Opener Shubman Gill has attained a career-best second position and is the highest-ranked among three India players who are now in the top 10 of the MRF Tyres ICC Men's ODI Batting Rankings, the first time this happened since January 2019.
Shubman Gill has moved up one spot; Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli have gained two places each. Image- ICC Cricket
Gill, who had scored 58 and figured in a 121-run opening partnership with captain Rohit Sharma in the Asia Cup match against Pakistan, has moved up one spot while Sharma and Virat Kohli have gained two places each and are sitting in eighth and ninth positions, respectively. Sharma also scored a half-century against Sri Lanka this past week while Kohli advances thanks to his unbeaten 122 against Pakistan.
Sharma, Kohli and Shikhar Dhawan were the three batters in the top 10 in that instance more than four years ago while those three were also in the top six of the batting table back in September 2018.
Pakistan also have three batters in the top 10 less than a month from the ICC Men's Cricket World Cup. Captain Babar Azam is at the top and enjoys a lead of more than 100 rating points over Gill, while Imam-ul-Haq and Fakhar Zaman are in fifth and 10 positions, respectively.
The latest weekly update, that also considers performances in three matches of the South Africa-Australia series and two matches of the England-New Zealand series, South Africa's Temba Bavuma has closed in on a top-10 place after striking three centuries and two half-centuries in his last eight ODIs. He has advanced 21 places to 11th position while his previous best was 25th.
Australia players Davis Warner (up one place to fourth), Travis Head (up six places to 20th) and Marnus Labuschagne (up 24 places to 45th) have made significant progress as has the Indian pair of KL Rahul (up 10 places to 37th) and Ishan Kishan (up two places to 22nd).
Aiden Markram, Sadeera Samarawickrama, Liam Livingstone, Daryl Mitchell and Devon Conway are among others to gain in the latest update.
New Zealand's Trent Boult is up to joint-second place among bowlers while Australia leg-spinner Adam Zampa is in the top five of the bowling rankings for the first time after taking four wickets in the second match against South Africa.
India's left-arm wrist-spinner Kuldeep Yadav has gained five places to reach seventh position after grabbing nine wickets in two Asia Cup matches.
Pakistan fast bowler Haris Rauf has soared eight spots and is in 21st position while India fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah (up eight places to 27th) and all-rounder Hardik Pandya (up 21 places to 56th) have also made big gains. Pandya is also up four places to sixth among all-rounders.
The IPL is like a festival of sports for India as we call it. It is also the festival of explosive and jaw-dropping sixes. The list for most sixes hit by any batter in IPL history is led by one and only, Chris Gayle. It is not surprising one bit, is it?
Dive into the list of several batters that are so close to match Gayle's six-hitting numbers, where some names will surely surprise you.
1. Chris Gayle (357 sixes)
Chris Gayle playing for RCB in IPL. Image | ESPNcricinfo
When it comes to hitting sixes in IPL, there is Chris Gayle, and then there's everyone else. This West Indies legend tops the chart for most sixes hit by any batter in IPL history with 357 sixes (in just141 innings)!
Gayle's IPL journey spanned from 2009 to 2021, and he was the first batsman to cross the 300-mark in terms of sixes. He displayed his batting peak with franchises like KKR, PBKS, and especially RCB.
His most memorable six-hitting moment of IPL came in 2013 when he smashed 175* runs off 66 balls against PWI, hitting 17 explosive sixes.
Rohit Sharma playing for Mumbai Indians in IPL. Image | Instagram
Known for his aggressive start and batting, Rohit Sharma, is the only batter who has hit 300+ sixes after Gayle in IPL history. He holds the second place, with 302 sixes (in 265 innings).
The hitman doesn't like to take things slow, and always delivers the ball out of the boundary with his powerful pulls and cover drives. Once he gets in his six-hitting zone, it truly gets difficult to stop him!
Sharma has consistently stood up for the team, and these numbers are about to get high as he will continue to play and dominate in IPL in the future.
3. Virat Kohli (291 sixes)
Virat Kohli playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL. Image | Instagram
When has it occurred that there's a list of excellent batting records where this man doesn't hold a spot?
Virat Kohli, the batting maestro, holds the 3rd position with 291 sixes (in 258 innings). Even though he is widely known for his exquisitecover drives and hitting smooth boundaries, his ability to time the ball perfectly out for a six has been phenomenal throughout his IPL career.
Kohli is just 9 sixes away to cross the 300-mark, that he might cross in IPL 2025 itself!
MS Dhoni playing for CSK in IPL. Image | ESPNcricinfo
MS Dhoni, like the greatest finisher he is, has hit an impressive 264 sixes (in 242 innings) in his IPL career so far. He has been brutal in the death overs and has always made sure his team takes the victory home when he his unbeaten at the crease.
Dhoni's six-hitting skills often changes the momentum of the game and puts the opposition under immense pressure, as he becomes unstoppable!
5. AB de Villiers (251 sixes)
AB de Villiers playing for RCB in IPL. Image | Facebook
The South African legend, AB de Villiers, holds several batting records and had delivered many cherishable moments for RCB throughout his IPL journey (2008-2021), and this is one of them. He is the 5th batter to have 250+ sixes in IPL history.
He hit 251 sixes (in 170 innings) which tells a lot about his phenomenal skills and love for hitting sixes. He had the ability to deliver the ball in every corner of the stadium and was called "Mr. 360" for a reason!
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.
Kohli fifties in IPL 2025:
vs KKR: 59* runs (36 balls)
vs MI: 67 runs (42 balls)
vs RR: 70 runs (42 balls)
vs PBKS: 73* runs (54 balls)
vs RR: 62* runs (45 balls)
vs DC: 51 runs (47 balls)
vs CSK: 62 runs (33 balls)
vs LSG: 54 runs (30 balls)
๐ด๐๐ต ๐ณ๐ถ๐ณ๐๐ of the season for @virat.kohli ๐ฅ
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? ๐คฉ
Romario Shepherd thrilled the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with a 'blink and you miss' knock ๐ซก๐ฅ
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.
Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians IPL 2025 Eliminator Preview, Head-to-head, Possible XIs and Fantasy Team Prediction
Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible playing XIs, and Fantasy Team Prediction of the Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians Eliminator match in IPL 2025.
The Eliminator match of IPL 2025 will be played between Gujarat Titans (GT) and Mumbai Indians (MI) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur on Friday, May 30. The team that wins this match will play Qualifier-2 while the losing team will be out of the tournament.
Gujarat Titans were strong contenders for the number two position from the beginning, but the defeat in the last 2 matches spoiled their chances. After the initial defeat, Mumbai Indians were also riding on the winning chariot, but after losing 2 out of the last 3 matches of the league stage, Hardik Pandya and team had to settle for the fourth position. Now both these teams have to win 3 consecutive matches to win the title.
After defeating MI twice in the group stages earlier in the IPL 2025 season, GT will be confident to get the better of the five-time champions once again, to get themselves a step closer to winning their second title in four seasons.
For MI, it will be very important to bring their A game forward after not playing to their full potential against GT earlier in the tournament, and this could very well be the case due to the impressive track record in the knockout matches for the franchise.
From possible playing XIs to head-to-head record, here is everything you need to know about the Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians Eliminator in IPL 2025.
Match Details
Match: Gujarat Titans vs Mumbai Indians
Tournament: IPL 2025, Eliminator
Date: 30 May 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium, Mullanpur
Streaming Details
Cricket fans from India can watch the GT vs MI Eliminator on Star Sports TV Channels on Television. They can also stream the match LIVE on JioHotstar for free.
Pitch Report
The pitches at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in Mullanpur had something for batters and bowlers during the early stages of the IPL 2025, allowing for some compelling cricket for the fans. Over the years, the teams batting first have five matches, while teams batting second have won four matches in the league at this venue. The average first innings total here in the IPL is 170.
Weather Report
The weather report has forecasted rain in Chandigarh on the match day. However, there is no forecast of rain during the match time at night. As a result, rain is unlikely to play spoilsport during the GT vs MI clash. The temperature is set to hover in the early 30s during the match.
GT vs MI: Head-to-Head Record
Gujarat Titans have a proud 5-2 record in seven IPL matches over MI, with a few matches going down to the wire over the course of the last four seasons. Earlier in the IPL 2025, one of their fixtures, which was played in Mumbai, was decided on the last ball with the rain playing a role leading up to it, wherein GT held their nerve to get across the finishing line.
Gujarat Titans: Shubman Gill (c), Sai Sudharsan, Kusal Mendis (wk), Sherfane Rutherford, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Gerald Coetzee, R Sai Kishore, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj
Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru IPL 2025 Qualifier 1 Preview, Head-to-head, Possible XIs and Fantasy Team Prediction
Read the full match preview, head-to-head stats, possible playing XIs, and Fantasy Team Prediction of the Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Qualifier 1 match in IPL 2025.
The first playoff match of the 18th season of Indian Premier League (IPL) will be played tomorrow, Thursday, May 29. The first qualifier match will be played between Punjab Kings (PBKS) and Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh.
After the group stage, PBKS finished first in the points table while RCB finished second. Now the team that wins the Qualifier-1 match will get a 'Ticket to the Final'.
Both the teams had a great season so far and are among the favourites to lift their maiden IPL title this year. PBKS have qualified into the playoffs after 11 years while RCB made into the top-two for the first time after 2016.
Ahead of their clash in the IPL 2025 playoffs, PBKS and RCB met twice in the league stage this year with both teams winning one game each. Now, looking for their maiden title, both PBKS and RCB are now just a win away from getting into the final. However, the losing team will also get another chance in the qualifier two.
From possible playing XIs to head-to-head record, here is everything you need to know about the Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru Qualifier 1 in IPL 2025.
Match Details
Match: Punjab Kings vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru
Tournament: IPL 2025, Qualifier 1
Date: 29 May 2025
Time: 7:30 PM IST
Venue: Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadiu, New Chandigarh
Streaming Details
Cricket fans from India can watch the PBKS vs RCB Qualifier 1 LIVE on Star Sports TV Channels on Television. They can also stream the match LIVE on JioHotstar for free.
Pitch Report
The newly-constructed Maharaja Yadavindra Singh International Cricket Stadium in New Chandigarh provides an equal contest for both the batters and the bowlers. Out of eight IPL matches played at this ground so far, the team batting first five times while the chasing team came out victorious on four occasions. The average score at this ground is around 170 runs.
Weather Report
The New PCA stadium in Mullanpur is expected to witness temperature highs of up to 40 degree Celsius and lows of 24 degree Celsius on Thursday, with the forecast predicting a mostly sunny day, with the chance of a few clouds.
PBKS vs RCB: Head-to-Head Record
Punjab Kings and Royal Challengers Bengaluru have faced each other 35 times in the IPL history so far. Out of these 35 matches, PBKS won 18 times while RCB defeated them on 17 occasions.
From the Abhishek-Digvesh altercation to other key heated exchanges, uncover every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed. Get the full recap of the season's drama.
IPL 2025 got an additional layer of drama to the tournament with all the heated moments that took place. Some were just mere arguments, while some broke the internet with their intensity.
From arguments to fiery debates or controversial flashpoints, uncover every heated moment of IPL 2025 that you missed. You can also watch the YouTube video for the list.
Anyways, if you like to read, here is the list.
1. Abhishek Sharma & Digvesh Rathi (SRH vs LSG)
Digvesh Rathi and Abhishek Sharma during their heated exchange in a match between SRH & LSG. Image | Instagram
IPL 2025 saw a fiery clash between the SRH opener, Abhishek Sharma, and LSG spinner, Digvesh Rathi. The point arrived in the eighth over of SRH's chase, when Abhishek got dismissed by Rathi, after an explosive knock of 59 runs (20 balls).
The moment occurred when Digvesh, who is known for his exclusive 'notebook' celebration, continued with the same after the dismissal. This gesture provoked Sharma, who was walking back to the dugout, and turned around with an angry reaction to it.
The entire team and the Umpires had to intervene to stop the verbal exchange between them. Both players were fined, with Rathi receiving a suspension.
The intensity of a must-win clash! ๐ฅ#DigveshRathi dismisses the dangerous #AbhishekSharma, & things get heated right after! ๐ฃ๏ธ๐ข
Is this the breakthrough #LSG needed to turn things around? ๐
Sai Kishore and Hardik Pandya during a heated exchange in a match between MI and GT. Image | TOI
A heated exchange occurred between the former teammates, Hardik Pandya and Sai Kishore, during a match between MI and GT. This was during the second innings when MI had to chase down a huge total set by GT.
After a dot ball, Sai Kishore gave Pandya and intense stare to build pressure, while Pandya did not back down and returned the glare with the same intensity. Pandya was also seen saying "f*** off" in response.
Umpires quickly stepped in to diffuse the situation. Kishore answered in a post-match interview saying "Inside the field it should be like that, but we don't take things personally."
Jasprit Bumrah and Karun Nair during a heated exchange during a match between MI and DC. Image | NDTV
A rare sight of Jasprit Bumrah being agitated was seen during a match between MI and DC in IPL 2025. It occurred when Karun Nair was having a phenomenal time with the bat for DC and smashed Bumrah for 18 runs in a single over.
The argument began when Nair collided with Bumrah while completing a second run between the wickets. He instantly apologised, but Bumrah was visibly angry and exchanged heated words.
The average Delhi vs Mumbai debate in comments section ๐ซฃ
Nair and Bumrah clearing the air during post-match scenes. Image | Twitter
Fans were pleased to see both players sorting things out during the post-match handshake. The official page of Delhi Capitals also posted the moment captured on camera, captioning "Sab theek hai bhai."
Virat Kohli and KL Rahul during a heated exchange in a match between RCB and DC. Image | Instagram
While the friendly banter about KL Rahul's "Kantara" style celebration went viral, a sight of clear heated conversation was also seen in the match between RCB and DC.
This happened in the first innings, when Virat Kohli was batting and Rahul was keeping behind the stumps. The exact words still remain unclear, but Kohli seemed frustrated with DC for delaying while setting up the field during the overs.
Things are heating up in Delhi! ๐ฅ#ViratKohli and #KLRahul exchange a few words in this nail-biting match between #DC and #RCB. ๐ช
Rahul and Kohli hugging it out at the end of the match between RCB and DC. Image | NDTV
DC secured a win against RCB in their first encounter where the heated exchange took place. KL Rahul, who was brilliant with the bat, was seen carrying out a "This is my ground" celebration.
However, things got better after both teams met for the second time, where Kohli mimicked Rahul's celebration after defeating DC, and both of them shared a good laugh.
Marcus Stoinis stepping in to confront Travis Head for a heated exchange with Glenn Maxwell. Image | BBC
IPL 2025 saw a surprising clash between the Aussie teammates, Travis Head (SRH) and Glenn Maxwell. The incident took place during SRH's massive run-chase, when Head smashed Maxwell for two consecutive sixes.
It was followed by a dot ball in that over, when Maxwell aggressively threw the ball back towards Head. Both teammates reacted sharply after that incident, increasing the tension between them.
Their fellow Aussie teammate, Marcus Stoinis, stepped in with a disappointed look, along with the Umpires, to intervene and resolve the matter.
Shubham Gill lashing out on Umpires during GT vs SRH match in IPL 2025. Image | News18
Shubman Gill was at the centre of two heated moments involving umpires in IPL 2025.
The first one occurred when Gill (batting on 76) was given out via a controversial run-out decision. He was furious to be sent back, while the footage was unclear whether SRH's wicket-keeper, Klassen, had dislodged the bails with the ball or his gloves.
What's your take? ๐โ๐ป#ShubmanGill seen having a word with the umpire after being given out by the third umpire on a tight call! ๐
Things escalated in the second innings when captain Gill openly disagreed with an LBW decision for the SRH batter Abhishek Sharma, which went against his team.
Chaos at the centre! ๐ณ#ShubmanGill and #AbhishekSharma in discussion with the umpires! A review going #SRHโs way has sparked some serious drama! ๐ง
Virat Kohli giving out an intense stare during Khaleel Ahmed's over in a match between RCB and CSK. Image | NDTV
This incident ignited when CSK's pacer, Khaleel Ahmed, bowled a sharp bouncer to Virat Kohli, and then followed through intensely with a stare. Khaleel got closer to him, while Kohli seemed to maintain the eye-contact and take this as a low-key disrespect.
The drama followed during the post-match handshakes where Kohli had a chat with Khaleel, tauntingly saying "ab tu aa," referring to their second encounter. As a result, Kohli smashed 3 sixes in Khaleel's over, when the teams met for the second time in IPL 2025.
KING REMEMBERS! ๐
Come for Virat ๐ MSD, stay for Virat ๐ Khaleel too! ๐ฟ
Additionally, Kohli also had an instance with CSK's Matheesha Pathirana, where he was hit on the helmet by a bouncer. Kohli immediately responded with a six and a four, while giving back a look.
1st ball โ ๐ฎโ๐จ 2nd ball โ 6๏ธโฃ
Thatโs what itโs like facing the GEN GOLD! โค