India will be the first team in cricket history to play two bi-lateral series together with two different teams simultaneously. One Indian team will be playing in England and one will be in Sri Lanka. Already few controversies have been made about the India vs Sri Lanka tour. However, as per the Sri Lankan media, the Sri Lankan cricket board will be having a huge financial gain from this tour.
On the other hand, a former Sri Lankan captain has already questioned the Lankan board for playing against a B-string Indian team.
The positive from the tour for the Indian team will be the comeback of few players. Kuldeep Yadav and Yuzvendra Chahal will be under the limelight after a long time. Bhuvneshwar Kumar will be another player under the scanner. In fact, Bhvneshwar Kumar will be the deputy to Shikhar Dhawan for this tour.
Rahul Dravid is the coach for India's tour to Sri Lanka. Image - India Today
For Manish Pandey, the tour will be a fight for survival. But the focus will be shifted to all the players who will debut in the tour. 8 out of 20 players in the squad is yet to don the Indian jersey. Now with Rahul Dravid confirming, "everyone will get a game", it is obvious that players like Devdutt Padikkal and Ruturaj Gaikwad will be debuting.
So the question arises that who should open with captain Shikhar Dhawan for the India vs Sri Lanka ODIs. Here are some stats of the available openers which might make you choose one.
India vs Sri Lankan: Who should be the opener with Shikhar Dhawan?
Now, as you have already seen all the stats, you might think you have the answer. Nope, you might be wrong in that case. We will give you a total explanation of the chances of who might play in India vs Sri Lanka ODI first.
#1 Prithvi Shaw
Prithvi Shaw playing for U-19 India. Image- INDIA TV
Prithvi has been one of the great finds of recent years. Despite injuries and some "bad habits", Shaw has been in the news for his batting. Prithvi has been in tremendous form from the last season. With his record-breaking Vijay Hazare and the decent IPL, we think he will get the nod ahead of other openers in the list.
In 41 List A matches, Prithvi has scored 2263 runs at an average of 58.18. However, the most interesting part is his strike rate. Shaw is a bluster of the ball and has a strike rate of 124.98; the most by anyone in the team. Moreover, Shaw has spent a lot of time with Rahul Dravid since his under-19 days.
With a left-right combination at the top of the order, we might see Shaw pairing with Dhawan for upcoming India vs Sri Lankan ODIs.
#2 Ruturaj Gaikwad
Ruturaj playing for team India-A. Image- ESPNCricinfo
If anyone who has toiled hard in the domestic circuit to get his maiden call-up is Ruturaj Gaikwad. The 24-year-old right-handed batsman from Maharashtra turned his luck around when he was picked by MS Dhoni's CSK. The trust that CSK and MS Dhoni had in Ruturaj changed his career. His partnership with Faf Du Plessis had taken notice in the first half of IPL 2021.
He had scored 400 runs in the IPL with an average of 36.4. Moreover, he blasted 5 half-centuries in 13 matches. Ruturaj has already played for India-A several times. Hence, it will be very tempting for the team management to try him at the top of the order along with Dhawan.
#3 Devdutt Padikkal
If you are playing with Virat Kohli and AB DeVilliers in the same team, you surely have some talent. Well, some say he is the future of the Indian batting line-up. Therefore, he has been given the opportunity very early like his idol, Virat Kohli.
The left-hander from Karnataka has been piling up runs in the domestic circuit. Even with a star-studded Karnatak batting line-up, Padikkal has been on the top of the list among run-scorers for Karnataka.
Top 5 most runs in a Vijay Hazare season- SportzPoint
With consistent performances in the last two years, Padikkal earned the faith of RCB team management. With a hundred while batting alongside Kohli would have taken his confidence level higher. Padikkal has already hit 6 List A career hundreds in his 20 matches long list A career. Moreover, he averages 86.68 with the bat also.
Though we think Padikkal might be the last one to opportunity, you never know with Rahul Dravid in the charge.
Wrapping it up: India vs Sri Lanka- The opening slot
In the conclusion, we can say that with a much higher strike rate, Dhawan might be more suited with Shaw. Not to forget they open together for Delhi Capitals in the IPL. But, Gaikwad deserves his chance, which will surely be fulfilled under Rahul Dravid. Coming to Padikkal, we think he has the capability to outrun everyone on this list. But, he might have to wait a bit considering his less match experience.
But, it might be interesting to see if Dravid try some of them in the middle order to give them more opportunities. What are your thoughts on that?
Every year, the Indian Premier League witnesses some incredible amounts of talent. To recognize that talent, the "IPL Emerging Player of the Year" award is given to a young player who has excelled throughout the competition. This season is also not different. Many young players showed their potential throughout the competition. In this Article, We'll look at the players who have won the IPL Emerging Player of the Season Award from the inaugural edition to the 2024 season.
The player should have been born after 1st April 1996.
Also, the player in contention should not have played more than 25 IPL matches at the start of an IPL season.
The player should not have played more than 20 ODIs and 5 Test matches.
The player in contention should not have won the award previously.
The slogan of theIndian Premier League is "Yatra Pratibha Avsara Prapnotihi," which translates to "Where talent meets opportunity." It explains a lot about the motto of the tournament as it provides a platform for young cricketers to showcase their talent to the entire world.
Shreevats Goswami from Royal Challengers Bangalore became the first player to win the Emerging Player of the Season award in IPL 2008 while Rohit Sharma won it in the 2009 edition playing for Deccan Chargers. Mustafizur Rahman is the only foreign player to claim the award so far, winning it in the 2016 season.
MI's Saurabh Tiwary won the award in 2010 while CSK's Iqbal Abdullah won it in 2011. Both players struggled after getting the award as they failed to replicate their heroics going ahead in their careers.
The other prominent names to win the award are Sanju Samson (2013), Axar Patel (2014), Shreyas Iyer (2015), Rishabh Pant (2018), Shubman Gill (2019) and Ruturaj Gaikwad (2021). Speedster Umran Malik won the award in the 2022 season. Rajasthan Royals opener Yashasvi Jaiswal won the IPL 2023 Emerging Player of the Season Award. SRH's Nitish Kumar Reddy won the IPL 2024 Emerging Player of the Season Award.
IPL Emerging Player Winners List: From 2008 to 2023:
U19 World Cup winner Shreevats Goswami was the first player to win the Emerging Player Award. He played for RCB that year and played a few brilliant knocks. He scored 82 runs in that season in four matches to get the award.
IPL 2009: Rohit Sharma (Deccan Chargers)
Rohit Sharma was awarded the IPL Emerging Player of the Season award in 2009 | Image: X
Indian present captain Rohit Sharma already was coming after winning the T20 World Cup with India. In 2009, a young Rohit powered Deccan Chargers to their maiden IPL title. He scored 362 runs in 16 matches for his side and also picked up 11 wickets including a hat-trick. He later led Mumbai Indians to five IPL titles. Rohit Sharma is the most successful player in terms of titles in IPL history.
IPL 2010: Saurabh Tiwary (Mumbai Indians)
Saurabh Tiwary was an excellent batsman for Mumbai Indians in 2010. He scored 419 runs and won the Emerging Player Award. The left-handed batter scored three fifties in that season. But, he couldn't replicate those performances in the following seasons.
IPL 2011: Iqbal Abdulla (Kolkata Knight Riders)
KKR's Iqbal Abdulla was one of the key players in Gautam Gambhir's first season at the franchise. The left-arm spinner picked up 16 wickets in the tournament and took the Knight Riders to the playoffs, a first in their history. Abdulla was a very strict bowler who didn't concede many runs. He was awarded the Emerging Player Award but wasn't able to replicate those performances in the next season.
IPL 2012: Mandeep Singh (Kings XI Punjab)
Punjab Kings were known as Kings XI Punjab back then and Mandeep Singh was a key performer for them in 2012. Mandeep scored 432 runs in the tournament at an average of 27 and was the highest scorer for Punjab in that season. He won the Emerging Player of the Season Award in the 2012 season and has played for multiple franchises since then.
IPL 2013: Sanju Samson (Rajasthan Royals)
Sanju Samson won the award in 2013 | Image: BCCI
Sanju Samson won the award in 2013. It was his breakthrough season at Rajasthan Royals and the Kerala-born scored 206 runs in that year. Rajasthan failed to advance to the playoffs but Samson was their brightest spark that season. He continued that performance in the following seasons and now he has become the skipper of that franchise. He also led Rajasthan to the Playoffs this season but couldn't qualify for the Final.
IPL 2014: Axar Patel (Kings XI Punjab)
Axar Patel was 20 years old in the 2014 season and he was exceptional to watch. Axar picked up 17 wickets in that season and Punjab also went to the Final of the tournament. Interestingly, that was the last time Punjab ever qualified for the playoffs. But, Axar has been one of the most brilliant spin bowlers in the history of the IPL. He currently plays for Delhi Capitals.
IPL 2015: Shreyas Iyer (Delhi Daredevils)
Shreyas Iyer won the Emerging player award in the 2015 IPL season | Image: BCCI
Shreyas Iyer and his journey in the IPL started with Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals). In the year 2015, which was Shreyas' first exposure to the league, the batter scored 439 runs in 14 matches and was the 4th highest Indian run-getter. He scored four half-centuries that season with a highest of 83 against Mumbai Indians. He is currently captaining KKR and they are in the Final of IPL 2024.
IPL 2016: Mustafizur Rahman (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Mustafizur Rahman is IPL's only foreign Emerging Player so far. The Bangladeshi pacer was phenomenal for Sunrisers in 2016 and was a key contributor in their title-winning campaign. He picked up 17 wickets in the season and had one of the best economies (6.90 rpo) that year. He has contributed so much doesn't matter which team it is. He played in the IPL 2024 season with Chennai and impressed the fans once again.
Kerala's Basil Thampi had a stellar season with Gujarat Lions in 2017. Gujarat Lions replaced one of the suspended franchises Rajasthan Royals (2016 and 2017). Thampi picked up 11 wickets in that season and the Lions played the playoffs. However, they couldn't win the title. Basil wasn't able to replicate those performances in the following seasons that's why he is without a team right now.
IPL 2018: Rishabh Pant (Delhi Capitals)
Rishabh Pant scored 684 runs in the IPL 2018 season | Image: BCCI
Rishabh Pant was the 2nd highest run scorer in IPL 2018 with 684 runs for the Delhi Capitals. He was amazing for DC that season and scored with a Strike Rate of 173.6. His best knock that year came against SRH when he scored a superb 128 off just 63 balls. The left-handed wicketkeeper batter has grown so much since then and is now the captain of Delhi. He has won them so many matches and also is a key player of the Indian squad in all three formats.
IPL 2019: Shubman Gill (Kolkata Knight Riders)
Shubman Gill won the Emerging Player of the Season award in the 2019 season | Image: BCCI
Shubman Gill won the award in 2019 after scoring 296 runs in 14 matches at an average of 32. He was excellent for the Knight Riders that season including three half-centuries. He is currently captaining Gujarat Titans and also won the Orange Cap in the 2023 season. Gill is also an important member of the Indian squad.
Devdutt Padikkal was the highest run-getter for RCB in 2020. The left-handed batter scored 473 runs in 15 matches including five fifties. But, since then he has failed to replicate those performances.
IPL 2021: Ruturaj Gaikwad (Chennai Super Kings)
Gaikwad won the Orange Cap and Emerging Player of the Season Award both in the IPL 2021 season | Image: BCCI
It didn't start well for Ruturaj Gaikwad in 2021. But the Chennai Super Kings batter made a brilliant comeback and scored 635 runs for his team that season including 4 fifties. Gaikwad was 24 that season and since then he has become a key part of Chennai's squad. He is also the captain of Chennai Super Kings.
IPL 2022: Umran Malik (Sunrisers Hyderabad)
Umran Malik caused a lot of distress among batters in IPL 2022 with his raw pace. The SRH pacer was excellent with 22 wickets for them that season and won the Emerging Player Award. He also got an India call-up after his IPL heroics but couldn't do the same there. He also had a poor 2023 campaign in the IPL and due to that, didn't get enough opportunities in the 2024 season.
IPL 2023: Yashasvi Jaiswal (Rajasthan Royals)
Yashaswi Jaiswal won the IPL 2023 Emerging Player of the Season Award | Image: BCCI
Yashasvi Jaiswal scored 625 runs for Rajasthan Royals in the 2023 season. He was just 21 years old at that time. He scored five fifties and a superb hundred, which came against KKR. Jaiswal's brilliant batting took him to places in the last twelve months as he has made his place in the Indian Test team as well.
Sunrisers Hyderabad all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy was awarded the Emerging Player title for the 2024 IPL season. The 21-year-old Nitish scored 303 runs at an average of 33.67 and a strike rate of 142.92, playing a crucial role in the SRH middle order. The right-handed batter’s best inning with the bat came against Rajasthan Royals, where he scored 76 runs in 42 deliveries with the help of 8 sixes. He also picked up three wickets while contributing with the bat.
IPL 2025: Sai Sudharsan (Gujarat Titans)
Sai Sudharsan brushed off competition from Priyansh Arya, Noor Ahmad, and other youngsters and walked away with the Emerging Player of the Season award. Sudharsan ended at the top of the run-getters chart with 759 runs, ahead of Suryakumar, Shubman Gill, Mitchell Marsh and Virat Kohli. He had an average of 54.21, with a strike rate of 156.17, a century and six fifties.
IPL 2025: RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs
Explore how RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs with 10 different batters smashing fifties in a single IPL season. Relive the iconic moments of these ten half-centurions in IPL 2025.
Never before has an IPL team displayed such diverse batting depth as Royal Challengers Bengaluru did in IPL 2025. This season, they set a new league record by having 10 different players who each scored at least one half-century.
They broke the previous benchmark set by Mumbai Indians of nine different half-centurions in 2017. Find out how RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs to take this game to another level.
1. Virat Kohli (8 half-centuries)
Virat Kohli celebration his 8th half century of IPL 2025 against LSG. Image | Pinterest
The chase master, Virat Kohli, is leading the pack with 8 half-centuries to his name in IPL 2025. He started this season with a fifty and ended the league stage with scoring his 8th one of this season.
He's been incredibly consistent throughout, and scored 602 runs in 13 matches, with a strike rate above 147. He is also among the top 5 contenders in the race for Orange Cap.
Phil Salt celebrating his third half century in IPL 2025. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The England batter, Phil Salt, proved to be a key opener along with Kohli for the team in IPL 2025. He also started the season with scoring a fifty against KKR, and contributed with 331 runs across 11 matches played.
Rajat Patidar celebrating his second half century in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
The skipper, Rajat Patidar, has not been able to fire with the bat much, but he stood up for RCB whenever he could. This season, he scored 2 half-centuries against two big teams (MI & CSK).
Patidar fifties in IPL 2025:
vs MI: 64 runs (32 balls)
vs CSK: 51 runs (32 balls)
4. Devdutt Padikkal (2 half-centuries)
Devdutt Padikkal celebrating his second half century in IPL 2025. Image | Facebook
Batting at no. 3, Devdutt Padikkal, has served as a vital asset for RCB in crucial games. He proved the fans how he was deserving of his position in the playing XI, by delivering spectacular knocks and 2 half-centuries.
Unfortunately, Padikkal had to leave mid-season due to injury issues, but his contribution makes him the fourth batter that helped RCB create this unique history before the playoffs.
Jacob Bethell celebrating his maiden IPL fifty in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
The 21-year-old Jacob Bethell is the youngest half-centurion of this season for RCB. He scored his maiden IPL fifty against Chennai Super Kings and made his mark with a banger.
Bethell fifties in IPL 2025:
vs CSK: 55 runs (33 balls)
6. Tim David (1 half-century)
Tim David after scoring his maiden IPL fifty against PBKS in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Tim David is like the backbone of RCB who stands strong along the boundary line and never lets a ball pass through! Besides his on-field contribution with his spectacular catching and fielding skills, this power-hitter has delivered with the bat too.
David scored his maiden IPL fifty against PBKS and that was a treat to watch. He comes to bat at crucial times and makes sure his team reaches a defendable total.
Krunal Pandya celebrating his century against DC in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Krunal Pandya is one of the most consistent all-rounder of this season for RCB. He has taken crucial wickets for the team and helped them earn those crucial points.
Apart from bowling, Pandya scored a match-winning half-century against Delhi Capitals. He came to bat at the time when RCB's batting order collapsed early, and delivered an amazing knock.
Romario Shepherd celebrating his half-century against CSK in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Romario Shepherd's half-century against CSK in IPL 2025 was is an explosive batting tale to talk about. His unbeaten 53* off just 14 balls left the bowlers and spectators stunned!
Shepherd single-handedly scored 33 runs off the 19th over and showered the fans with sixes.
Shepherd fifties in IPL 2025:
vs CSK: 53* runs (14 balls)
Are you not entertained? 🤩
Romario Shepherd thrilled the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with a 'blink and you miss' knock 🫡🔥
Liam Livingstone celebrating his half-century against GT in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
The English all-rounder, Liam Livingstone, etched his name in the list of half-centurions for RCB by scoring one against Gujarat Titans in their league match. He helped the team reach a respectable total when they had lost all hopes in the first inning of the match.
Livingstone fifties in IPL 2025:
vs GT: 54 runs (40 balls)
10. Jitesh Sharma (1 half-century)
Jitesh Sharma celebrating his match-winning knock against LSG in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Here comes the 10th batter whose half-century was a special one for RCB. Jitesh Sharma, who became the stand-in captain for the team, scored his first fifty for the team in their last league match.
He showed no mercy to the bowlers and scored 85* off just 33 balls to help RCB chase down a big total and reach top-two in the points table.
India A's squad for the tour of England: Easwaran named captain, Karun Nair makes a return
Abhimanyu Easwaran was named the captain of the India A team for the tour of England as the BCCI announced the India A squad for the upcoming tour starting from 30th May 2025.
Abhimanyu Easwaran was named the captain of the India A team for the tour of England as the BCCI announced the India A squad for the upcoming tour starting from 30th May 2025.
India A will play two first-class matches against the England Lions at Canterbury and Northampton. Then they will play a practice match against the senior Indian team to prepare them for the big series against England.
Karun Nair was rewarded for his excellent domestic form as he made a return to the India A side. His performance for the A side might decide whether he will be given a chance for the senior team or not.
Abishek Porel, who was named in the last India A's tour to Australia, has been replaced by Ishan Kishan in the side.
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, who will be busy in the Indian Premier League for the Gujarat Titans, will join the squad from the second match.
The rising star of RCB, Devdutt Padikkal, is ruled out of IPL 2025 following injury issues, leaving a void in the team. As a result, Mayank Agarwal has been brought in as his replacement for the rest of the tournament.
Find out more about Devdutt Padikkal's injury and what Agarwal brings to the team.
Devdutt Padikkal in IPL 2025
Devdutt Padikkal celebrates his 10th IPL half-century in aatch against PBKS in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Devdutt Padikkal had an amazing season in IPL 2025 with the Royal Challengers Bengaluru so far. He played in 10 matches for RCB this season and was pretty impactful as a no. 3 batter for the team.
Padikkal's strike rate of 150.61 this season was the highest of his IPL career. He scored a total of 247 runs in 10 matches, with 2 back-to-back half centuries.
We witnessed some spectacular rhythm of partnership between Padikkal and Virat Kohli, and their perfect sync of running between the wickets.
Padikkal and Kohli during their 2nd wicket partnership in a match in IPL 2025. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Devdutt Padikkal's sudden hamstring injury brings a new challenge for RCB as they might need some time to make proper adjustments in the playing XI. As Padikkal had already established his presence as a number 3 batter, the team may have to try out new combinations to find a solid pace in their batting order.
RCB has already identified a suitable player for this role, but seeing how it goes for the team as the playoffs are approaching will be a challenging thing to witness.
Mayank Agarwal returns to RCB after 12 years
Mayank Agarwal along with Swastik Chikara arrive at Lucknow airport with the team for their upcoming IPL 2025 match. Image | Instagram
The Bengaluru born batsman, Mayank Agarwal, who started his IPL career with the franchise in 2011, made comeback after 12 years. This homecoming is a special one for the team as Mayank has significant IPL experience, having scored 2661 runs in 127 matches so far.
Mayank is likely to play his comeback match with the RCB in the upcoming match against Lucknow Super Giants on 9th May, 2025.
IPL Records: Youngest Half-centurions in IPL History
Ayush Mhatre has become the third youngest Half-centurions in IPL. Ahead of him are Riyan Parag and Vaibhav Suryavanshi. In this article, we will be discussing about the five youngest half-centurions in IPL history.
Chennai Super Kings opener Ayush Mhatre has missed out on scoring his first century in IPL against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, but during this time he created history. Mhatre became the youngest batsman to score a half-century for Chennai. He achieved this feat at the age of just 17 years and 291 days. Apart from this, Ayush has become the third youngest Half-centurions in IPL. Ahead of him are Riyan Parag and Vaibhav Suryavanshi.
In this article, we will be discussing about the five youngest half-centurions in IPL history.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi, aged 14 years and 32 days by the time of playing only his third IPL match in the 2025 season, rained down 11 huge sixes and seven boundaries against Gujarat Titans bowlers. The teenager smashed his maiden half-century in the game to become youngest half-centurions in IPL history. Suryavanshi ended up converting it into a splendid 35-ball century, the second fastest in the history of the tournament.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi’s innings helped Rajasthan Royals thwart Gujarat Titans’ strong new ball and spin attack during their pursuit of 210 runs.
2. Riyan Parag (2019) | 17y 175d
Riyan Parag registered his first half-century in the IPL at the age of 17 years and 175 days back in 2019 during Rajasthan Royal's final league stage match against Delhi Capitals. On a day when most Rajasthan Royals batsmen struggled with the bat, Riyan Parag displayed maturity beyond his years to take his team to 115/9 in their stipulated quota of 20 overs.
Batting at number six and arriving at the crease at 30-4 inside the powerplay, Parag bided his time across 49 deliveries to score 50 runs, laced with four fours and two sixes, in Delhi. His innings helped Rajasthan Royals post a respectable 115-9, having once headed for a much worse collapse. The Capitals ended up winning the match by five wickets in 16.1 overs.
3. Ayush Mhatre (2025) | 17y 291d
Ayush Mhatre scored his maiden IPL half-century in just 25 balls to become the third youngest player to score a half-century in the history of the league. The 17-year-old smashed 94 runs off just 48 deliveries in the game. His innings included 9 fours and 5 sixes. Mhatre missed his much deserved century by 6 runs.
Mhatre also became the youngest player of Chennai Super Kings in IPL history to register a half-century. He left Suresh Raina behind, after hitting a fifty at the age of 17 years and 291 days. Raina who previously held the record had achieved the feat in 2008 at the age of 21 years and 148 days in a match against Mumbai Indians.
4. Sanju Samson (2013) | 18y 169d
A Rajasthan Royals batter through and through, Sanju Samson blazed his team to an emphatic four-wicket victory against RCB, as a teenager. Playing his first IPL season back in 2013, Samson helped Rajasthan pull off a 172-run chase by cracking 63 runs from just 41 balls with seven boundaries and two huge sixes at Jaipur’s Sawai Mansingh Stadium.
Batting at number three, the talented right-hander took on the likes of RP Singh, Jaydev Unadkat, Vinay Kumar head-on to bag the ‘Player of the Match’ award. He was 18 years and 169 days at the time to become IPL’s youngest half-centurion.
In just the second match of his IPL career, Prithvi Shaw smashed 62 runs from 44 balls, doing so against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in match 26 of the 2018 season. Opening the innings for Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) alongside Colin Munro, Shaw smashed seven boundaries and two sixes in the innings as his team mounted 219-4 from 20 overs.
Aged 18 years and 169 days at the time, the talented right-handed opening batter became one of the youngest half-centurions in IPL history.