IPL is no stranger to seeing some of the marquee names of the game biding their time on the benches, waiting for the right conditions or combination to make it to the playing XI. 

Also Read: IPL Facts: Lowest Total Defended in IPL

Moeen is the lucky charm for KKR

Moeen Ali, a two-time World Cup winner for England and a part of the Kolkata Knight Riders squad in the IPL 2025, was not named in the playing XI against the Punjab Kings (PBKS) match. South Africa pacer Anrich Nortje has replaced him. However, Chasing a target of 112 runs yesterday, KKR lost by 16 runs. The entire batting was a disaster.

Coincidentally, Moeen has figured in three of the Knights’ seven matches so far and KKR won all those 3 games. He also scalped three wickets with an economy rate of 5.37. With the bat, the English all-rounder has made 5 runs with a strike rate of 41.66. So, there is a IPL 2025 facts that Moeen is the lucky charm for the Kolkata Knight Riders. 

Embarrassing defeat for KKR

Kolkata Knight Riders have played seven matches in the league phase of the IPL.They have 6 points from 7 matches after half of the campaign.

After defeating Chennai Super Kings in Chennai, KKR was close to reaching the top of the points table in the Punjab Kings match. However, all plans were ruined due to the embarrassing defeat. KKR currently has 2 home matches ahead of them.

In the current situation, to make it to the playoffs, they have to win at least four matches. If they win five, can be a little more confident. So, KKR will be looking to win four home matches.

IPL 2025 Facts: KKR With Moeen Ali

It is already discovered that Moeen Ali did not play in all the four matches that KKR lost. Similarly, Moeen played in all the three matches that KKR won. 

Moeen played his first match in this year's IPL against Rajasthan Royals. He scored 5 runs with the bat and took 2 wickets for 23 runs. Then, he did not have to bat or bowl in the match against Sunrisers Hyderabad at Eden Gardens. While Moeen took 1 wicket for 20 runs against CSK in Chennai.

Also Read: Most Dismissals in IPL History

IPL 2025 Facts: KKR Without Moeen Ali

Winning consecutive away games in the IPL is a big deal. Amidst all fan support and cheers, teams dominating in the opponent’s home and silencing the crowd is thrilling to watch.

Let's take a look at the teams and their remarkable seasons with most consecutive away wins in IPL.

Kolkata Knight Riders (9 consecutive away wins) | 2012

Captained by Gautam Gambhir, the IPL 2012 season for Kolkata Knight Riders franchise was one of their best. They bounced back strong after losing their first 2 matches, and the comeback created history!

KKR beat teams like RCB, PBKS, DCG, CSK, DC, MI, PWI in 9 away matches and also emerged as champions of IPL 2012.

The Knight Riders were at their prime, with players like Sunil Narine and Brendon McCullum playing key roles in bagging the most consecutive away wins in IPL history.

Read Also: IPL Facts: Impactful Overseas players in IPL 2025

Royal Challengers Bengaluru (6 consecutive away wins) | 2025

IPL 2025 is a season of breaking and making records. The current points-table toppers, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, are having a marvellous season with 7 victories in 10 matches.

Out of the seven victories, 6 of them were away wins, against KKR, CSK, RR, MI, PBKS and DC. Additionally, RCB ended their 17-year winless streak against CSK at Chepauk in IPL history. 

They are yet to play more away matches with other teams, and who knows they might end up being table toppers of most consecutive away wins in IPL as well.

Mumbai Indians (5 consecutive away wins) | 2012

Mumbai Indians ended up in the 3rd position of IPL 2012 points table with a successful season and 5 consecutive away wins which secured their place here. They defeated CSK, Deccan Chargers, Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals, and Pune Warriors in five back-to-back away matches.

MI were eventually knocked out of the tournament after their defeat against Chennai Super Kings in the Eliminator, but this was a spectacular season of team efforts for them.

Read Also: Most Dismissals in IPL History

Gujarat Titans (5 consecutive away wins) | 2023

Gujarat Titans were the runners-up of IPL 2023, known for their powerpacked performance in the previous season (2022) where they emerged as champions for the first time.

They are one of the most rapidly growing franchise in IPL, that not only reached the finals of 2 consecutive years, but also secured 5 away wins in their 2nd season of IPL in 2023.

Punjab Kings (5 consecutive away wins) | 2012

Punjab Kings were captained by the Australian legend, Adam Gilchrist, in their IPL 2012 season. Despite having ended up 6th in the points table, PBKS assured to maintain their dominance over the away matches in the tournament, with 5 back-to-back wins.

PBKS, along with MI, holds the joint second-place for most consecutive away wins in IPL 2012 after KKR.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi just broke the record to become the youngest centurion in Indian Premier League history at the age of 14 years 32 days old. Not only that, with his 35-ball ton against Gujarat Titans, the opening batter from Bihar scored the second-fastest overall and fastest century by any Indian in IPL history. 

A moment he will never forget! 🩷

Vaibhav Suryavanshi earns applause from all corners after his historic knock 🫡👏

Updates ▶ https://t.co/HvqSuGgTlN#TATAIPL | #RRvGT | @rajasthanroyals pic.twitter.com/tcDTCWSWTh

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) April 28, 2025

"He is different from others"

Ashok Kumar, who coached Vaibhav in the Bihar U19 and men's senior team, feels that if Vaibhav Suryavanshi can work on his fielding and fitness, he will play for India in T20s in the next two years. The Bihar head coach shared his thoughts in an exclusive interview with Sportz Point after Vaibhav's historical ton. 

"Before the match, I had a conversation with Vaibhav. I just advised him to be patient and wait for the balls in his zone," said Ashok Kumar, who feels the only thing that was missing from Vaibhav's game was patience. 

"Look, he is totally a unique player. He is different from others. I know he can be a match-winner for any team in this format," Ashok Kumar shared. 

Vaibhav was picked up by the Rajasthan Royals for a whopping 1.10 crore rupees, which made him the youngest player ever in the auction history. After that, Ashok Kumar knew that under Rahul Dravid, the youngster would learn lots of things in terms of cricket and life. 

Vaibhav not only learned but also impressed Rahul Dravid so much that he was handed the debut cap, and at just 14 years and a few days old, he became the youngest IPL player ever. Till then, everything has been like a dream for Vaibhav and his close ones. 

Read Also | Exclusive | "He has the intent to play at the highest level," Bihar head coach on Vaibhav Suryavanshi

An impactful debut

His six against Shardul Thakur in the first ball he faced in the IPL surprised everyone. Even the commentators were stunned to see the youngster stepping out against the pace of Shardul in a platform like the IPL. But Ashok Kumar knew from the beginning that he could do things like this. 

"I had told you earlier that he has the talent and intent to hit anyone. Everyone thinks that he is batting aggressively. But this is his actual style of batting. You make him play 90 90-over game, he will play like this. He is natural," he shared. 

"That is why I want to tell all the coaches he will meet in his life not to make him bat like others. He should not lose his intent," he added. 

Before the historical debut, Ashok Kumar had the chance to talk with Rahul Dravid, and he told the former India coach the same thing. 

"Even I told the same thing to (Rahul) Dravid sir. He also agreed that Vaibhav should not lose his intent. I told him to work on his bowling as well. He can be a match-winner for any team."

Read Also | IPL facts: Every player to make IPL debut before turning 18

"Vaibhav wants to finish matches"

Although Vaibhav had a great start to his IPL career in the first two games, he was not happy with himself for the way he got out in those matches. In fact, after the dismissal in the first match against LSG, everyone saw him shed a few drops of tears. That is why Ashok Kumar had advised him to have patience and only focus on the things which work well for him. 

"If you see his dismissal against RCB, he tried a shot that he had never played in the past. He has developed these kinds of shots in the camp. But I told him that you can try new things only after a few matches. I knew if he could wait for the bat balls, he was a good enough player to hit anyone," Ashok Kumar shared. 

"Vaibhav wants to finish games. I am sure he is disappointed not to be there till the win. And, for everyone out there, he is not a baccha (kid) in cricket. No one can call him that. Only I can call him that. It is only about time when the world realises that he is a man wrapped in a kid's body," he added. 

Vaibhav idolises Brian Lara since his childhood (although he is still a kid). He watches the former West Indian captain's old highlights to pick a few tricks to emulate. Tonight, after his ton, Brian Lara himself shared Vaibhav's video on Instagram, saying that he was entertained watching him bat. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Brian Lara (@brianlaraofficial)

"If someone like Lara is watching Vaibhav bat and appreciating him, it is a great thing for Bihar and Indian cricket. The youngster in Bihar would be inspired by watching his growth. He will always have my support in his life and career," Ahsok Kumar expressed. 

During the Bengal vs Bihar match, Vaibhav Suryvanshi had told me that he idolises Brian Lara!

Brian Lara just posted an Instagram post showing Vaibhav’s batting!

This is success! This is what IPL can do!

Congratulations! #vaibhavsuryavanshi

— Koushik Biswas (@kbofficial25) April 28, 2025

Mumbai Indians have made IPL history by becoming the first team to defend a total of 200 or more runs in five consecutive matches. They have achieved this after beating Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs in the afternoon clash.

This record feat shows their strong batting line up supported by a confident and effective bowling attack that’s been handling pressure effortlessly.

Read Also | IPL Stats: Rohit Sharma stats as Mumbai Indians captain 

MI's streak

1. MI vs LSG, IPL 2025 Match 45 

Opener Ryan Rickelton and Suryakumar Yadav smashed half centuries to set the tone as MI posted a formidable total of 215. Jasprit Bumrah and Trent bolt took crucial wickets to bowl out LSG for 161 and win by 54 runs.

2. MI vs DC, IPL 2025 Match 29

MI posted a total of 205 with an all-round bating performance and snatched the match out of DC's grasp with 3 consecutive runouts in the 19th over.

3. MI vs DC, IPL 2024 Match 20

Both the openers of MI fired as they posted a massive total of 234 and defended it by quickly chipping through their middle order with Gerald Coetzee standing out taking 4 wickets.

4. MI vs GT, IPL 2023 Match 57

Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten 103 helped MI post 218 on the board. GT's top order failed to give a good start with Rashid Khan giving some hopes but came too late in the chase as MI won the match by 27 runs.

5. MI vs SRH, IPL 2021 Match 55

Ishan kishan and Suryakumar Yadav's innings helped MI post a massive total of 235 which was defended with an all-round bowling performance winning the match by 42 runs.

Reasons for the unbeaten record

• Aggressive Batting-  The top and middle-order batters have been consistently firing. Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav have laid solid foundations, while the likes of Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya have provided fireworks.
• Strategic Bowling- Jasprit Bumrah’s form has been a massive boost. Combined with the clever variations from Deepak Chahar, the pace of Trent Boult, and the all-round contributions from Hardik Pandya, MI has found a winning combination.
• Strong Leadership- Despite early criticisms, the leadership has found its rhythm. Smart field placements, timely bowling changes, and calm under pressure have played key roles in the streak.

Read Also | Top 5 game-changing factors that could send MI to IPL 2025 Playoffs

Coming up next for MI

After the win versus LSG, MI have climbed to number 3 position in the points table securing their 5th consecutive win in this tournament. The last time MI did that, they went on to win the title. The upcoming fixtures of MI:

If MI continues with their current form then they are surely one of the top contenders for the 2025 IPL title.

Mumbai Indians' superstar batter Suryakumar Yadav on Sunday became the second fastest to reach 4000 runs by balls faced in the Indian Premier League (IPL), achieving the feat in Match 45 of IPL 2025 against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium. He is also the first Indian to do so, leaving behind Suresh Raina's record. 

So, in this article we will be discussing about fastest to 4000 runs in IPL by balls faced.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Impactful Overseas players in IPL 2025

 Fastest to 4000 Runs in IPL

5. Suresh Raina | 2881 Balls

On number five on the list is Chennai Super Kings' trusted left-handed lieutenant, Suresh Raina, who played for them from the 2008 edition until 2021, during which he also represented Gujarat Lions for two seasons.

Raina, who was one of the mainstays for the Super Kings side, played in a total of 205 matches in the IPL and scored a cumulative 5,528 runs in his career. The left-handed batter, who used to bat one down, achieved the 4,000-run landmark after facing a total of 2,881 deliveries in his IPL career, whereas he faced a total of 4,043 balls in his overall IPL career.

During his entire career, Raina scored 39 half-centuries and a single century, while his strike rate was 136.73 and average 32.51. Incidentally, Raina was also known as "Mr. IPL" for his consistent performances in this high-profile league, which he dominated during his playing days.

4. David Warner | 2809 Balls

On number four on this list of fastest to 4000 runs in IPL is former Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper David Warner, who helped his side win the IPL title back in 2016. One of the most consistent players in the IPL, Warner played for two sides, Delhi Capitals and Hyderabad, in the IPL, where he struck a total of 6,565 runs in 184 matches.

However, this season, he is missing out after going unsold in the auction, but his legacy in this league remains untouched. The left-handed Australian batter achieved the 4,000 runs in his IPL journey after facing a total of 2,809 deliveries in this league. In addition, he has four centuries and 62 half-centuries to his name, with an average of 40.52 and a strike rate of 139.77.

3. Suryakumar Yadav | 2714 Balls*

Moving past a lot of players, the newest number three on this list is Suryakumar Yadav, who displaced David Warner from the number three spot, jumping over him after achieving 4,000 runs in the ongoing IPL 2025 against Lucknow Super Giants, where he managed a brilliant 54 off just 28 deliveries.

He is now number three on the list with a total of 4,021 runs after facing 2,725 deliveries in total whereas he achieved his 4,000th run in the IPL after a total of 2,714 balls. The 34-year-old required 33 runs in this innings to achieve the landmark, which he did as he smashed Avesh Khan for a boundary in the 13th over, and, while playing his 160th match in this cash-rich league.

SKY, who is a versatile right-handed batter, has batted at a strike rate of 146.75, while his average is 33.78 in his overall career, whereas he has already struck 2 centuries and 27 half-centuries so far. Previously, he's also featured for Kolkata Knight Riders, as he made his debut back in the year 2012.

2. Chris Gayle | 2658 Balls

Chris Gayle, who shares this spot with de Villiers, was a menace and one of the most decorated players in this league. Chris Gayle, who went on to achieve the 4,000-run mark after also facing 2,658 balls, went on to score a total of 4,965 runs in his 142-match IPL career, with a strike rate of 148.96, while averaging 39.72. Adding to this, he also has 6 centuries and 31 half-centuries to his name while he played for a total of 4 sides in this league.

Gayle was a proper big hitter of the ball, as his highest score of 175* remains the highest ever in the IPL till date. The left-handed Jamaican batter, who debuted in the year 2009, was a celebrated player for the RCB side, for whom he achieved many records during his playing days as his legacy in the IPL is one that stays true till date.

Also Read: Monster Hits: Top 10 Longest Sixes in IPL History That Shook the Stadiums

1. AB de Villiers | 2658 Balls

South Africa's AB de Villiers' name is at the joint-first position of this list of fastest to 4000 runs in IPL. AB made his IPL debut back in the year 2008 during the inaugural season and went on to play for both Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

In an overall 184 matches, he smacked 5,162 runs while averaging 39.70 and striking at 151.68. De Villiers hit the 4,000-run mark after having faced a total of 2,658 deliveries, which keeps him at joint-first position.

Sunrisers Hyderabad, despite having a strong team with skilled players, are losing their spark in IPL 2025. They lack team effort and collective performance, failing to build momentum in the tournament.

Let's check out the reasons behind SRH’s poor performance and playoff hopes in IPL 2024.

How the IPL 2025 season began for SRH

Sunrisers Hyderabad started the tournament with a banger against Rajasthan Royals, winning by 44 runs. They put up a total of 286 runs on board, which is so far the highest total scored by a team in IPL 2025, and the second highest in IPL history.

Ishan Kishan was phenomenal in that game, scoring 106* off 47 balls, with a strike rate above 200. Travis Head showed his fearless batting and scored 67 runs from 31 balls while opening for the team.

The middle order batters like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klassen also contributed significantly to that huge target they set in the inning.

SRH bowlers successfully defended the total with their fine bowling line up. Harshal Patel and Simarjeet Singh took 2 wickets each.

Read Also: Top 5 game-changing factors that could send MI to IPL 2025 Playoffs

Navigating the losing streak and poor performance

Despite having a marvellous start, SRH failed to hold onto their winning momentum. They lost 4 matches in a row, which placed them at the bottom of the points table, along with CSK.

• Lost to LSG by 5 wickets 

In this match, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan didn't have any luck with the bat. Ishan got out for a duck, leaving the fans surprised after his aggressive batting in the previous match.

Pat Cummins was the only bowler to have an economy below 10, who also picked up 2 wickets. SRH bowlers collectively failed to defend 191 runs, which led to their first defeat in IPL 2025. 

• Lost to DC by 7 wickets 

Delhi Capitals secured a comfortable win by 7 wickets with 24 balls remaining. The top batting order of SRH crumbled within the powerplay and were all-out by 18.3 overs.

Aniket Verma’s knock of 74 runs from 41 balls, led them to a defendable total of 163 runs, which eventually fell short in the second innings. SRH bowlers were unsuccessful in taking wickets, with only Zeeshan Ansari having 3 wickets under his name. 

• Lost to KKR by 80 runs

SRH faced a humiliating defeat against KKR in their fourth match of the season. Batting first, Knight Riders put up a target of 201 runs, and restricted SRH to 120 (all out) in 16.4 overs.

This defeat raised discussions about SRH’s poor performance and playoff hopes in IPL 2025. 

• Lost to GT by 7 wickets

Yet another low scoring totals for the Sunrisers, where they somehow managed to set a target of 153 for the Gujarat Titans. They also failed to take early wickets which was crucial to defend a total like that and gave away their victory. 

Losing 4 consecutive matches was highly a matter of concern that slowly started fading their playoff hopes in IPL 2025.

A drought-breaking victory

SRH finally ended their losing streak with a victory against Punjab Kings in their match number 6. This was another high scoring match where they had to chase down 246 runs. Abhishek Sharma played a key role in this game by scoring 141 runs off 55 balls.

Notable names like Travis Head and Heinrich Klassen also contributed to this run-chase. This match felt like the only time where the top batting order of SRH didn't collapse easily, giving them a breakthrough.

Read Also: IPL facts: Players to play 100 IPL matches for each team

MI downs them twice in a row

SRH lost to Mumbai Indians in 2 back-to-back matches by 4 and 7 wickets, respectively. These defeats almost shattered the hopes of fans. Their low spirit clearly reflected on their performance. They found themselves in the 9th position of the points table, with a very low net run rate.

Much-needed victory against CSK

SRH successfully managed to win against CSK in a do-or-die match for both the ends. They won by 5 wickets with 8 balls remaining. Players like Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Ishan Kishan, Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins, and Nitish Kumar Reddy stood out for the team. 

SRH got the crucial 2 points to keep their playoff hopes in IPL 2025 alive.

Read Also: India's performance in every ICC tournament

Can SRH qualify for the playoffs?

SRH stands in the 8th position in IPL 2025 points table with 6 points and a below par net run rate. They can secure a maximum of 10 more points in their 5 matches remaining, which will add up to 16 points in total.

Therefore, they will need to win all their remaining matches in order to make it smoothly to the top 4.

• If they win 4 out of 5 matches:

This will narrow their chances with a total of 14 points to end the league stage. SRH will need to win those matches with big margins to keep their NRR high.

They might also need to depend on other factors like the performance of teams ending with similar points and their NRR.

• If they win 3 or lesser matches:

The chances of getting into the top 4 will be completely gone if they win 3 or lesser matches out of the 5 remaining. It will be too late for them to bounce back in IPL 2025.