Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul has been fined Rs 12 lakh for slow over-rate during the IPL 2023 match against Rajasthan Royals at Sawai Mansingh Stadium, Jaipur on Wednesday.

Also Read: IPL 2023 Stats

In the 26th match of IPL 2023, Lucknow Supergiants won by 10 runs. Despite scoring just 154 runs, Lucknow stopped a strong team like Rajasthan for 144 runs. After this victory, Lucknow's position in the points table got stronger, although captain KL Rahul got a big blow. The match fee of Lucknow captain KL Rahul has been deducted. A fine of Rs 12 lakh has been imposed on him.

The Lucknow team, which was saving the score against Rajasthan Royals, did not bowl the overs on time and because of this, the captain got this punishment. Earlier, Hardik Pandya, Faf du Plessis, Suryakumar Yadav, and Sanju Samson have also been fined for slow over-rate. Pandya was fined Rs 12 lakh after his team's slow over-rate in the game against Punjab Kings. Meanwhile, Sanju Samson was also Rs 12 lakh for RR's slow over-rate against Chennai Super Kings.

KL Rahul will now have to take care of the over-rate in the coming matches. Because if such a mistake happen again, then this fine will be imposed not only on the captain, but on the whole team and if this mistake is made for the third time, then the captain can be banned for one match.

Also Read: IPL 2023: Sachin Tendulkar Writes Beautiful Note For Son Arjun After IPL Debut

The slow over rate rule of IPL 2023 can be heavy for the team and its captain. Other captains including KL Rahul have been found guilty of slow over rate and have been fined Rs 12 lakh. According to the rule, this amount will be 24 lakhs in the second time and the other 10 players of the playing eleven will have to pay a fine of 25 percent of the match. The IPL aims for matches to finish in three hours and 20 minutes, but slow over-rate is proving to be an issue, with several games stretching past the four-hour mark.

Cricket today is almost entirely a batsman's game. Flat pitches, small boundaries and bigger bats have tilted the game heavily in favor of the batsmen. The bowlers have got nowhere to hide and, the advent of T20s, where the batsmen go after them from the first ball itself have made it even more difficult.

The T20 format has brought about a revolution where the bowlers are more than grateful to keep the run rate down, rather than to take wickets. India made a wonderful foray into the shortest format of the game, winning the inaugural T20 World Cup in 2007. Over the years India is blessed to have got some big hitters in their line up who are capable of clearing any boundary in the world.

In this article we will take a look at those batters with most sixes for India in T20Is.

Most Sixes for India in T20Is

5. Hardik Pandya | 95

Hardik Pandya debuted in T20I cricket in 2016 and swiftly established himself as a key member of India's preferred playing eleven, serving as a seam-bowling all-rounder. His T20I career reached its peak in 2024, marked by outstanding all-round performances during the ICC T20 World Cup 2024, helping India clinch the title. In terms of batting, Pandya has struck 95 sixes across 90 T20I innings.

Pandya has been included in the Men in Blue's 15-member squad for this year's Asia Cup. If Pandya manages to hit five more maximums in the Asia Cup, then he will go on to surpass KL Rahul's tally of 99 sixes in the shortest format. This will see the all-rounder become the Indian player with the fourth-most sixes in T20Is.

Also Read: Highest Wicket Taker in Asia Cup History (ODI + T20)

4. KL Rahul | 99

KL Rahul, who was once a consistent member of the T20I squad now finds himself out of favour in the T20I setup. Between 2016 and 2022, he played in 72 T20I matches and mostly batted in the top three.

He hit 99 sixes in 68 T20I innings. Following the T20 World Cup 2022, he was excluded from the shortest format due to his outdated approach to T20 cricket, as he did not improve his intent and strike rate.

3. Virat Kohli | 124

The Run Machine Virat Kohli has hit 124 sixes in 117 T20I innings for India. He is one of the most consistent players in the Indian team, with an average of 48.69. He made his T20I debut for India in 2010 and since then he has been a cornerstone of India's batting. Kohli also recorded 4,188 runs in T20I format, which included 38 fifties. 

“King Kohli” was part of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup in June 2024. After winning the trophy, Kohli announced his retirement from the format. 

2. Suryakumar Yadav | 146*

Yet another batsman who has made six-hitting look extremely easy is India's T20I captain Suryakumar Yadav. Despite making his T20I debut in March 2021 with a match against England, the elegant middle-order batter has already launched 146 maximums in just 79 innings for Team India.

Having the ability to hit sixes at all parts of the ground with relative ease makes Yadav, a.k.a SKY, draw a comparison with South Africa’s great AB De Villiers who was called Mr. 360 in cricket. His centuries have also come against big teams like England, South Africa, and New Zealand apart from Sri Lanka. He has hit the most number of T20I sixes against West Indies (35).  

1. Rohit Sharma | 205

Former Indian T20I captain Rohit Sharma hit the most sixes for India in T20Is, having hit 205 sixes in 159 games he played. He made his debut for India in the 2007 T20 World Cup against South Africa. However, he failed to cement his place in the team. The turnaround came in the 2013 Champions Trophy when MS Dhoni promoted him up the order to open the batting with Shikhar Dhawan.

Also Read: Most matches by an Indian in international cricket

The mighty Australians have been Rohit's favourite opponent in this format against whom he has hit 29 sixes in 23 matches with Bangladesh being the second, conceding 22 sixes off his willow. Fondly called the “Hitman”, Rohit Sharma hung up his boots from T20Is after delivering the 2024 T20 World Cup title for India.   

The controversy over the key members of the Indian Test team not being selected for major domestic cricket tournaments continues to grow. Now The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) has expressed strong displeasure over the exclusion of top international players like KL Rahul and Mohammed Siraj from the South Zone team for the upcoming Duleep Trophy.

After this, the Board has officially written a letter to all the state associations asking them to give priority to the selection of centrally contracted players for this opening tournament of the domestic season.

Also Read: Ranji Trophy: Ajinkya Rahane steps down from Mumbai captaincy ahead of the new season

Many big names were not included

South Zone announced its team on July 27. Many big names like KL Rahul, Mohammed Siraj, Washington Sundar, Prasidh Krishna and Sai Sudharsan were not included in it.

The Duleep Trophy, which begins in Bengaluru on August 28, is considered an important platform for domestic and national level talents. The board did not like the decision of the South Zone to not include these players in the team despite their availability during the off-season.

Abey Kuruvilla wrote the email

BCCI General Manager of Cricket Operations Abey Kuruvilla addressed the issue in an email sent to zonal coordinators and state units last week. According to the reports, Kuruvilla stressed the importance of ensuring the participation of all available Indian players to maintain the prestige and competitive level of the Duleep Trophy. 

Kuruvilla wrote in the email, “To uphold its prestige and ensure the highest quality of competition, it’s imperative that all currently available India players are selected for their respective zonal teams. Requesting the Zonal Convenors to ensure that all the current India players who are available to play Duleep trophy should be picked.”

“All players, contracted or otherwise, who make themselves available for selection into Team India, shall participate in domestic matches conducted by BCCI,” 

“In case any player opts not to participate in any domestic cricket tournaments in spite of availability, he/she shall not be considered for selection unless a prior recommendation is obtained to skip the match/tournament from the National coach and the chairman of the selection committee, and prior approval from the BCCI. In case any leave is granted, the same shall be considered on the basis of some valid and cogent reason.” the email said.

Instructions to give priority to domestic cricket

This directive is in line with the BCCI's policy of making participation of international players mandatory in domestic competitions. The board had previously warned players against giving priority to the IPL over first-class cricket and earlier this year reminded all contracted players to remain committed to the domestic calendar.

However, this instruction from BCCI has come after South Zone announced its team. It is still not clear whether the selectors will make any changes in their list or not. Tilak Verma was made the captain of the team.

Also Read: Duleep Trophy: Shardul Thakur to lead the West Zone; no Ajinkya Rahane and Cheteshwar Pujara in the squad

Questions were raised on international players

Shubman Gill, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kuldeep Yadav, Akash Deep, Mohammed Shami, Arshdeep Singh and Shreyas Iyer among many other players are expected to participate in the tournament representing their respective regions.

The state associations have previously expressed concern that the automatic inclusion of Indian stars in the regional teams overlooks Ranji players who have performed consistently throughout the season.

Many have argued that matches such as India A tours and Board President's XI would be a more suitable platform for international players, leaving regional tournaments as a rewarding avenue for domestic players.

Indian cricket team management suffered major setbacks ahead of the ENG vs IND, 4th test in Manchester, starting from Wednesday. Two Indian pacers, Akash Deep and Ashdeep Singh, have been ruled out of the 4th test along with all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy.

With three players already ruled out due to injuries, Shubman Gill and company will have to find solutions within the squad to name a strong playing XI at Old Trafford. 

Left-arm pacer Arshdeep Singh, who was hit on his bowling hand, needed stitches. As per the reports of the Indian Express on Sunday, the Medium Pacer will need at least 10 days to recover. This has already ruled him out of the fourth test, and he is unlikely to return for the final test starting on 31st July.

As per the same report by The Indian Express, another pacer, Akash Deep, who was India's hero in their first-ever Test win in Birmingham, has issues with his groin and back. The Indian team management does not want to take risks with his injuries, and thus, he will be monitored as a precaution.

On the other hand, Hindustan Times reported that all-rounder Nitish Kumar Reddy suffered an injury during the gym session on Sunday. So he is also ruled out of the fourth test at Old Trafford Stadium. 

In the situation where India are trailing by 1-2 in the Test series and needs to win the 4th test, to be in contention to win the series, Gautam Gambhir and company will have to dig deep to find solutions.

Here are the solutions India can go for during the 4th test. 

#1 Bumrah, Siraj, Shardul, and who?

With both Akashdeep and Arshdeep Singh being ruled out, there is certainty that Jasprit Bumrah and Mohammad Siraj will be India's leading pacers in the fourth test. Although our questions on the workload management of both those pacers, they will have to be at their best if India wants to bring balance to the series. 

Now, with Nitish Kumar Reddy's injury, India will have to go back to Shardul Thakur, who played in the first test in Leeds. The Mumbai all-rounder only scored 4 runs and took two wickets in that match. 

But if India wants to go for another pacer, they will have the option of Prasidh Krishna and newcomer Anshul Kamboj. Krishna, who did not do very well in the first two test matches, might not be brought back. In that case, Kamboj, who has done well in the first-class games he has played so far, is likely to get his test cap.

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#2 Should Kuldeep Yadav play?

Now, this has been an inclusion that Indian fans have been waiting for from the first test. Kuldeep, who last featured in test matches for India in 2024 against New Zealand at home, can bring the ex-factor in the bowling lineup. But this will leave the batting lineup a bit thin. 

Since Gautam Gambhir has always looked to go for that added batting cushion, it will be hard for Kuldeep to find his place. Even if he plays, will India look to sacrifice Washington Sundar? This would be a very hard question to answer.

#3 Jurel to keep, Pant to play as a specialist batter

Along with these three injuries, we had already reported that Rishabh Pant has not recovered fully from the finger injury he suffered during the Lord's Test. In that case, Dhruv Jurel, who kept wicket at Lord's, is likely to play as a wicket keeper while Rishabh Pant could play as only a specialist batter.

If Jurel comes in, India can leave Shardul out and bring Kuldeep Yadav into the playing XI. However, it will only depend on the pitch condition.

ENG vs IND, 4th test: India's possible lineup

Yashasvi Jaiswal, KL Rahul, Sai Sudharsan, Shubman Gill (C), Rishabh Pant, Dhruv Jurel (wk), Washington Sundar, Ravindra Jadeja, Kuldeep Yadav, Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Siraj

ICC tournaments are very crucial cricket tournaments in international cricket. These tournaments observe all the top cricket teams competing against each other. ODI World Cup, T20I World Cup, and Champions Trophy are the three major ICC tournaments. Some Indian players have turned up at these worldwide events multiple times, impacting the game long and deeply.

In this article, we will take a look at those Indian with most ICC appearances.

Also Read: Top 10 players with most runs in ICC knockout matches

Indian with Most ICC Appearances

10. Sachin Tendulkar | 61

• Span - 1992-2011
• Runs - 2719
• HS - 152

After hitting runs all over the ground throughout a two-decade glorious career filled up with many centuries and fifties, legendary Indian cricketer Sachin Tendulkar, widely regarded as the greatest batter after Sir Don Bradman.

Having represented India in 61 ICC tournaments, Sachin scored 2719 runs with seven centuries. His highest score in these tournaments is 152.

9. Mohammed Shami | 61

• Span - 2014-2025
• Wickets - 163
• BBI - 7/57

Mohammed Shami is India's most successful bowler in ICC white-ball Tournaments. Mr. ICC is also India's most successful bowler in ICC events, surpassing Zaheer Khan.

Shami has played a total of 61 matches across various ICC tournaments, taking 163 wickets. His best performance in the tournament is 7/57.

8. KL Rahul | 62

• Span - 2019-2025
• Runs - 2808
• HS - 137

There are stars in the Indian team, and then there is KL Rahul. Rahul showcased consistent performances for India as he batted in any position for the team. Rahul was one of the unsung heroes of the Men in Blue's victorious 2025 Champions Trophy campaign.

KL has played a total of 62 matches across various ICC tournaments, amassing 2808 runs. His highest score in the tournament is 137. He also has 6 hundreds to his name.

7. Yuvraj Singh | 72

• Span - 2000-2017
• Runs - 1707
• HS - 113
• Wickets - 35

Those who watched Indian cricket during the last two decades know how valuable Yuvraj Singh has been for the Indian cricket team. Statistics aside, he has proved to be a match-winner almost every time he has stepped on to the field in Indian colors.

Having represented India in 72 ICC tournaments, Yuvraj scored 1707 runs with one century, and 35 wickets to his name.

6. MS Dhoni | 78

• Span - 2006-2019
• Runs - 1492
• HS - 91

Legendary Indian skipper MS Dhoni turned 42 on Friday. With his performances and composure in big matches both as a captain and batter, he has won India all three major ICC white-ball cricket trophies, making him one of the most successful captains in cricket history.

Dhoni has played a total of 78 matches across various ICC tournaments, amassing 1492 runs. His highest score in the tournament is 91*.

Also Read: MS Dhoni's captaincy record in ICC Finals

5. Jasprit Bumrah | 79

• Span - 2016-2025
• Wickets - 229
• BBI - 6/27

Jasprit Bumrah is an integral part of India in all formats of the sport. Spearheading India’s pace attack for the last few years, he has done an incredible job.

Bumrah has played a total of 79 matches across various ICC tournaments, taking 229 wickets. His best performance in the tournament is 6/27.

4. Ravichandran Ashwin | 84

• Span - 2011-2024
• Runs - 1248
• HS - 113
• Wickets - 254

Ravichandran Ashwin is sure to go down as one of Indian cricket’s all-time greats. Having featured in 84 matches for India, the numbers paint a befitting picture of his impact with both bat and ball.

Ashwin scored 1248 runs in verious ICC events. He also has 254 wickets in the tournaments.

3. Ravindra Jadeja | 107

• Span - 2009-2025
• Runs - 2516
• HS - 175*
• Wickets - 202

Ravindra Jadeja has appeared in total of 107 matches across various ICC events, amassing 2516 runs. He also has 3 tons in the tournaments. His highest score in ICC event is an unbeaten 175. Jadeja also has 202 wickets in his name. 

2. Rohit Sharma | 130

• Span - 2007-2025
• Runs - 6172
• HS - 212

Indian captain Rohit Sharma has led India to back-to-back ICC titles, T20 World Cup 2024 and Champions Trophy 2025. 

Rohit has played a total of 130 matches across various ICC tournaments, amassing 6172 runs. He also has 17 hundreds to his name. Rohit has represented India in nine T20 World Cups, three ODI World Cups, two World Test Championship (WTC) finals, and three Champions Trophy tournaments.

Also Read: Who can break Rohit’s six-hitting record?

1. Virat Kohli | 136

• Span - 2009-2025
• Runs - 6451
• HS - 254*

Former Indian skipper Virat Kohli has the most ICC appearances, playing 136 matches for India. Recently Kohli was part of the Indian team that won the T20 World Cup 2024 edition against South Africa and Champions Trophy 2025 against New Zealand.

Kohli has played a total of 136 matches across various ICC events, amassing 6451 runs. He has 11 tons in the tournaments. His performances showed his consistency and ability to deliver for India in crucial international tournaments.

Indian Women's batter Smriti Mandhana became the latest batter to score international centuries in all formats of the game. With her maiden T20I ton against England in Nottingham, Smriti has now become the sixth Indian and the first Indian woman batter to have the achievement. 

Read Also | Top Female Cricketers Who Are Making History

Smriti Mandhana played a sensational 112-run inning from just 62 balls, which included 15 fours and 3 sixes. This is also the highest score by any Indian Women player in T20Is. The previous best was Harmanpreet Kaur's 103 against New Zealand in 2018. 

🚨𝐌𝐚𝐢𝐝𝐞𝐧 𝐓𝟐𝟎𝐈 𝐭𝐨𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐦𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢 𝐌𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐚

1️⃣1️⃣2️⃣ Runs
6️⃣2️⃣ Balls

Smriti Mandhana lit up Nottingham with her maiden T20I ton, that too as the captain of the Indian cricket team. #ENGWvINDW #SmritiMandhana pic.twitter.com/WLSQwGi4SV

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) June 28, 2025

Earlier in the day, Harmanpreet Kaur was ruled out of the first T20I of the series as a precaution taken by the team after she suffered a head injury during the practice game against the ECB Select XI. Sneh Rana handed the debut cap to left-arm spinner N Shree Charani. 

Harleen Kaur also scored a quick-fire 43 from 23 balls, to help India score 210/5 in the first inning. 

Read Also | Most Partnership runs for India in all formats

Indian batters to score an international ton in all formats

Here are the Indian batters who have scored an international ton in all formats

1. Suresh Raina
2. Virat Kohli
3. Rohit Sharma
4. KL Rahul
5. Shubman Gill
6. Smriti Mandhana