Gone are those days when only actors and people associated with the show business had an overwhelming social media presence and fanbase. Steadily, athletes all over the world are overtaking these celebrities people and gaining a massive fan following on Instagram. Let's take a look at the most followed athletes in the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo is storming both on the ground and on social media as well. Currently, has the highest Instagram fan following with 337 million followers. Also, he has the highest earning from Instagram. According to the social media analytics firm Hopper, the Portuguese footballer can make around $1.6 million for a single sponsored post on Instagram.
Lionel Messi has the second most followers on Instagram with 260 million following fanbase. The Argentine captain joined Paris Saint-German a few weeks back and bass boosted the Instagram account of the club as well. The club's followers increased by 6-7 million in just 3 days.
With 160 million followers on Instagram, the PSG striker Neymar becomes the third-most followed athlete on the social media platform. His account is a proper representation of pictures of him playing on the field and hanging out with other celebrities.
The captain of the Indian cricket team emerges as the fourth most followed athlete on Instagram. Virat Kohli is the first cricketer in the world to reach the milestone of 150 million followers on Instagram. Also, he is the first Asian celebrity to have 150 million Instagram followers. The escalation in his Instagram fan-following is clearly not going to stop anytime soon. The king of cricket is breaking records both on the ground and on social media simultaneously.
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.
The European Golden Boot or European Golden Shoe is awarded annually to the leading goal scorer in league matches in the top divisions of European football. First awarded in 1968, this prestigious honour is judged on a points-based system.
The winner is not simply the player with the most goals in the season. There is a weighting system where the goals scored in the top-ranked leagues are worth more. Players from the five highest ranked leagues according to UEFA (based on results of each league's clubs in European competition over the previous five seasons) get 2 points per scored goal, leagues ranked 6-22 get 1.5 points per goal and the remaining leagues get 1 point per goal.
The top five ranked leagues in 2022 were Germany, Spain, England, Italy, and France. The winners usually come from the top-ranked leagues.
Historical Overview
Between 1968 and 1991, the award was given by L'Équipe to the highest goalscorer in any European league. Between 1991 and 1996 there were no official awards given to the top goal scorers, but the leading goalscorer for those years have since been recognized.
Since the 1996–97 season, the award, given by European Sports Media, has used a weighted points system.
Most Golden Boots win
Lionel Messi has won the European Golden Boot a record six times (2009-10, 2011-12, 2012-13, 2016-17, 2017-18, 2018-19). The next closest is Cristiano Ronaldo with four (2007-08, 2010-11, 2013-14, 2014-15).
Let's take a look at the most Golden Boots win in football history.
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! 🔥#DigveshRathi dismisses the dangerous #AbhishekSharma, & things get heated right after! 🗣️💢
Is this the breakthrough #LSG needed to turn things around? 🏏
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 🫣
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! 🔥#ViratKohli and #KLRahul exchange a few words in this nail-biting match between #DC and #RCB. 💪
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? 👇✍🏻#ShubmanGill seen having a word with the umpire after being given out by the third umpire on a tight call! 👀
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! 😳#ShubmanGill and #AbhishekSharma in discussion with the umpires! A review going #SRH’s way has sparked some serious drama! 🧐
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! 😁
Come for Virat 🆚 MSD, stay for Virat 🆚 Khaleel too! 🍿
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.
Most runs vs England in England for India in tests
Conquering English conditions is tough, but some Indian batsmen have mastered them. Find out the ones with most runs vs England in England for India in tests.
For any touring cricket team, England presents an unique challenge in Test cricket. It's a land where even most skilled players can struggle.
Far away from home, Indian cricketers have sincerely accepted this challenge and given a tough fight for many years. Discover which batting legends have mastered the game and scored the most runs vs England in England for India in tests.
1. Sachin Tendulkar | 1575 Runs
17-year-old Sachin Tendulkar after scoring his international maiden century against England in 1990. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The 'Master Blaster' Sachin Tendulkar holds the unmatched record for most runs vs England in England for India in tests. He scored 1575 runs in 17 matches (30 innings) with an average above 54.
Tendulkar dominated the English soil with 4 hundreds and 8 fifties in his test career.
Rahul Dravid celebrating his century against England at The Oval in 2011. Image | Instagram
Rahul Dravid is another big name when it comes to legendary test batsmen from India. He holds impressive record against England which is hard to match in the long run for young Indian batters of the coming age.
Dravid scored 1376 runs in 13 matches, with his highest being a phenomenal 217 runs during India tour of England in 2002.
Dravid stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
Highest
Avg
100
50
1996-2011
13
23
1376
217
68.80
6
4
3. Sunil Gavaskar | 1152 Runs
Sunil Gavaskar during his knock of 221 runs against England at The Oval in 1979. Image | Facebook
Sunil Gavaskar is the third Indian batter to cross the 1000-run mark against England in England. The 'Little Master' scored 1152 runs in 16 matches during his Test career.
He scored 221 runs in 1979, which is the highest score ever by an Indian batsman against England in their own soil.
Gavaskar stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
Highest
Avg
100
50
1971-1986
16
28
1152
221
41.14
2
8
4. Virat Kohli | 976 Runs
Virat Kohli celebrates his heroic century against England in 2018. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Here comes the most successful Test captain of India, Virat Kohli, securing the fourth position in this list. He surpassed many legendary test batters with his brilliant record against England in their home soil.
Kohli scored 976 runs in 15 matches, with 2 centuries and 5 fifties to his name. The numbers could soar higher if he had not retired from tests at the age of 36, in 2025.
Dilip Vengsarkar in action against England at Lord's cricket ground in 1986. Image | Instagram
Dilip Vengsarkar is a gem of a player in the history of Indian Test cricket. He scored 960 runs in 13 matches (23 innings), with 157 being his highest score.
Vengsarkar scored 4 hundreds and 4 fifties during his tenure.
Vengsarkar stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
Highest
Avg
100
50
1979-1990
13
23
960
157
48.00
4
4
6. Sourav Ganguly | 915 Runs
Sourav Ganguly celebrating his debut test ton against England in 1996. Image | TOI
Another successful captain in the history of Indian Test cricket, Sourav Ganguly, makes his way to the sixth rank in the list. He started his career with an iconic ton against England in 1996.
Ganguly scored a total of 915 runs in 9 matches (15 innings) vs England in England with an average above 65.
Gundappa Viswanath in action against England in 1981. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Gundappa Viswanath played a major role for India in Tests back in the 1970s. He scored 858 runs in 13 matches against England in England, with an average of 39.
Viswanath stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
Highest
Avg
100
50
1971-1982
13
24
858
113
39.00
1
9
8. Cheteshwar Pujara | 806 Runs
Cheteshwar Pujara after scoring a century against England in 2018. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Cheteshwar Pujara's journey as a test batsman in the English soil was short-lived but great. He scored 806 runs in 14 matches, having one century and 5 fifties to his name.
Pujara stats vs England in England
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
Highest
Avg
100
50
2014-2022
14
28
806
132*
31.00
1
5
9. MS Dhoni | 778 Runs
MS Dhoni in action against England in a test match. Image | BBC
Apart from excellent captaincy records, MS Dhonialso holds the ninth position for most runs vs England in England for India in tests. He scored 778 runs in 12 matches (23 innings).
Ajinkya Rahane celebrating his knock of 103 runs against England in 2014. Image | Instagram
Ajinkya Rahane is the tenth name in the elite list for most runs vs England in England for India in tests. He scored 665 runs in 14 matches, with a classy century and 5 half centuries to his name.
Every Test Captain of Indian Men's Test Cricket Team
Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new Test captain of the Indian Men's Test Cricket team for the five-Test series starting in England from June 20.
Shubman Gill has been appointed as the new Test captain of the Indian Men's Test Cricket team for the five-Test series starting in England from June 20. Wicketkeeper batsman Rishabh Pant has been appointed as the vice-captain of the team.
Gill will replace Rohit Sharma, who retired from the format in May due to poor form last season, especially in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in Australia.
Gill's Test career
Gill has played 32 Tests for India so far. He made his Test debut in the MCG Test on India's 2020-21 Australia tour. He has so far scored 1893 runs at an average of 35.05. There is a big difference between his average at home (42.03) and outside (27.53). The upcoming series will be Gill's first full tour.
He has also played two WTC Finals there in 2021 and 2023, and also played the fifth Test on the 2021 tour after it was postponed due to COVID-19.
India will start WTC 2025-27 cycle with five-Test series
India will start the 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with a five-Test series against England. They are scheduled to play the first Test at Headingley (from June 20), the second Test at Edgbaston (from July 2), the third Test at Lord's (from July 10), the fourth Test at Old Trafford (from July 23) and the final Test at The Oval (from July 31).
Every Captain of Indian Men's Test Cricket Team
Since their first Test in 1932, India have witnessed 36 Test captains across 589 matches. CK Nayudu led India in their maiden Test match in 1932 against England. However, it was only 20 years later that India tasted their first Test victory under the captaincy of Vijay Hazare against England on February 10, 1952 at the M. A. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Only five Indian captains – Mohammed Azharuddin, Sourav Ganguly, MS Dhoni, Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma – have managed to notch up at least 10 Test victories. Kohli remains as India’s most successful Test captain, winning 40 of the 68 Tests he led in with a 58.82 success rate. Leading in 60 games between 2008-14, Dhoni is the second-most successful Test skipper for the country, winning 27 matches.
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