Indian players to play Vijay Hazare Trophy Knockouts after returning from Australia tour
Devdutt Padikkal, Prasidh Krishna, and Abhimanyu Easwaran will be in action for their respective teams in the knockout stage of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 season in Vadodara from January 9. Washington Sundar may also be available if Tamil Nadu reaches semifinals.
Some of the young players of the Indian team will be available for the Vijay Hazare Trophy after returning from Australia after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 1-3 loss. Devdutt Padikkal, Prasidh Krishna, and Abhimanyu Easwaran will be in action for their respective teams in the knockout stage of the 2024-25 season in Vadodara from January 9.
India's wicketkeeper-batsman KL Rahul has been sought in the ODIs, while Washington Sundar may be available if Tamil Nadu reaches the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 semi-finals.
Padikkal and Prasidh flew from Sydney on Wednesday (January 8) along with most of the Indian contingent. According to reports, Abhimanyu was given permission to fly a day earlier. The Cricket Association of Bengal (CAB) then booked him on the flight so that he could join the state team in Vadodara after stops in Singapore and Ahmedabad.
Abhimanyu will practice with the team
Abhimanyu will practice with the rest of the Bengal team ahead of the pre-quarterfinal match against Haryana on Wednesday. Akashdeep, the other player in the Indian team, has been ruled out due to back pain. Due to this, he could not play the last Test in Australia. He will go to the Center of Excellence (National Cricket Academy) in Bangalore.
When will Padikkal and Prasidh join?
Padikkal and Prasidh are expected to join the Karnataka team by January 10, a day before their quarterfinal match against Baroda. Initially, Padikkal was only part of the India A team that toured ahead of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
Padikkal was included in the Test squad after Rohit Sharma's arrival was delayed. He got to play in India's 295-run win in Perth but was not selected in any of the subsequent Tests.
Abhimanyu's first match in two months
Prasidh Krishna played his last Test in Sydney. It was a year since he played a Test match. He picked up six wickets in both innings, including dismissing Steve Smith twice. Both Padikkal and Prasidh impressed in the four-day matches for India A ahead of BGT.
Meanwhile, the match against Haryana of the Vijay Hazare Trophy 2024-25 will be Abhimanyu's first match in two months. He was benched in all five Tests in Australia. Scores of 7, 12, 0, and 17 in four innings for India Ain Australia made his chances of a Test debut slim as he was in the race for a backup opener to play in Perth in Rohit's absence.
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.
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.
Best Celebrations of IPL 2025 so far: From Abhishek's papercut to Hasaranga's Pushpa move
From wild team huddles to iconic player moves, here are the Top 5 best celebrations of IPL 2025 so far. Relive the most unforgettable moments as players let their emotions fly on the biggest stage of cricket.
The Indian Premier League (IPL), has become one of the biggest cricketing events in the world since its inception in 2008. Over the years, the IPL has provided cricket fans with some of the most thrilling and exciting moments in the sport. From stunning performances to nail-biting finishes, the IPL has never failed to entertain its fans. As the IPL 2025 has progressed, we have seen many memorable celebrations that have gone down in IPL history.
From wild team huddles to iconic player moves, here are the Top 5 best celebrations of IPL 2025 so far. Relive the most unforgettable moments as players let their emotions fly on the biggest stage of cricket.
Ashutosh Sharma did the unthinkable for Delhi Capitals against Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2025. At a time when even the most passionate of DC fans would have thought that it was not possible for their team to chase down a 210-run target, Ashutosh Sharma thought otherwise. Impact sub Ashutosh played the most defining knock of his IPL career to guide Delhi Capitals to a thrilling onewicketvictory over Lucknow Super Giants.
Ashutosh smashed 66 not out off 31 balls and finished it with a huge six off Shahbaz Ahmed as DC chased down a target of 210 with three balls to spare. The right-hander hit five fours and five sixes in all. Ashutsh Sharma's celebration after the win went viral.
4. Digvesh Rathi Signature Celebration
Lucknow Super Giants' rising spinner Digvesh Rathi made headlines, not just for his bowling but for his unique way of celebrating after dismissing none other than his cricketing idol, Sunil Narine. During a high-octane clash against Kolkata Knight Riders at Eden Gardens, Rathi picked up the prized wicket of Narine and followed it up with a brand-new celebration.
In the 7th over of KKR's innings, Rathi bowled a deceptive googly that lured Narine into a mistimed big shot. Narine couldn’t get the power he needed, and Aiden Markram ran in from long-off to complete a clean sliding catch. After taking the wicket, Rathi bent down and theatrically signed the grass, perhaps symbolising a respectful autograph or signature moment rather than a taunt.
3. Wanindu Hasaranga Pushpa Celebration
Rajasthan Royals' Wanindu Hasaranga pulled off the iconic Pushpa celebration during the IPL 2025 match against the Kolkata Knight Riders in Guwahati. After dismissing KKR Skipper Ajinkya Rahane, Hasaranga came up with the move popularised by Telugu star Allu Arjun in the blockbuster movie Pushpa by wiping his chin with the back of his hand with a confident strut, inviting huge cheers from fans.
The accomplished leg-spinner has been impressive ever since he started representing Sri Lanka on the international stage. He has mentioned that Brazilian footballer Neymar Jr is his favourite player. Hasaranga has been celebrating his wickets like Neymar does when he scores a goal. When the leggie played for Royal Challengers Bangalore in IPL 2022, he picked up four wickets against KKR which made him celebrate ala Neymar.
2. KL Rahul Kantara Celebration
When Delhi Capitals’ wicket keeper-batsman KL Rahul thumped his chest, pointed to the ground and then drew a circle with his bat, during the match against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, not many realized the significance of what he was doing, until he mentioned it in a post-match.
Speaking after the match, Rahul had said, “This is a special place from me. This celebration was from one of my favourite movies, Kantara. So, a tiny reminder that this ground, this turf, this place where I grew up, is mine."
Initially, it was thought that Rahul’s gestures were a reference to the fact that he’s a Bengaluru boy, a former RCB player, and, most importantly, the Chinnaswamy Stadium, being home ground. But once he mentioned Kantara, netizens were quick to put together short videos of Rahul’s celebratory moves and Divine Star Rishab Shetty’s movements in the climax of Kantara, when his character Shiva is possessed by the spirit of the Guliga Daiva and exacts vengeance on those who wronged his people.
Sunrisers Hyderabad opener Abhishek Sharma celebrated his maiden Indian Premier League century in a unique way, which is one of the best celebrations of IPL 2025 so far. The 24-year-old smashed a 40-ball century for SRH in a 246-run chase against the Punjab Kings in Hyderabad.
After scoring the ton, Abhishek took out a paper from his pocket and displayed the message “This one’s for the Orange Army”. The quickfire century helped him book a spot in the record books as he became the third-fastest Indian to score reach triple digits in the IPL.
IPL records - Batters with most 500+ runs seasons: Kohli breaks Warner's records
With his fourth consecutive fifty in the IPL 2025 in the RCB vs CSK match, Virat Kohli has now gone past 500 runs for 8th time in his career. Here are the players to have the IPL records of the most 500+ runs seasons.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) has been a stage for batting brilliance, with a select group of players consistently amassing over 500 runs in multiple seasons. With this fourth consecutive fifty of the IPL 2025, Virat Kohli now leads the pack, followed by David Warner, KL Rahul, and Shikhar Dhawan.
Here are all the batters having the IPL records of having the most 500+ runs season in IPL.
4. Shikhar Dhawan: 5 Seasons
Shikhar Dhawan, the former Indian cricketer with five 500+ run seasons, has been a reliable run-getter for multiple franchises, notably Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad.
Known for his crisp cover drives and steady starts, Dhawan’s 618 runs in 2019 reflect his ability to deliver under pressure.
Dhawan first crossed 500 runs in the 2102 season, playing for Delhi Capitals. That season, he scored 569 runs at a 40.64 batting average. Four seasons later, in 2016, Dhawan scored 501 runs while playing for SRH.
He then crossed the 500-run mark in three consecutive seasons in 2019, 2020 and 2021. All fo those runs came for Delhi Captials.
KL Rahul has notched up 500+ runs in six IPL seasons, showcasing elegance and consistency for his teams. Be it at the top of the order or in the middle overs, KL Rahul has always shown versatility to score at his will for his team.
His 670-run haul in 2020 underlines his prowess as a modern T20 great. From 2018 to 2022, Rahul went past the 500-run mark in five consecutive seasons. The first four seasons were for Punjab Kings while the 2022 season was while playing for LSG.
Rahul's last 500+ run season was in 2024, while playing for LSG. With already 371 runs this season, it looks like he will go past the 500-mark this season as well.
David Warner, with seven 500+ run seasons, is one of the greatest batters in IPL history. The former Australian opener’s aggressive style and knack for big scores have been pivotal for Sunrisers Hyderabad and Delhi Capitals in the past.
Warner’s three Orange Cap titles highlight his consistency, with his 2016 season (848 runs) being a standout.
From 2014 to 2020, he scored 500+ runs in six seasons, with only 2018 being a miss, when he did not play. In the 2023 season, he managed his 7th 500+ runs season with 516 runs for Delhi Capitals.
1. Virat Kohli: 8 Seasons
Like many other IPL records, Virat Kohli now also holds the record for the most 500+ runs season. He has now scored 500+ runs on 8 occasions, going past David Warner's record.
Kohli scored more than 500 runs in 2011 (557 runs), 2013 (634 runs), 2015 (505 runs), 2016 (973 runs), 2018 (530 runs), 2023 (639 runs), 2024 (741 runs) and 2025 (505 runs and counting).
Kohli's record 973 runs in the 2016 season is still the most runs scored in an IPL season.
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