India's wicket-keeper batsman KL Rahul will miss the group stage matches against Pakistan and Nepal of the Asia Cup 2023 due to injury. Indian cricket team's head coach Rahul Dravid confirmed the news in a press conference held in Bengaluru on Tuesday.

Also Read: BCCI President to attend Asia Cup 2023 Opening Ceremony in Pakistan

However, during the selection itself, chief selector Ajit Agarkar had told about Rahul's injury. Now Rahul Dravid has made it clear that he is out of the team for two matches. The Indian team will play its two league matches of Asia Cup 2023 against Pakistan on 2 September and Nepal on 4 September.

"KL Rahul is progressing really well but will not be available for India's first two matches – against Pakistan and Nepal – of the Asia Cup Head Coach Rahul Dravid," BCCI tweeted quoting head coach Dravid.

"The NCA will be looking after him for the next few days while we are travelling. We will reassess on the 4th (September) and take it from there. But signs are looking good. He will be unavailable for the first two games," Dravid made the statement after the last day of India's training camp at Alur in Bengaluru.

This means, Rahul will only be available from the Super 4 stage if India qualify. Ishan Kishan is set to play as the keeper-batter against Pakistan and Nepal. There was always doubt over Rahul's availability for the first few matches. BCCI chief selector Ajit Agarkar had confirmed that the right-handed batsman has an injury. However, this is not related to his old thigh and calf injuries. Though Rahul attended a 6-day fitness and medical camp at Alur along with the rest of the Asia Cup 2023 players, he did not appear for the yo-yo fitness test.

Also Read: Pakistan Can Become No.1 ODI Team Before the fixture against India in the Asia Cup.

KL Rahul was away from the field for a long time due to a calf injury sustained during IPL. He underwent surgery in London and has since spent a long time at the National Cricket Academy (NCA) in Bengaluru along with Shreyas Iyer and Jasprit Bumrah. Bumrah and Iyer regained full fitness. Meanwhile, Rahul unfortunately got a new injury.

Team India is likely to leave for Colombo from Bengaluru on 30th August for the Asia Cup 2023.

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 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!

Other players who scored a century from 16 balls:

• Ishan Kishan (MI) - 2021
• Abhishek Sharma (SRH) - 2024
• Travis Head (SRH)- 2024

9 & 8. Jake Fraser-McGurk (2024) | 15 balls

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.

Read Also: Most IPL Finals: Teams with most final appearances in IPL history

7. Nicholas Pooran (2023) | 15 balls

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

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 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. 

Read Also: IPL Facts: Fastest Century in IPL History

4. Romario Shepherd (2025) | 14 balls

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

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, 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.

Read Also: IPL Records: Youngest Half-centurions in IPL History

Yashasvi Jaiswal (2023) | 13 balls

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.

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.

Also Read: IPL Records: Youngest Half-centurions in IPL History

Best Celebrations of IPL 2025

5. Ashutosh Sharma - Miracle Chase Master's Celebration

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 one wicket victory 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.

Also Read: IPL records - Batters with most 500+ runs seasons: Kohli breaks Warner's records

1. Abhishek Sharma Parchi Celebration

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.

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. 

Read Also | IPL records: Most consecutive 25+ scores in IPL history

3. KL Rahul: 6 Seasons

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.

Read Also | IPL Facts: Most 400 Plus Runs in an IPL Season

2. David Warner: 7 Seasons

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. 

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

KL Rahul just broke a major record by becoming the batter who took fewest innings to reach 5000 IPL runs. He hit this milestone during a game between Lucknow Super Giants and Delhi Capitals at the Ekana Stadium in Lucknow. Rahul played an outstanding innings, scoring an unbeaten half-century, which helped his team secure an important sixth win of the season. Notably, he reached the 5000-run mark in just 130 innings, beating David Warner’s previous record.

Also Read: Most Fifty Plus Scores in IPL by an Opener Since Gill's Debut

Now, let’s take a moment to check out the top five players who took fewest innings to reach 5000 IPL runs.

Fewest Innings to Reach 5000 IPL Runs

5. Shikhar Dhawan | 168

Shikhar Dhawan rounds out the top five on this list, reaching 5,000 IPL runs in his 168th inning. He achieved the milestone in 2020 while playing for DC, scoring an unbeaten 106 off 61 balls against his former team, Punjab Kings in Dubai.

With his flair, calmness under pressure, and consistent batting, Dhawan has made a name as one of the finest players in white-ball cricket. Dhawan retired with 6,769 runs in 222 matches at 35.26 and a strike rate of 127.14, including two centuries and 51 fifties.

4. AB de Villiers | 161

Former South Africa and RCB star AB de Villiers ranks fourth on the list, having reached 5,000 IPL runs in 161 innings. He achieved the milestone in 2021 against Delhi Capitals, scoring an unbeaten 75 off 42 balls in Ahmedabad.

de Villiers is considered a modern legend in cricket. His legacy as one of the most impactful players in the league is solidified by his remarkable and consistent performances. Across 184 matches, de Villiers amassed 5,162 runs at a strike rate of 151.69 and an average of 39.71, including three centuries and 40 half-centuries.

3. Virat Kohli | 157

Virat Kohli, the highest run-scorer in IPL history, ranks third on the list of fastest to 5,000 runs, reaching the milestone in 157 innings. Representing Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he achieved the feat in 2019 home game against Mumbai Indians, scoring 46 off 32 balls.

Kohli’s hunger for runs is something that sets him apart, and his consistent performance makes him a real legend in this league. Overall, Kohli has amassed 8,326 runs in 260 matches at an average of 39.27, including eight centuries and 59 half-centuries.

2. David Warner | 135

Before Rahul, David Warner held the title for the fewest innings to reach 5000 IPL runs for nearly five years, reaching the milestone in 135 innings. He achieved the milestone in 2020, playing for Sunrisers Hyderabad, scoring an unbeaten 47 against Kolkata Knight Riders in Abu Dhabi.

Known for being one of the best players in the league, Warner led the Sunrisers Hyderabad to a championship in 2016. He made scoring big runs look effortless, converting his explosive starts into match-winning performances.

Despite going unsold in the recent auction, Warner boasts an impressive IPL record of 6,565 runs in 184 matches at 40.52, striking at 139.77 alongside 62 fifties and four centuries.

Also Read: Most Runs in IPL History: Virat Kohli leading the charts

1. KL Rahul | 130

As mentioned, KL Rahul is now the player who took fewest innings to reach 5,000 IPL runs, achieving the milestone in 130 innings.

He surpassed David Warner, who took 135 innings, to claim the top spot. Rahul also moved past Chris Gayle (4,965) and Robin Uthappa (4,952) on the all-time run-scorers list. Overall, he now owns 5,006 runs across 139 matches at 46.35 (SR: 135.70).

The cricketer from Karnataka added this record to his name while playing for Delhi Capitals after an impressive journey that started back with Kings XI Punjab in 2018. Since then, he has shown incredible consistency and has proven to be a match-winner time and again. His special 5000-run achievement came during a match against Lucknow Super Giants, reinforcing his nickname of “Mr. Consistent.”