After two long years, Sachin Tendulkar's son Arjun made his debut for the Mumbai Indians in the 2023 Indian Premier League (IPL) clash against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) at the Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. Arjun was named in MI's playing XI for the big clash in place of Arshad Khan. In Jasprit Bumrah's absence, MI are still searching for their first-choice Indian pace bowling option, and Arjun has become the latest player to offer the choice.
IPL: Sachin and Arjun become the first father-son duo to feature in the competition
Arjun and Sachin Tendulkar have become the first father-son duo to play in the history of the IPL. The Master Blaster also played for MI and was the team's first-ever permanent captain. Sachin led MI from 2008 to 2011 and also to their first-ever final in 2010. He won the orange cap that season but they lost the Final clash to Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Sachin Tendulkar announced his retirement in 2013 after MI's 2013 IPL victory. The legendary Indian cricketer's last game for MI was the final of the Champions League against Rahul Dravid-led Rajasthan Royals (RR) later that year. Presently, Sachin is part of the MI set-up as the team's mentor.
Sachin Tendulkar had a piece of advice for his son, Arjun Tendulkar, ahead of the MI vs KKR game Image - BCCI
On the other side, Arjun Tendulkar had a breakthrough season in domestic cricket after moving to Goa from Mumbai. He made a century on his Ranji Trophy debut. In 2022/23, In Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy, he took 10 wickets in 7 matches. Arjun was purchased by MI in the 2021 auction but did not get a game in either the 2021 or 2022 seasons.
The true defining moments of IPL happens in the playoffs stage. A batsman's ability to deal pressure and get going is tested in these high-stakes environment.
As we are about to enter the playoffs of IPL 2025, let's take a look at the 5 batters with the most runs in IPL playoffs history. Some impressive unmatched numbers are ready to unfold. Check them out.
5. Shane Watson | 389 Runs
Shane Watson playing for CSK in IPL 2019. Image | NDTV
The Australian legend, Shane Watson's impact on IPL playoffs and crucial matches holds the 5th position for the 5 batters with the most runs in IPL playoffs history.
Watson made his debut in IPL 2008 and played until 2020, scoring a total of 389 runs in 12 playoff matches. He was in the winning squad of Rajasthan Royals in 2008, and won the title with CSK in 2018. He also represented RCB during his IPL career.
Watson scored a century and 3 fifties in his IPL playoffs journey, with a strike rate above 150.
Faf du Plessis playing for RCB in IPL 2024 Eliminator. Image | Instagram
The South African cricketer, Faf du Plessis, has a strong playoffs record with the bat, having scored 390 runs in 15 playoff matches in IPL. His ability to adapt and play power-packed cricket has been crucial for the teams.
Shubman Gill celebrating his century for GT in IPL 2023. Image | Pinterest
The youngest name on this elite list, Shubman Gill, has rapidly grown to be a key player in IPL playoffs. He scored a total of 474 runs in just 10 playoff matches, playing for KKR and GT.
Gill's standout performance came with a record breaking 129 runs in the Qualifier 2 of IPL 2023 for Gujarat Titans. He also lifted the trophy with the franchise in 2022.
The numbers are about to increase, as GT has made it to the playoffs of IPL 2025, and we are yet to see some Gill magic in the upcoming playoffs scene.
MS Dhoni in action for CSK in IPL playoffs. Image |
A list like this is incomplete without the playoffs King himself, so here he is! MS Dhoni holds the second position with 523 runs in 28 playoff matches, which is the highest no. of matches among others in here.
Dhoni is a key player for the team who led CSK to win the IPL title 5 times, and also led RPSG into the finals in IPL 2017. His ability to finish matches will be forever treasured in all kinds of playing format.
MS Dhoni stats in IPL playoffs
Span
Matches
Innings
Runs
Highest
Avg
SR
100
50
4s
6s
2008-2023
28
23
523
63*
34.86
132.07
0
2
32
28
1. Suresh Raina | 714 Runs
Suresh Raina playing for CSK in IPL playoffs. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The former Indian cricketer, Suresh Raina, holds the 1st rank in the list for 5 batters with the most runs in IPL playoffs history. He scored 714 runs in 24 playoffs matches, played for CSK and GL.
It's been 6 years since Raina played his last playoff match (in 2019), and his numbers are still far from being broken in the current IPL years.
He also won the title 4 times with CSK, playing a crucial role in their playoff games with a strike rate above 155.
Is Mohammad Shami ready to spearhead India's pace attack in the upcoming five-match Test series against England starting June 20, 2025?
With concerns over his form and fitness following a lacklustre IPL 2025 and a long injury layoff, we dive deep into whether the star pacer should be included in the squad.
From his stellar 2023 ODI World Cup performance to recent struggles with pace and rhythm, we analyse Shami’s prospects and what he brings to the table. Plus, we explore potential alternatives like Arshdeep Singh, Anshul Kamboj, and others who could step up if Shami’s fitness remains a concern.
With Jasprit Bumrah’s workload being managed, who else can India rely on to challenge England’s batsmen?
Is Rishabh Pant's T20I career nearly over after a horrific IPL 2025?
After a disastrous IPL campaign with 13.73 average, the entire nation has this one question to ask: Is Rishabh Pant's T20I career nearly over after a horrific IPL 2025? Read to know more.
The 2025 IPL season has delivered a brutal reality check for Rishabh Pant. After being picked up by LSG for 27 crore, he turned out to be the most expensive flop of this season.
Can a player sustain an international career after such disappointing performance? Is Rishabh Pant's T20I career nearly over after a horrific IPL 2025?
Let's dive into the cold facts.
The disappointing IPL 2025 numbers
Rishabh Pant slipping down the pitch during a match in IPL 2025. Image | Facebook
Rishabh Pant was picked up by Lucknow Super Giants as the most expensive player in IPL history for ₹27 crore, which proved to be totally not worth it. He only managed to score 151 runs in 13 matches with an average of 13.73 and a strike rate barely crossing 107.
He is the lowest scorer among all the LSG batters in IPL 2025. Apart from batting performance, he also failed as a captain. The team only won 6 matches out of 13 and lost their playoffs berth under Pant's captaincy.
Pant's questionable descision-making, poor shot selections, and a complete lack of form did not justify the big price tag ahead in the auction.
The T20I context: India's current pool and future outlook
Rishabh Pant's position is now critically questionable as India's T20 squad selection prioritizes consistency in batting, high strike rates, and adaptable wicket-keeping.
The current pool of contenders are highly competitive and has the potential to outperform Pant.
KL Rahul: His current form in IPL 2025 is magnificent and he has consistently performed well for the team. Rahul's ability to anchor and accelerate has again brought him into T20I contention.
Sanju Samson: Yet another prime contender with high experience and quality performance. He also holds the ability to blend well into the format.
Dhruv Jurel: A promising young talent who also has the ability to make impactful finish for the team.
Ishan Kishan: The pocket dynamo who started his IPL 2025 season with a phenomenal century, and gained his spot in BCCI's central contract (2025), is another strong contender.
Where Rishabh Pant fits (or doesn't fit):
Rishabh Pant playing for team India in T20Is. Image | TOI
Following the poor performance of Rishabh Pant, several known names have speculated about his mental state and his inability to deal pressure. The former Indian cricketer, Kris Srikkanth, also suggested that Pant should consider taking a break from his format.
The modern T20 format demands a lot of things that Pant is completely missing:
Insufficient strike rate
Lack of clarity in shot-making
Inability to convert build innings
Diminished reliability as wicketkeeper-batter
No longer an unique left-handed power option
Difficulty handling run-rate pressure
Pant is missing the "X-factor" that he once possessed. Therefore, unless his form significantly improves soon and makes a comeback, his T20 career is effectively over.
The Indian Premier League (IPL) is one of the most competitive leagues in the world. And as the IPL 2025 is about to enter the Playoff stage, the level of competition goes significantly up.
The IPL Playoff is an intense phase of the tournament where players need to perform at their best. Thus, there’s constant pressure on batters and bowlers to give their 100 percent, as a tiny mistake can make or break the team’s campaign. Bowlers are under even more pressure as they are the ones who can help teams win the tournament.
Let's take a look at the top 5 bowlers with the most wickets in IPL playoffs history.
Former Indian spinner Harbhajan Singh has dismissed the batters 17 times in the IPL playoffs at an economy rate of 7.27. During his playing time in the IPL, he has 150 wickets under his name with a stellar economy of 7.08.
The veteran off-spinner has won IPL titles with Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians.
4. Ravindra Jadeja | 19 Wickets
Off-spinner Ravindra Jadeja has claimed 19 wickets in the IPL playoffs. He traps the bowler with his spin and is also quite handy with the bat. He has a brilliant average of 22.52 in 23 games. The tally includes an economy rate of 7.75.
Jadeja was part of Rajasthan Royal's title-winning side in the inaugural IPL season (2008). He also won the trophy in 2018, 2021, and 2023 with the Chennai Super Kings.
3. Mohit Sharma | 20 Wickets
Gujarat Titans pacer Mohit Sharma took 20 wickets in the IPL playoffs. He has been consistently providing breakthroughs when the team needed it most. Having represented CSK and GT in the playoffs, Mohit has taken 20 wickets from 10 games at 15.80. His tally includes an economy rate of 8.77 along with a fifer.
Mohit also played for the Gujarat Titans in the 2023 final.
2. Ravichandran Ashwin | 21 Wickets
With 21 wickets in the IPL playoffs, Ravichandran Ashwin has been a key bowler for Chennai Super Kings, delivering vital spin breakthroughs in pressure moments. Ashwin played for three franchises - CSK, Delhi Capitals, and RR - in the IPL playoffs.
Ashwin snapped up 21 wickets from 24 IPL playoff games at 30.23. Notably, Ashwin also has a maiden over in the playoffs. He won the title with CSK in 2010 and 2011. He bowled a match-winning spell (3/16) in the 2011 final against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
In IPL 2025, he has claimed seven wickets in the nine games he has featured in.
Former CSK all-rounder Dwayne Bravo has taken the most wickets in the IPL playoffs, becoming a standout bowler for Chennai Super Kings. He was known for his death-over skills and crucial wickets in crunch situations. All-rounder Bravo was a mainstay seamer in Chennai Super Kings' pace attack for a decade.
Bravo starred in three of their title-winning campaigns (2011, 2018, and 2021). He also played the final with CSK in 2012, 2013, 2015, and 2019. Bravo, who also played for Gujarat Lions, took 28 wickets from 19 playoff matches at 18.21.
IPL 2025 Playoffs: How can Mumbai Indians finish at the top of the points table?
How can Mumbai Indians finish at the top of the points table in IPL 2025? Explore the different scenarios, starting from their final league stage match to NRR and other teams' results.
Mumbai Indians are the fourth team to seal their playoffs spot in IPL 2025, defeating DC to get those concluding 2 points. As we move further in the tournament, the focus shifts from playoffs qualification to top 4 standings.
How can Mumbai Indians finish at the top of the points table? The calculation is pretty simple. Check them out.
Why Aim for Top 2?
Mitchell Santner celebrating a wicket with the team in a match against DC. Image | Facebook
The benefits of finishing in the top two in league stage are many.
Double chance in Qualifiers: A sigh of relief as the top 2 teams will have double chances to reach the finals, playing Qualifier 1 & 2.
Avoid Eliminator pressure: Finishing top 2 will provide the safety net and free them from knockout pressure in Eliminator, where a single bad performance can lead to elimination from the final race.
MI must win their final league stage game against PBKS (on 26 May) to keep their hopes for top 2 alive.
PBKS need to lose another match to DC, which will restrict them from going beyond 17 points.
RCB should lose both their remaining games (against LSG & SRH), which too will restrict them at 17 points.
Here's how MI can be at top of the points table
If the scenarios mentioned above go in their favour, along with GT losing their last 2 games, MI will end at no. 1 in the table. Both GT and MI will have 18 points, and MI will be on top, given their NRR advantage.
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