Ravi Shastri, Ponting, and Pakistan legend Wasim Akram all feel that the Oval track will remain fresher than it usually is as it has never hosted a Test match in June in the venue's 140-year history. Shastri, the former Indian batsman & head coach who guided the team to the inaugural WTC final in 2021, felt that if Jasprit Bumrah had been there, India would have started on an even keel if not as favourites.
Ravi Shastri opened up about some facts ahead of the WTC Final 2023
"I would say if you look at pace attack, if Bumrah was there, I would say it was equal with an attack of Mohammed Shami, Bumrah, and Mohammed Siraj. But that Aussie attack with Starc, Cummins, maybe the match fitness will come into play," Shastri said at the ICC's 'Afternoon with Test Legends' event.
Shastri feels that even if it was two months of T20 cricket, game time does make a difference. Ponting and Akram both agreed with Shastri. "Match fitness might come into play," Shastri said.
"You need some cricket behind you and staying in the park for six hours for five days is different from bowling in nets for two hours every day. Shami might be key as he has been playing a lot of cricket," he said.
"I, as a player, like having cricket (games) behind me. The format doesn't matter as long as I am playing. It's better to have a tournament like IPL.When you don't win, it hurts as you are not there to fill in numbers. But if I look in hindsight, compared to that World Test Championship cycle, it's chalk and cheese," Shastri added.
"There was COVID-19, quarantines. It was hard on players, 14 days in isolation and then seven days of training. Here both teams have had time to prepare and this one will be a good contest," he said.
Beyond individual heroics, IPL 2025 delivered some game-changing partnerships. It is now time to celebrate those batting duos with equal amount of electrifying energy and passion for the game!
Check out the highest partnerships in IPL 2025 by runs so far, and relive how these pairs dominated with the bat.
Shubham Gill and Sai Sudharsan during their 205-run partnership against DC in IPL 2025. Image | Rediff
Shubham Gill and Sai Sudharsan delivered an iconic batting partnership of 205* runs against Delhi Capitals in IPL 2025. This opening pair of Gujarat Titans left the opponent's home crowd stunned by chasing down 200+ target without losing a single wicket.
They are the first batting duo to cross the 200-run mark this season, and tops the chart for highest partnerships in IPL 2025.
Sudharsan scored a phenomenal 108* runs off 61 balls, whereas Gill scored an explosive 93* off 53 balls, hitting 7 huge sixes!
They have also crossed the 100-run mark in terms of batting partnership thrice this season.
This partnership was shaped by the record-breaking 141 runs off just 55 balls from Abhishek Sharma's bat, along with a quick 66 off 37 balls from Head.
This pair have showcased a glimpse of such destructive partnership against LSG back in IPL 2024, and yet again proved how Sunrisers Hyderabad are blessed to have them!
Yashasvi Jaiswal and Vaibhav Suryavanshi during their 166-run partnership against GT in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Yashasvi Jaiswal and the youngest debutant of IPL history, Vaibhav Suryavanshi, currently holds the 3rd position for highest partnerships in IPL 2025. They pulled of a partnership of 166 runs and secured the win for Rajasthan Royals.
In this match, Vaibhav scored his maiden century to become the youngest centurion in IPL. His knock of 101 runs from 38 balls was unbelievably good, accompanied by a classy 70 runs off 40 balls from Jaiswal.
Can Shubman Gill or Sai Sudharsan break Kohli's record of most IPL runs in a single season?
Virat Kohli's 973 runs in IPL 2016 stands as a monumental record. Can Shubman Gill or Sai Sudharsan break Kohli's record of most IPL runs in a single season?
Breaking records is what IPL is all about and Virat Kohli's record of 973 runs in IPL 2016 is unmatched for 9 years. IPL 2025 can be the record-breaking year, as GT's opening pair is having an incredible season with the bat, shuffling the orange cap with every match.
As we are heading towards the end of the tournament, it will be a major thing to keep an eye on.
Can Shubman Gill or Sai Sudharsan break Kohli's record of most IPL runs in a single season? Or maybe it is truly unbreakable.
How big is Virat Kohli's 973-run record?
Virat Kohli celebrating his 3rd century of IPL 2016 season. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Virat Kohli set the batting standards up in IPL 2016 that everyone talks about till date. He scored 973 runs in 16 matches with an 80+ average.
He scored 4 centuries and 7 half-centuries for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, bagging the Orange cap in that season.
This is the phenomenal record of most runs in a single IPL season that no one could break since 2016.
Shubman Gill in action for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. Image | TOI
The only player who ever came to Kohli's record is Shubman Gill, with his 890-run season in IPL 2023. He is having another successful one in IPL 2025 and has already surpassed the 600-run mark.
The way Gill is firing this season for Gujarat Titans, he might just break the record and get in top. He scored 601 runs in 12 matches with 6 half-centuries to his name so far.
Calculating the remaining target for Shubham Gill
With potentially 5 innings left (2 league matches + playoffs), the race is heating up. This is subject to GT to lose Qualifier 1 and get an extra innings to go play for the IPL title.
Required: 974-601 = 373 runs more (to break Kohli's record)
Required Avg for next 5 innings: 74.6 runs per inning
Required Avg if they get 4 innings to play: 93.25 runs per inning
Sai Sudharsan in action for Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Sai Sudharsan is currently the leading run-scorer in the race for Orange Cap in IPL 2025. He scored 617 runs in 12 matches, with 1 century and 5 fifties to his name.
This rising star has remarkable potential to with the kind of explosive form he has right now.
Calculating the remaining target for Sai Sudharsan
As for GT, Sudharsan also gets the same number of innings as Gill. It is either 2 league matches and 2 playoff matches, or a loss in Qualifier 1 to get an extra innings, making it 5 innings in total.
Required: 974-617 = 357 runs more (to break Kohli's record)
Required Avg for next 5 innings: 71.4 runs per inning
Required Avg if they get 4 innings to play: 89.25 runs per inning
Highest individual scores by players in IPL playoffs
From Shubman Gill's match-winning 129 off 60 balls to Sehwag and Watson's heroics. Discover the highest individual scores by players in IPL playoffs history.
The intensity of IPL playoffs brings out extraordinary performances. Several players have set the bar high with their fearless batting skills and bagging those victories for the teams.
With the IPL 2025 playoffs approaching, it is the best time to examine the highest individual scores by players in the IPL playoffs.
Check out the full list of the highest individual scores by players in the IPL playoffs.
1. Shubham Gill (129 runs) | GT
Shubman Gill celebrating his century against MI in Qualifier 2 of IPL 2023. Image | ESPNcricinfo
Shubham Gill shattered all the big batting records of IPL playoffs with his unbelievable knock of 129 runs off 60 balls against Mumbai Indians in IPL 2023 Qualifier 2.
His performance as an opening batsman took Gujarat Titans to a huge total of 233 runs, which they defended comfortably and booked their final berth.
This groundbreaking knock tops the chart for the highest individual scores by players in IPL playoffs.
Wriddhiman Saha playing a slog-sweep during his 115* off 55 balls in IPL 2014 Final. Image | ESPNcricinfo
An incredible season for the boy of Bengal, Wriddhiman Saha, who dominated till the very end against KKR in the IPL 2014 Final. He scored an unbeaten 115 runs from just 55 balls and helped PBKS reach a defendable total. Saha's ton was the first ton ever scored in an IPL final.
Even though Kolkata Knight Riders pulled off a brilliant victory in that match, Saha's performance won the hearts of the fans!
5. Murali Vijay (113 runs) | CSK
Murali Vijay's celebration after scoring 113 runs off 58 balls in IPL 2012 Qualifier 2. Image | Pinterest
Murali Vijay single-handedly took CSK to a humongous total in the Qualifier 2 of IPL 2012. His remarkable contribution of 113 runs from 58 balls made things easier for their team.
With this victory against Delhi Capitals, CSK headed towards the Final and Murali Vijay was rewarded player of the match.
Rajat Patidar's match winning 112* runs against LSG in IPL 2022 Eliminator. Image | Reddif
Rajat Patidar has proven to be one of the impactful figures for Royal Challengers Bengaluru ever since his debut in 2021. He left a stellar lasting impression with his knock of 112* runs from 54 balls against LSG in IPL 2022 Eliminator.
His contribution was extremely crucial for the team as their batting line-up collapsed early in the first innings. However, RCB successfully defeated LSG to move ahead in the tournament, with credit to Patidar.
16 Indian Cricketers with stands named after them at a stadium
Discover 16 Indian Cricketers with stands named after them at a stadium, including legends like Tendulkar, Kohli, Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, and the iconic Jhulan Goswami.
Some legendary Indian cricketers left their impact beyond the scorecards and records, which earned them an everlasting tribute. Their legacies live on the stadiums where they created their cricketing magic.
Curious to know the ones who had their contributions honored with their names on a stadium stand or pavilion? Scroll down to discover the 16 Indian Cricketers with stands named after them at a stadium.
1. Sachin Tendulkar
Sachin Tendulkar Stand at Sharjah Cricket Stadium, UAE. Image | NDTV
The God of Cricket, Sachin Tendulkar, has 2 stands named after him. He was also honoured with a gate named after him at the Sydney Cricket Ground, unveiled on his 50th birthday.
MS Dhoni Pavilion at the JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi. Image | Instagram
Honoring the hometown hero, MS Dhoni Pavilion was named as a tribute to his legendary captaincy and achievements.
MS Dhoni Pavilion: JSCA International Stadium, Ranchi
4. Rohit Sharma
Rohit Sharma stand at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Image | Instagram
Acknowledging Rohit Sharma's elegant batting and leadership for India, the stand named after him at the Wankhede is a recent addition, inaugurated in 2025.
Rohit Sharma Stand: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
5. Sourav Ganguly
Sourav Ganguly stand at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Image | Instagram
Sourav Ganguly stand, unveiled in 2017, is a tribute to dada, not only for his influential captaincy, but also for his contributions as the former president of CAB and BCCI.
Sunil Gavaskar Pavilion at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Image | Alamy
The pavilion named after Sunil Gavaskar stands as a lasting tribute for the cricketing legend.
Sunil Gavaskar Pavilion: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
7. Yuvraj Singh
The inaugural of stands named after Yuvraj Singh, along with teammate Harbhajan Singh at the PCA Stadium, Punjab. Image | Instagram
The world cup hero and local boy of Punjab, Yuvraj Singh, was honored with a joint ceremony where two stands were named after him and his teammate, Harbhajan Singh.
VVS Laxman Pavilion at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Image | Facebook
Known for his elegant batting style, VVS Laxman was given the tribute with a pavilion named after him at his hometown (Hyderabad).
VVS Laxman Pavilion: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
10. Mohammad Azharuddin
Mohammad Azharuddin posing in front of his stand at the Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad. Image | Crossbill
The former captain of Indian team, Mohammad Azharuddin, was honored with a stand at his beloved ground in his homecity, Hyderabad.
Mohammad Azharuddin Stand: Rajiv Gandhi International Stadium, Hyderabad
11. Jhulan Goswami
Jhulan Goswami posing in front of the stand named after her at the Eden Gardens, Kolkata. Image | Twitter
In 2023, Eden Gardens celebrated and honored the legendary pride of Bengal, Jhulan Goswami. Her name stands as the only woman on this list to achieve this milestone.
Gautam Gambhir Stand at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi. Image | TOI
From crucial role in World Cup victories for India, to his role as the head coach, Gautam Gambhir truly deserves the stand named after him in his home ground.
Gautam Gambhir Stand: Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi
13. Dilip Vengsarkar
Dilip Vengsarkar Stand at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
Wankhede holds the name of many spectacular players and Dilip Vengsarkar is one of them. It celebrates he golden moments in cricket.
Dilip Vengsarkar Stand: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
14. Vijay Merchant
Vijay Merchant Stand at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Image | Instagram
Yet another elegant player to have a stand named after them at the Wankhede. Vijay Merchant's quality contributions are highly appreciated.
Vijay Merchant Stand: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
15. Ajit Wadekar
Ajit Wadekar Stand alongside Sharad Pawar Stand at Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai.
The former Indian captain and influential figure, Ajit Wadekar, holds a prestigious stand named after him, alongside Sharad Pawar.
Ajit Wadekar Stand: Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai
16. Virender Sehwag
Virender Sehwag Gate at the Arun Jaitley Stadium, Delhi.
While we discuss stands or pavilions, it is worth noting that the gate no. 2 at Arun Jaitley Stadium was named after the legendary cricketer, Virender Sehwag, as a tribute.
Cricket has always been a bridge across cultures, a phenomenon that connects players with fans from all around the world. Situations often force people to migrate from one country to the other. There have been instances when cricketers were born in different nations but ultimately played for a different country.
Let's take a look at the cricket facts of cricketers who didn't play for their country.
Cricket Facts | Cricketers who didn't play for their country
5. Glenn Phillips (South Africa-born)
New Zealand cricket all-rounder Glenn Philips moved from East London, South Africa to New Zealand at the age of five. He pursued his education in New Zealand, where he began his cricket journey. Having made his domestic debut with Auckland, he signed with Otago to play alongside his brother, Dale Phillips, in 2022. Interestingly, he made his international debut against South Africa, the country where he was born.
4. Ish Sodhi (India-born)
Inderbir Singh 'Ish' Sodhi was born in Ludhiana, India, on October 31, 1992, and spent his early years in New Zealand. He made his New Zealand debut as a leg-spinner in 2013, and since then, he has been a reliable performer in limited-overs forms, contributing significantly to the country's T20 World Cup campaigns.
3. Devon Conway (South Africa-born)
After playing for Gauteng and the Highveld Lions, Devon Conway moved to New Zealand in 2017 and made an immediate impact. He was the leading run-scorer in both the 2018-19 Plunket Shield (659) and 2018-19 Super Smash (363). Conway became eligible to play for New Zealand in August 2020 and has since become a key player for them across all formats. He averages 36.72 after 27 Tests and has also made 36 ODI and 50 T20I appearances.
2. Marnus Labuschagne (South Africa-born)
Marnus Labuschagne was born in Klerksdorp, in South Africa. His family moved to Australia when he was 10. Labuschagne made his Australia debut in Tests in 2018, after Steve Smith suffered an injury during the Ashes tour. Since then the prolific batter has emulated the batting prowess of his best friend and has not looked back.
Speaking of his impressive international cricket career for Australia, Marnus Labuschagne has played 57 Tests, scoring 4396 runs with 11 centuries, and played 63 ODIs, scoring 1869 runs with two centuries. He has also played one T20I match.
Ben Stokes was born in Christchurch, New Zealand, in June 1991. His family moved to Cumbria when Stokes was 12 years old after his father was appointed head coach at Workington Town Rugby League Club.
Stokes has played for England in all three formats. Stokes is regarded as one of England's greatest all-rounders in the history of the sport. In domestic cricket, he represents Durham and has played in multiple Twenty20 leagues around the world. He was part of the England team that won the 2019 Cricket World Cup and 2022 T20 World Cup.
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