting style who is also a popular name in the history of cricket in Pakistan.
As mentioned above, they are a trio, and Adnan Akmal is the youngest one among them. He also represented Pakistan in Tests and ODIs.
The cricketing bloodline flows through their family, as they are also the cousins of Pakistan's former captain Babar Azam.
Marsh Brothers (Shaun Marsh & Mitchell Marsh) | Australia
Mitchell Marsh celebrating with his brother Shaun Marsh during a test match in 2014. Image | NDTV
The Marsh brothers are Australian brother pair, representing their country at the highest level. They became the third pair to score a century in the same test innings for Australia, in 2017-18 Ashes series against England.
Shaun Marsh is the elder one, who played as a top-order batter for his country. He also became the highest run-scorer in the inaugural season of IPL in 2008, and holds the record for highest individual score by an uncapped overseas player (115*) in IPL history.
Mitchell Marsh is an all-rounder, who strengthens the middle order of the team, but also has the ability to come early and give a good start. He scored 177* runs against Bangladesh in 2023, which is the third highest individual score by Australian in ODI World Cup.
Bravo Brothers (Dwayne Bravo & Darren Bravo) | West Indies
Darren Bravo and Dwayne Bravo posing for a picture during their tenure in respective franchises in IPL 2017. Image | crictoday.com
The Bravo Brothers are notable pair of cricket stars from West Indies. They are half brothers as they share the same father but different mothers.
Dwayne Bravo is a key player for West Indies cricket team, who is an all-rounder, known for his dynamic bowling and aggressive batting. He is among the most successful T20 players globally. Dwayne as been a part of the team in memorable winning ICC tournaments.
Darren Bravo is the younger one, who also represented West Indies in international cricket as a left-handed batsman. He majorly played in ODI cricket and Tests, and was less prominent in T20s.
McCullum Brothers (Nathan McCullum & Brendon McCullum) | New Zealand
Nathan and Brendon McCullum representing New Zealand during a T20 match in 2010. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The McCullum brothers are a popular pair in the history of New Zealand cricket. They have a strong sporting family background.
Nathan McCullum played as a off-break bowler and was a useful lower-order batsman. He was a part of the New Zealand squad that reached the World Cup final in 2015.
Brendon McCullum is regarded as one or the most influential cricketers. He is a wicket-keeper batsman, known for his aggressive batting and quick run scoring abilities. He holds the record for fastest test century by scoring one off 54 balls in 2016.
Lee brothers (Brett Lee & Shane Lee) | Australia
Brett Lee and Shane Lee representing Australia | ESPNcricinfo
The Lee brothers are a pair of cricket brothers who represented Australia.
Shane Lee is the elder one and all-rounder, who was was in the World Cup winning Australia squad of 1999. He played 45 ODIs and retired in the age of 29 due to knee injury.
Brett Lee is one of the fastest bowlers in the history of cricket. He played for Australia in all three formats and was a dominant bowler. Lee holds the record for second-most wickets taken by an Australian in ODIs.
Waugh Brothers (Steve Waugh & Mark Waugh) | Australia
Steve Waugh and Mark Waugh during their tenure playing for Australian cricket team. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The Waugh brothers are iconic figures of Australiam cricket. They are identical twins and both played at the highest level.
Steve Waugh is regarded as one of the greatest captains in cricket history. He is often nicknamed as "Tugga." He is Australia's most capped test player and holds 16 consecutive test wins and other batting records.
Mark Waugh is nicknamed as "Junior," and was known for his elegant style of play. He played as a top-order batsman for the team, and was an integral part throughout 1990s and early 2000s.
Flower Brothers (Andu Flower & Grant Flower) | Zimbabwe
Andy Flower and Grant Flower posing for a picture before their practice session for Zimbabwe. Image | Facebook
The Flower brothers are most celebrated sibling pair from Zimbabwe cricket team. They formed the backbone of the team's batting line-up.
Andy Flower is Zimbabwe's greatest cricketer and one of the finest wicketkeeper batsman. He holds numerous batting records and have captained, as well as coached the Zimbabwe national team.
Grant Flower is the younger brother, played as the opening batsman and slow left-arm orthodox bowler. He contributed brilliantly with the bat, forming crucial partnerships with his brother.
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.
Beyond being the champions, which teams have consistently made their way to the finals? It is time to reflect on the heroic battle and consistency in reaching the IPL final.
Check out the ones who hold the potential to beat CSK’s dominance in this field and become the team with the most appearances in IPL history.
CSK's unmatched dominance | 10 finals
CSK lifts the IPL trophy for the fifth time after defeating GT in IPL 2023 final. Image | NDTV
Chennai Super Kings hold a remarkable record of reaching the IPL final the most number of times, with a win percentage of 50%. CSK started this journey in 2008 when they got into the final for the first time against RR.
CSK has won 5 out of 10 times in their IPL final appearances. Their quality team performance and ability to play good cricket with consistency have made them one of the most successful franchises in IPL.
They are also the only team to reach the IPL final 4 times in a row.
Mumbai Indians celebrating their 5th IPL win in 2019 against CSK. Image | Facebook
Mumbai Indians stand second with 6 final appearances in IPL and have won 5 out of them. They equalise the IPL title count as CSK but fall short in the number to be the team with the most final appearances in IPL history.
MI's 6 IPL Finals:
vs CSK (2010)- lost by 22 runs
vs CSK (2013)- won by 23 runs
vs CSK (2015)- won by 41 runs
vs RPS (2017)- won by 1 run
vs CSK (2019)- won by 1 run
vs DC (2020)- won by 5 wickets
KKR and SRH are climbing the stairs | 4 finals
SRH and KKR celebrating the wins in their respective IPL seasons. Image | Pinterest
Following closely are Kolkata Knight Riders, who have reached the IPL final 4 times, and won thrice out of them.
Hyderabad, as a team, has also reached the finals 4 times, just with different franchises. They reached the finals in 2009 for the first time as Deccan Chargers, and later made their way thrice under the name of Sunrisers Hyderabad and won in 2016.
Over the years, it has been seen that teams who possess quality bowlers perform quite well, while those who struggle in this department generally lag behind.
So, let's take a look at the bowlers with the most wickets in IPL history.
We have all heard multiple times that T20 cricket is a batter’s game. However, one thing is to be noted that it is a bowler who turns the game for his team most times. The teams across the world have understood the fact that they need a good set of bowlers to win a tournament. This is true in the biggest T20 tournament IPL as well.
Over the years, it has been seen that teams who possess quality bowlers perform quite well, while those who struggle in this department generally lag behind.
So, let's take a look at the bowlers with the most wickets in IPL history.
Ravindra Jadeja is easily the most well-rounded cricketer India has ever produced. A major portion of his success needs to be credited to the IPL, as the Saurashtra superstar built his international career by learning in the IPL under cricketing greats like Shane Warne, MS Dhoni, Stephen Fleming, and others.
Apart from missing the 2010 season, Ravindra Jadeja has played all the other seasons with him representing Chennai Super Kings (CSK) since 2012. He has played 249 games taking 166 wickets with the ball with an average of 30.43 and an economy rate of 7.64.
His generational fielding skills have also shined, as the 36-year-old has taken 103 catches in the competition, making him ‘The Ultimate All-rounder’ as he is the only player to have 1000+ runs, 100+ wickets, and 100+ catches, fulfilling his 3-dimensional abilities to the fullest.
9. Lasith Malinga | 170 Wickets
Lasith Malinga, who is undoubtedly the greatest pacer in the IPL history has taken 170 wickets in 122 games he has played. Malinga averages 19.79 with the bowl and maintained an economy rate of 7.14 in the cash-rich league.
Though 108 of these wickets have come in death overs where batters try to score at a faster pace and often get out in the process, still his overall numbers are too good to be questioned.
Malinga started playing for Mumbai Indians in the 2009 season, and last appeared in the 2019 season. His final over in the 2019 final was enough to prove his greatness even at that stage of his career.
8. Amit Mishra | 174 Wickets
The next bowler on the list is Indian leggie Amit Mishra who has picked 174 wickets in 162 games. The eighth-highest wicket-taker in the history of IPL, Mishra, went unsold in the mega auction of IPL 2025.
He has recorded an impressive economy of 7.37 in the league and has been crucial in taking wickets in middle overs. However, previously he has played for Lucknow Super Giants.
7. Jasprit Bumrah | 174 Wickets
Jasprit Bumrah, the game-changer of the game has put his name at no. 7 on this list of bowlers who scalped the most wickets in IPL history. Bumrah has been playing for Mumbai Indians since the 2013 season, in which the franchise bought him at a cheap price.
Bumrah has scalped 174 wickets in 139 games with an average of 22.38. Meanwhile, Bumrah has bowled at an economy rate of 7.30 in the franchise cricket league. This year he is playing for MI again as the franchise retained him before the mega auction.
6. Dwayne Bravo | 183 Wickets
Dwayne Bravo with 183 wickets is the sixth name on the list. Bravo had been a vital cog in Chennai’s bowling lineup, particularly in the death overs. With MS Dhoni being captain, Bravo’s potential has been used very cleverly for the team’s benefit.
The all-rounder has played 161 IPL games and averages 23.82 with the ball. He played his last IPL match in the 2022 season for Chennai.
Ravichandran Ashwin is always known as a great bowler in Test cricket but he has also proved his ability in the shortest format of the game. Meanwhile, Ash comes at number five on this list of bowlers with the most wickets in IPL history.
Ashwin has picked 185 wickets in 219 matches with an average of 30.22. He has also maintained an economy rate of 7.18.
Ashwin went on to play for Punjab Kings and Delhi Capitals, and returns to the CSK fold after having featured for Rajasthan Royals for the last three seasons.
The Indian off-spinner was bought by Chennai Super Kings for Rs. 9.75 crore at the IPL 2025 auction. Ashwin had burst onto the scene in 2009 with CSK under the captaincy of MS Dhoni. He represented Super Kings till 2015 and was part of two title-winning campaigns, in 2010 and 2011.
4. Sunil Narine | 190* Wickets
The next bowler on this is none other than the West Indies magician Sunil Narine. Narine has taken 190 wickets in 186 games with an average of 25.39 and bowls with an economy rate of 6.77.
He has been a crucial member of the Kolkata-based franchise KKR, as the franchise won the league back in 2012, 2014, and 2024.
Narine has also played as an opener under Gambhir's captaincy. However, currently, he is with the KKR franchise as they retain the off-spinner before the IPL 2025 mega auction.
3. Piyush Chawla | 192 Wickets
Piyush Chawla, who was bought by Mumbai Indians for IPL 2021 in the mini-auction is the third-highest wicket-taker in the league history. He has picked 192 wickets in 192 matches with an average of 26.60 and an economy being 7.96.
Piyush Chawla has earlier featured for Chennai, Punjab, and Kolkata-based franchises in the cash-rich league.
Over the last two years, Chawla was the lead spinner for Mumbai Indians. But, no teams went for him in IPL 2025 auction.
2. Bhuvneshwar Kumar | 193 Wickets
Bhuvneshwar Kumar, with 193 wickets is the second name in this list of players with the most wickets in IPL. Bhuvi has played in 185 matches in which he took those 193 wickets at an average of 27.01. However, he has bowled with an economy rate of 7.60 in the league.
Meanwhile, Bhuvi is playimg for the Royal Challengers Bengaluru franchise as they bought him in the IPL 2025 mega auction at a whopping 10.75 crore price.
Yuzvendra Chahal has taken the most wickets in IPL history. Chahal has played in 169 games in which he has scalped 214 wickets with an average of 22.63. Moreover, he has an economy of 7.90 in the league.
Previously Chahal has played for RCB till 2021 and this season he is featuring the Punjab Kings as they bought him in the IPL 2025 mega auction.
Chahal was with Rajasthan Royals since the 2022 season, claiming 66 wickets in 46 games. He has also represented Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Mumbai Indians earlier in the IPL. He is among the 19 bowlers to have claimed a hat-trick in the IPL.
The leg-break bowler also won the Purple Cap for being the leading wicket-taker during the 2022 season, with 27 wickets to his name in 17 games at an average of 19.51 and an economy of 7.75.
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