KL Rahul, who was performing well in the Indian middle order for the Indian Team in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia, is likely to not be included in the team for the IND vs ENG series. Rahul has opted for a break from cricket following a physical and mental taxing.

India is now fully prepared for the Champions Trophy 2025. After playing red ball Test matches continuously for almost four months, now Team India is going to play white ball limited overs matches for the next five months.

Also Read: Mohammed Shami may return to Indian squad for the forthcoming England series and Champions Trophy

The Indian top order completely failed on the Australia tour. Therefore, the team management is now taking bold steps. Team India will test its preparations against England from January 22. Keeping this in mind, the team is also to be announced.

Rahul will be available for CT 2025 selection

India's experienced batsman KL Rahul is likely to get rest from the IND vs ENG white-ball series starting from January 22 in Kolkata. The England team will play a five-match T20 International and three ODI series on this tour of India.

However, Rahul will be available for selection for the Champions Trophy starting from February 19. India will play all its matches in Dubai while the remaining matches will be in the host country Pakistan. 

KL decided to stay out of domestic cricket

Indian batsmen performed disappointingly in the BGT series in Australia but Rahul was one of the few batsmen who scored runs. He was the third highest run-scorer for India with 276 runs in 10 innings at an average of 30.66.

To make a place in the Champions Trophy squad, Rahul will have to face the challenge of wicketkeeper batsmen like Rishabh Pant and Sanju Samson. Although he has not been a part of India's T20 team recently, but in ODIs he is India's number one wicketkeeper. 

After returning from Australia, Rahul had decided to stay out of the Karnataka team for the Vijay Hazare Trophy knockouts, which has started in Vadodara from Thursday.

Also Read: Indian players to play Vijay Hazare Trophy Knockouts after returning from Australia tour

IND vs ENG: Schedule

After the Champions Trophy 2025, India's target in ODI cricket will be the ODI World Cup 2027. In such a situation, know what is Team India's ODI schedule till the World Cup 2027. The Men in Blue have to play a total of 9 series in the next ICC ODI tournament, which includes 27 matches.

Apart from this, some more ODI matches can be scheduled near the tournament. So, know what is the ODI schedule of Indian Cricket Team till 2027 and when India will face which team.

Also Read: The Kohli Effect: Will Indian fans lose interest in Test cricket after Virat Kohli's retirement?

The ODI World Cup2027 will be held around October to December. Before this, the Indian team is going to play a lot of matches. India have to play 3-match ODI series against 8 teams. They will play series twice against one country.

India will play New Zealand twice

India will play Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka once each in the upcoming ODI series, while it will play New Zealand twice. Out of the nine series, India will play six series at home, while the rest will be held outside the country.

It will start with the tour of Bangladesh in August, which will be played this year. In October-November 2025, India has to play a three-match ODI series on its tour of Australia. South Africa's team will tour India in November-December.

India will host Sri Lankan team in December 2026

In January 2026, the New Zealand team will play an ODI series in India. After this, India has to play a three-match series against Afghanistan in June. In July 2026, Team India will have to play the same number of ODI series on its tour of England.

The West Indies team is scheduled to tour India in September-October. There will be an ODI series against New Zealand at home in October-November. India will host the Sri Lankan team for an ODI series in December 2026.

Also Read: Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

India's ODI schedule till World Cup 2027

Indian cricket team captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from Test cricket on Wednesday. 38-year-old Rohit had already retired from T20I cricket. For now, he will continue to play for India in the ODI format and he is also the captain of Team India in this format. After this announcement by Rohit, his 11-year long Test cricket career also came to an end.

Rohit Sharma had a very good Test cricket career and he played for India in this format from number one to number six. However, he was very successful as an opener in Test cricket. 

Also Read: Rohit Sharma stats in tests

Let's take a look at Rohit Sharma stats in Tests as an opener.

Rohit scored most centuries as an opener

Rohit scored 4301 runs in 67 Test matches played in his career at an average of 40.57 with 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries, but he scored the most centuries as an opener.

Rohit was elevated to that role for the first time in October 2019, and since then, no other opener has scored as many tons. Overall, only four batters have scored more Test tons than Rohit in this period.

Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Most sixes for India

Rohit has hit a total of 88 sixes in his Test cricket career and is second on the list of batsmen who have hit the most sixes for India in the longer format of cricket. If he had hit 3 more sixes in the Test, he would have become the batsman who has hit the most sixes in Tests for India. The record for hitting the most sixes in Tests for India is held by Virender Sehwag who hit a total of 90 sixes.

Rohit Sharma stats in Tests: Most centuries for India in won Test matches

Rohit Sharma is at number 5 in the list of batsmen who have scored the most centuries in Test matches won by India. He has scored a total of 12 centuries in Test matches won by India. Sachin Tendulkar is at the top of this list with 20 centuries.

• 20 - Sachin Tendulkar 
• 15 - Rahul Dravid 
• 14 - Virat Kohli
• 13 - Cheteshwar Pujara 
• 12 - Rohit Sharma

Also Read: Rohit Sharma in ICC tournaments for India

Rohit Sharma stats in Tests as an opener

As an opener in Test cricket, Rohit scored a total of 2697 runs in 66 innings for India. During this period, his average was 42.81 while in these 66 innings, he also scored 9 centuries and 8 half-centuries. His best score as an opener in Tests was 212 runs.

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.