Rishabh Pant is fit to play IPL 2024, BCCI had given this information a day before. After this Pant has joined the pre-season camp of Delhi Capitals. Pant is "nervous" like a debutant all over again.

Also Read: Most Test hundreds for India since 2021

Pant has been away from the cricket field since he was seriously injured in a road accident in December 2022. Now after 14 months, after completely recovering from the injury, he is going to return to the field through IPL 2024.

Pant has joined the Delhi Capitals team in Vizag and has also started preparations for IPL 2024. "I am excited and nervous at the same time. It feels like I am going to make my debut again," Pant said after being declared fit by the BCCI.

'Playing cricket again after everything is a miracle'

An emotional Pant further said, "To be able to play cricket again after everything I've been through is nothing short of a miracle." He thanked the fans and the staff of BCCI, National Cricket Academy who assisted him during his recovery. "I'm grateful to all my well-wishers and fans, and most importantly, the BCCI and staff at NCA. All their love and support continues to give me immense strength," 

Pant excited to return to IPL 2024

"I am excited to return to Delhi Capitals and the IPL, a tournament I enjoy so much. Our team owners and support staff have been by my side throughout with their full support, guidance and co-operation at every step, for which I am deeply grateful." On joining the Delhi Capitals pre-season camp, Pant said.

"I can't wait to re-unite with my DC family and play in front of the fans again." Pant will be expected to bat as well as keep wickets with the BCCI declaring him fit as a wicketkeeper-batter.

Also Read: IPL 2024: "Rishabh is very confident that he's going to be right to play," - Ricky Ponting

DC will start IPL 2024 campaign against Punjab Kings

Delhi Capitals will begin their IPL 2024 campaign against Punjab Kings on March 23 in Mohali. All eyes will be on the left-handed batter as he is set to lead the Delhi Capitals franchise this season. The DC skipper will look to get back to his best form with the bat as soon as possible and hope to make an impact once again to seal a spot for the T20 World Cup 2024.

Multiple boundaries in a single over, 200-plus totals and edge-of-the-seat chases are often witnessed in IPL, and most of the entertainment the league is famous for comes through the courtesy of the batsmen. The majority of people prefer electric striking, to say, a maiden over or low run-totals.

However, some batsmen consistently perform well and win matches, while others are one-hit wonders who shine in a couple of games every season. The number of sixes and fours doesn’t define how explosive a player is; his strike rate does.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Who was hit the most sixes in IPL History? Top 10 list

Let's take a look at the batsmen with the best strike rate in IPL with a minimum of 1000 runs.

Best Strike Rate in IPL 

1. Nicholas Pooran | 161.9

Nicholas Pooran is leading the list of players with the best strike rate in IPL - 161.9 with 1601 runs.

Pooran began his IPL career with Punjab Kings (then Kings XI Punjab) in 2019, where he played for three seasons. In 2022, Pooran joined Sunrisers Hyderabad. By 2023, he moved to the Lucknow Super Giants, quickly establishing himself as a crucial player. As of November 2024, he is one of the five players retained by the Lucknow Super Giants ahead of the 2025 IPL mini-auction.

In the 2024 IPL season, Pooran delivered a standout performance, scoring 499 runs in 14 games with an impressive average of 62.38 and a striking rate of 178.21, which included three half-centuries.

2. Andre Russell | 162

The second name in this list is a very expected one who has actually redefined power-hitting in T20. Andre Russell who plays for Kolkata Knight Riders has an incredible strike rate of 162 with 1084 runs. Russell has many times won games for KKR on his own in very difficult situations.

After spending two seasons with the Delhi-based franchise, he was signed by Kolkata Knight Riders. He helped KKR win the title in his first season. 

Overall Russell played 127 matches in the cash-rich league so far in which he has aggregated 2484 runs at an incredible strike rate of 174.92. He has eleven half-centuries with a high score of 88 not out in the IPL.

3. Suryakumar Yadav | 157.7

The list includes another an Indian player, Suryakumar Yadav who scored 2050 runs in IPL at an impressive strike rate of 157.7.

Surya had his IPL debut in 2011 for MI. He played just one game for Mumbai Indians in 2012. He got his breakthrough in KKR. 2018 saw him return to MI, where he made massive strides in his IPL career. He has been an integral part of the team since and has been retained in the 2025 Mini Auction.

Overall in 150 matches, Suryakumar Yadav scored 3594 runs. In the IPL, Suryakumar Yadav's highest score is 103. Surya has a strike rate of 145.3 and an average of 32.1.

In 2023, he had his greatest IPL season, where he was appointed as the vice-captain of MI along with scoring 605 runs with a strike rate of 181.14 in 16 innings.

4. Shimron Hetmyer | 156

West Indies' middle-order batter Shimron Hetmyer is the fourth name on this list. The left-handed batter has struck 1153 runs with a deadly strike rate of 156.

Hetmyer played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2019. The Delhi Capitals (DC) acquired him in the 2020 season. He played there for two seasons before the Rajasthan Royals signed him in the IPL 2022 mega auction. He will continue to play for the Royals in the upcoming edition. He is the only overseas player to be retained amongst the six retentions of the Royals.

Overall Hetmyer has scored 1243 runs in 72 matches at an average of 31.07 and a strike rate of 153.07. He has smashed 76 boundaries and 82 sixes. His best season came in IPL 2022 when he helped the Rajasthan Royals reach the finals. He had scored 314 runs in 15 innings at an average of 44.85 and a strike rate of 153.92.

Also Read: Most runs in IPL since 2018

5. Dinesh Karthik | 155.9 

Dinesh Karthik comes in at fifth place in this list scoring 1188 runs with an impressive strike rate of 155.9.

Dinesh Karthik’s IPL career has been full of highs and lows, with the veteran batting for around six teams as a middle-order batter. 

After the highs of the 2022 season which earned him a national call-up after three years and a return to India’s T20I squad for the ICC World T20 in 2022 after twelve long years, Dinesh Karthik’s form went down as the wicket-keeper batter has a poor season, managing only 140 runs in 13 matches.

Overall Karthik has scored 4842 runs in 257 matches at an average of 26.31 and a strike rate of 135.36. He has smashed 466 boundaries and 161 sixes. 

The 18th season of the IPL will begin from March 22 and once again a fierce battle between bat and ball will be witnessed in this league. Everyone's eyes will be on who hits the most sixes this season, but let us tell you about which batsman has hit the most sixes in the last 17 seasons of IPL so far.

There have been many great batsmen in the IPL who have hit a lot of sixes so far. There are some batsmen who are no longer a part of this league and some are playing in it and they can go higher in this list.

Also Read: Most runs in IPL since 2018

Let's talk about the top 10 batsmen who have hit the most sixes in IPL so far, which also includes many Indians.

Most Sixes in IPL | Top 10 List

10. Suresh Raina | 203

Mr. IPL, Suresh Raina grabs the tenth position in this elite list. The southpaw has 203 sixes in 200 IPL innings. He takes around 19.91 deliveries for every six.

He is only among ten batters to hit 200+ maximums in the league. Raina has accumulated 5528 runs at an average of 32.51 and a strike rate of 136.73. He also has 39 fifties and a century in the league.

9. Sanju Samson | 206

The captain of Rajasthan Royals (RR), Sanju Samson is the ninth batter to find a spot in this list. He has 206 six in 163 IPL innings. On average, he hits a six every 15.43 balls in the league.

Overall, Samson has 4419 runs at an average of 30.68 and a strike rate of 138.96. He also has 25 fifties and three centuries. Samson will also step up to this list and add more to his tally in the upcoming edition.

8. Andre Russell | 209

Among the most fearsome batters in the history of the league, Andre Russell’s name is no surprise. Russell’s association with six-hitting is well known. He has amassed 209 maximums at an unbelievable 6.79 balls-per-maximum ratio.

The Kolkata Knight Riders all-rounder has 2484 runs at an average of 29.22 and a strike rate of 174.92 in 105 IPL innings. He also has 11 fifties to his name.

Russell had even hit 11 sixes during 2018 in an innings against Chennai Super Kings.

7. Kieron Pollard | 223

Kieron Pollard, a powerhouse in the middle order for Mumbai Indians, comes seventh in this list with 223 sixes. The former West Indies all-rounder played several memorable knocks for the Mumbai Indians in the 189 matches that he played for them.

Pollard was known for depositing the ball back into the stands and did so quite frequently in the league. His ability to change the course of a game in a few overs has made him one of the most dangerous finishers in IPL history.

He has 3412 runs at an average of 28.67 and a strike rate of 147.32. Further, Pollard has also hit 16 fifties in the league. 

6. David Warner | 236

David Warner has hit 236 sixes in his IPL career. The former Australia batter has played a total of 184 matches in IPL, featuring for the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals.

Warner has a terrific record in the league and was known for hitting big shots throughout his successful career in the league. His aggressive start at the top often sets the tone for his team's innings.

Warner has scored 6565 runs at an average of 40.52 and a strike rate of 139.77 in 184 innings. He also has 62 boundaries and four maximums. 

However, Warner went unsold in the IPL 2025 mega-auction.

5. AB de Villiers | 251

AB de Villiers finished his IPL career with 251 sixes and he is the fifth highest six-hitter in the T20 league. de Villiers retired from the T20 league after IPL 2021. He had a long stint with RCB.

AB started his IPL career with Delhi Capitals (then known as Delhi Daredevils). He joined RCB in the IPL 2011 mega-auction and was retained by them in 2014 and 2018. de Villiers never captained RCB.

Overall, the Proteas batter has 5162 runs at an average of 39.70 and a strike rate of 151.68. Further, he also has 40 fifties and three centuries.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Which player has lost the most games in IPL history?

4. MS Dhoni | 252

MS Dhoni sits at the fourth spot in the list of batsmen with most sixes in IPL. The former Indian skipper has 252 sixes of 264 matches in this cash rich league.

Dhoni started his IPL career with Chennai Super Kings. He also played for Rising Pune Supergiant in IPL 2016 and 2017.

Overall, Dhoni has 5243 runs at an average of 39.12 and a 137.53 strike rate. Further, he also has 24 fifties in the league.

Dhoni will make his on-field return in IPL 2025. CSK retained Dhoni in the uncapped category for Rs 4 crore. He will continue to play under Ruturaj Gaikwad.

Dhoni captained CSK to five IPL title wins before stepping down.

3. Virat Kohli | 272

Rohit Sharma is followed by Virat Kohli. The IPL legend sits at the third spot with 272 sixes in 252 matches. One of Virat and Rohit can become the first Indian to hit 300 sixes in IPL.

Virat also holds the record for playing for the same franchise, RCB, in every IPL season and while doing so, he has scored more than 8000 runs at an average of 38.66 and a strike rate of 131.97. Further, he also has 55 boundaries and eight maximums. He is also the leading run-scorer in the league

Kohli started his career as a rookie and is now the biggest star in the T20 league. He will play under Rajat Patidar's captaincy in RCB for IPL 2025.

2. Rohit Sharma | 280

Indian team captain Rohit Sharma sits at the second spot in this list. The right-handed batsman has cleared the ropes 280 times in 257 matches. Rohit has been a regular in IPL since the league's inception.

Rohit started his IPL career with Deccan Chargers. He joined Mumbai Indians in the IPL 2011 mega-auction and has been with them since then.

Rohit captained MI to 5 IPL title wins. He now plays under Hardik Pandya's captaincy.

Rohit has also been a prolific run-scorer, with 6628 runs at an average of 29.72 and a strike rate of 131.14, including 43 half-centuries and two centuries. 

1. Chris Gayle | 357

Chris Gayle tops the list of batsmen with most sixes in IPL history. The left-handed batsman finished his IPL career with 357 big hits at a sixes-per-match ratio of 2.53 in the league. No other batsman has managed to hit more than 300 sixes in this T20 league.

Gayle started his IPL career with Kolkata Knight Riders. After going unsold in the IPL 2011 mega-auction, Gayle joined RCB as a replacement player and had a memorable stint with them. He also played for Punjab Kings from IPL 2018 to 2021.

Overall, Gayle has scored 4965 runs at an average of 39.72 and a strike rate of 148.96, including 31 fifties and six centuries in IPL. 

Hello and welcome to the final day of Women's Premier League (WPL) 2025. Tonight, we will bring you the LIVE updates, news and free commentary of the Delhi Capitals vs Mumbai Indians WPL 2025 final match, at Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai.

Mumbai Indians qualified for the final after beating Gujarat Giants in the eliminator. Meantime, Delhi Capitals qualified for the finals for the third time in a row after topping the league chart. 

Delhi Capitals will look for their maiden Women's Premier League title while Mumbai Indians will aim for their second title after they won the trophy in the inaugural season.

So, sit back and relax as we bring you all the LIVE updates of the match to you. Enjoy the coverage. 

The Indian Premier League is just around the corner with the tournament set to start on 22 March.

As usual, it is highly anticipated and is set to draw a huge viewing audience.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Which player has lost the most games in IPL history?

As we move towards the first fixture, between Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bengaluru, let’s take a moment to go back in time and see which batsmen have scored the most runs in IPL since 2018.

Most Runs in IPL (2018-2024)

8. Suryakumar Yadav | 2986 Runs

Suryakumar Yadav had his IPL debut in 2011 for MI. But he got his breakthrough in KKR under Gautam Gambhir but didn't perform up to that level. 2018 saw him return to the Mumbai Indians, where he made massive strides in his IPL career.

Surya has scored 2986 runs during this period in 84 games at an average of 35.55 and a strike rate of 148.71. He has two centuries and 23 half-centuries to his name. He struck 440 boundaries, including 331 fours and 109 sixes.

In 2023, he had his greatest IPL season, where he was appointed as the vice-captain of MI along with scoring 605 runs with a strike rate of 181.14 in 16 innings.

7. Sanju Samson | 2993 Runs

Rajasthan Royals' skipper and wicketkeeper-batsman Sanju Samson has always been a player to rely on in the IPL. He has scored 2993 runs during the 2018-2024 season with two centuries and 18 half-centuries.

IPL 2024 was one of the best seasons for Samson with the bat as he amassed 531 runs at an impressive average of 48.27 and a strike rate of 153.46. He also led the team to the playoffs for the second time after taking over the reins in IPL 2021.

6. Jos Buttler | 3055 Runs

Jos Buttler comes sixth in the list scoring 3055 runs in 73 matches at an average of 41.85 and a strike rate of 147.80. He has seven centuries and 18 half-centuries to his name.

Buttler had an unforgettable 2022 season, finishing as the tournament’s top scorer with 863 runs at an average of 57.53 and a blistering strike rate of 149.05.

The England star smashed four centuries and four half-centuries, playing a crucial role in Rajasthan Royals’ journey to the final. His ability to accelerate and play match-winning innings made him one of the standout performers of the season.

5. Shikhar Dhawan | 3208 Runs

Shikhar Dhawan is fifth on the list of most runs in IPL since 2018. He has been a consistent run-getter over this period, crossing the 400-run mark each season from 2018 to 2024. 

Dhawan has 3208 runs in 83 games at an average of 38.65 and a strike rate of 133.56, including 2 hundred and 23 half-centuries, with the help of 367 fours and 82 sixes. 

His best season came in 2020 when he made 618 runs with 2 hundred and 4 fifties. 

4. Shubman Gill | 3216 Runs

Shubman Gill made his IPL debut in 2018 season and scored 3216 runs so far in 85 matches at an average of 37.84 and a strike rate of 135.70. 

Gill was the leading run-scorer of IPL 2023, amassing 890 runs in 17 matches at an impressive average of 59.33. His strike rate of 157.80 included 3 centuries and 4 half-centuries, with a highest score of 129. He also smashed 85 fours and 33 sixes throughout the tournament.

Gill’s heroics helped Gujarat Titans reach the 2023 final, making him a player to watch for many seasons to come.

3. Faf du Plessis | 3276 Runs

Faf Du Plessis, who guided Royal Challengers Bengaluru to the playoffs last season, has the most runs in IPL during 2018-2024 period. He has scored 3276 runs in 84 matches at an average of 39.01 and a strike rate of 140.04.

He was also sensational with the bat as he scored 438 runs in 2022 season. It came after a brilliant run with the bat in 2023 when he scored over 700 runs for RCB.

Prior to his stint with Bangalore, Du Plessis enjoyed a highly successful tenure with the Chennai Super Kings, winning IPL titles in 2018 and 2021. 

The Proteas batter boasts an impressive record in the overall tournament, scoring 4,571 runs in 145 matches, including 37 half-centuries.

Also Read: Most Wickets in IPL history

2. Virat Kohli | 3586 Runs

Despite Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s struggles in recent seasons, Virat Kohli continued to shine with the bat in every season. He amassed 3586 runs since 2018 season at an average of 40.29 and a strike rate of 134.7, reminding everyone why he is one of the greatest batsmen in T20 cricket.

Kohli has four centuries and 25 half-centuries to his name. His IPL career has seen him hit 339 fours and 163 sixes during this period.

Kohli also scored the most runs in IPL in history with 8004 runs in 252 matches, including 8 centuries and 55 fifties.

1. KL Rahul | 3958 Runs

KL Rahul has hammered 3,958 runs in 79 matches since the start of IPL 2018. He has scored the most runs in IPL this period. 

The tally includes four tons and 33 fifties. Rahul is the only batter to slam 3,000-plus IPL runs in this period. Shikhar Dhawan (3,208), the only other batter to score 2,500-plus since IPL 2018, follows Rahul on this tally.

Since its inception in 2008, the Indian Premier League has gone to achieve unprecedented success in global cricket scenario. Over its illustrious journey, the tournament has also accommodated several stars and match-winners.

The league is currently amid its eighteen edition and is all set to kick off on March 22. The 10 teams will lock horns against each other in a bid to clinch the title. 

Also Read: IPL 2025: Captains of every franchise

So, before the start of the season let's take a look at the IPL facts that which player has lost the most games in IPL history.

IPL Facts | Most defeats for a player in IPL

1. Virat Kohli 

Virat Kohli has played 252 matches from 2008-24, in which he has scored 8004 runs at a strike rate of 132.0 and an average of 38.7. 

Even though Virat is the highest run scorer in IPL history, there is also a statistic that he is also the cricketer who has lost the most matches in IPL.

2. Dinesh Karthik

Dinesh Karthik's name comes second in the list of players who lost the most matches in IPL. Karthik has scored 4842 runs at a strike rate of 135.4. He played for many IPL teams and finally retired while being a part of RCB.

3. Rohit Sharma 

The most successful skipper of the tournament– Rohit Sharma's name comes third in the list of players who have lost the most matches in IPL. He has played 257 matches in IPL, in which he has faced defeat in 119 matches. During this period, his bat has scored 6628 runs at a strike rate of 131.14.

Before shifting his base to the Mumbai franchise, Rohit was a part of the now-defunct Deccan Chargers side.

Also Read: Most Wickets in IPL history

4. MS Dhoni 

While MS Dhoni holds the record for playing the most matches in IPL, he is fourth in the list of players who have lost the most matches in IPL. Mahi has played 264 matches in IPL, in which he scored 5243 runs at a strike rate of 137.54 and an average of 39.13.

Mahi, who made Chennai champion 5 times, comes at number 6 in terms of scoring most runs.

5. Shikhar Dhawan 

Shikhar Dhawan, popularly known as Gabbar, comes at number 5 in the list. He has played 222 matches, in which he has faced defeat in 108 matches. During this time Dhawan has scored 6769 runs at a strike rate of 127.14 and an average of 35.26.