Suryakumar Yadav was named as the new captain of the Indian men's cricket team for the upcoming Sri Lanka as Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from the T20Is after the T20 World Cup 2024 triumph. Though Hardik Pandya, India's vice-captain in the ICC World Cup 2023 and T20 World Cup 2024 was supposed to be named as the new full-time T20I captain, it seems that Gautam Gambhir wanted Suryakumar Yadav as captain of the shortest format.

This will be the first series under Gautam Gambhir as the head coach of the Indian cricket team. The former Indian opener wants to build a team for the future and India are already preparing for the next T20 World Cup as Shubman Gill was named deputy of the Yadav for the T20I series. Interestingly, Gill was also named the vice-captain for the ODI series too.

However, name eyebrows raised after the announcement of Suryakumar's appointment as the T20I captain, he is not new to captaincy. The Mumbai batter captained the India U-23 team to the Asian Cricket Council Emerging Teams Cup victory in 2013. Then followed it with captaining the Mumbai team in the Vijay Hazare Trophy, Syed Mushtaq Ali and Ranji Trophy before leading one match for Mumbai Indians against his former team Kolkata Knight Riders in the IPL 2023. Mumbai Indians went on to win the match by 5 wickets in Mumbai.

Later, Suryakumar Yadav made his international debut in captaincy when Australia toured India in late 2023. He led India in the T20Is as India defeated Australia by 4-1 in a five-match T20I series. Suryakumar scored 80 from 42 balls in the first match and was named player of the match in his first match as India's captain. Surya finished with 144 runs at 28.80 average in the series.

One month later, he led India in the T20I series in South Africa, where both teams had one win against their name. While the first T20I was abandoned due to rain, Surya scored 56 from 36 in the second T20I and followed that up with a stunning 106 from 56 balls in the third match to seal the victory for India. 

In the seven games Suryakumar Yadav has captained India in T20Is, he has scored 300 runs at an average of 42.85 while maintaining a strike rate of 164.83 including one century and two fifty-plus scores. Moreover, he has led India to victories on 5 occasions in those seven games. 

Suryalumar Yadav's stats as captain (internationals)

Suryakumar Yadav as captain: Stats (IPL)

Every match captained by Suryakumar Yadav in his career (List-A, U19s, U22s, First-class, T20s, Internationals)

Mumbai Indians star batter Suryakumar Yadav broke Robin Uthappa's 11-year-old record and became the first player in history to score 11 consecutive 25+ scores. Quite remarkably, the Indian T20I captain has crossed the 25-run mark in all 11 matches that the five-time champions have played this year. He achieved this feat on Thursday by scoring 48*(23) against Rajasthan Royals (RR) in IPL 2025 match.

Let's take a look at the IPL records of most consecutive 25+ scores in IPL history.

Also Read: Most wins after 76 games as captain in IPL

IPL records | Most consecutive 25+ scores

5. Virat Kohli | 9 Matches

Virat Kohli played in every IPL season, scoring 9 consecutive 25+ scores from IPL 2024-25. The RCB veteran has been in fine form from 2024 season. Overall in T20s, Kohli has 100 half-centuries under his belt. He is also the highest run scorer in IPL history with 8447 runs to his name.

Earlier this season, Virat became the first-ever Indian batter to breach the 13,000-run mark in T20s during the encounter against Mumbai Indians. The former India captain became the fifth player overall to reach the landmark, behind Chris Gayle, Alex Hales, Shoaib Malik and Kieron Pollard.

4. Sai Sudharsan | 9 Matches

Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan played IPL from 2022 till date. He scored 9 consecutive 25+ scores from IPL 2024-25.

Talking about his IPL career, Sudharsan made his debut in the cash-rich league with Gujarat Titans, when the franchise was first introduced in 2022. He just got five matches in that season where amassed 145 runs along with one fifty with a strike rate of 127.19.

However, Sai Sudharsan continued for GT in IPL 2023 where he scored 362 runs in eight matches at an average of 51.71 and a strike rate of 141.41 hitting three fifties. He had his best season in IPL 2024 where he scored 527 runs in 12 matches, at an average of 47.91 and a strike rate of 141.29. He also scored two fifties in that season and went on smash his maiden IPL hundred.

3. Steve Smith | 9 Matches

Steve Smith played IPL from 2012 to 2021. He scored 9 consecutive 25+ scores from IPL 2016-18.

In a career spanning over a decade, Smith has racked up 2,485 runs from 103 IPL matches at an average of 34.51. His strike-rate in the league falls under 130. His tally includes a ton.

Smith has played for five franchises in the cash-rich league. He last played in the tournament in 2021, where he represented Delhi Capitals. Notably, Smith started his IPL journey with the now-defunct Pune Warriors India in 2012. He led the Rising Pune Supergiants to the IPL final in 2017, where they lost to Mumbai Indians.

2. Robin Uthappa | 10 Matches

Robin Uthappa played IPL from 2008 to 2022. He scored 10 consecutive 25+ scores in IPL for Kolkata Knight Riders in their title-winning campaign in 2014. Uthappa was also the highest run-scorer of the season.

He amassed 660 runs in 16 matches at an impressive average of 44.00. Uthappa also notched up five fifties and one century, with a highest score of *83 (not out) in that season. His performances in the IPL always kept him in high demand amongst the different IPL franchises.

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

1. Suryakumar Yadav | 11* Matches

Suryakumar Yadav holds the IPL records of scoring most consecutive 25+ scores in IPL history. Surya scored 11 consecutive 25+ scores in IPL 2025 season.

In Match 50 of IPL 2025 against Rajasthan Royals, SKY smashed an unbeaten 48 off 23 balls to keep his purple patch going strong. And in the process, he etched his name at the very top of that list. He has passed 25 in every single game he has played this season. It’s a level of consistency that even legends struggle to maintain in a league this intense.

SKY isn’t just breaking records for fun. He is now also leading the Orange Cap race in IPL 2025 with 467 runs in 11 games at a stunning strike rate of 172.96, including three fifties.

Mumbai Indians have made IPL history by becoming the first team to defend a total of 200 or more runs in five consecutive matches. They have achieved this after beating Lucknow Super Giants by 54 runs in the afternoon clash.

This record feat shows their strong batting line up supported by a confident and effective bowling attack that’s been handling pressure effortlessly.

Read Also | IPL Stats: Rohit Sharma stats as Mumbai Indians captain 

MI's streak

1. MI vs LSG, IPL 2025 Match 45 

Opener Ryan Rickelton and Suryakumar Yadav smashed half centuries to set the tone as MI posted a formidable total of 215. Jasprit Bumrah and Trent bolt took crucial wickets to bowl out LSG for 161 and win by 54 runs.

2. MI vs DC, IPL 2025 Match 29

MI posted a total of 205 with an all-round bating performance and snatched the match out of DC's grasp with 3 consecutive runouts in the 19th over.

3. MI vs DC, IPL 2024 Match 20

Both the openers of MI fired as they posted a massive total of 234 and defended it by quickly chipping through their middle order with Gerald Coetzee standing out taking 4 wickets.

4. MI vs GT, IPL 2023 Match 57

Suryakumar Yadav's unbeaten 103 helped MI post 218 on the board. GT's top order failed to give a good start with Rashid Khan giving some hopes but came too late in the chase as MI won the match by 27 runs.

5. MI vs SRH, IPL 2021 Match 55

Ishan kishan and Suryakumar Yadav's innings helped MI post a massive total of 235 which was defended with an all-round bowling performance winning the match by 42 runs.

Reasons for the unbeaten record

• Aggressive Batting-  The top and middle-order batters have been consistently firing. Rohit Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav have laid solid foundations, while the likes of Tilak Varma, and Hardik Pandya have provided fireworks.
• Strategic Bowling- Jasprit Bumrah’s form has been a massive boost. Combined with the clever variations from Deepak Chahar, the pace of Trent Boult, and the all-round contributions from Hardik Pandya, MI has found a winning combination.
• Strong Leadership- Despite early criticisms, the leadership has found its rhythm. Smart field placements, timely bowling changes, and calm under pressure have played key roles in the streak.

Read Also | Top 5 game-changing factors that could send MI to IPL 2025 Playoffs

Coming up next for MI

After the win versus LSG, MI have climbed to number 3 position in the points table securing their 5th consecutive win in this tournament. The last time MI did that, they went on to win the title. The upcoming fixtures of MI:

If MI continues with their current form then they are surely one of the top contenders for the 2025 IPL title.

Mumbai Indians' superstar batter Suryakumar Yadav on Sunday became the second fastest to reach 4000 runs by balls faced in the Indian Premier League (IPL), achieving the feat in Match 45 of IPL 2025 against Lucknow Super Giants at the Wankhede Stadium. He is also the first Indian to do so, leaving behind Suresh Raina's record. 

So, in this article we will be discussing about fastest to 4000 runs in IPL by balls faced.

Also Read: IPL Facts: Impactful Overseas players in IPL 2025

 Fastest to 4000 Runs in IPL

5. Suresh Raina | 2881 Balls

On number five on the list is Chennai Super Kings' trusted left-handed lieutenant, Suresh Raina, who played for them from the 2008 edition until 2021, during which he also represented Gujarat Lions for two seasons.

Raina, who was one of the mainstays for the Super Kings side, played in a total of 205 matches in the IPL and scored a cumulative 5,528 runs in his career. The left-handed batter, who used to bat one down, achieved the 4,000-run landmark after facing a total of 2,881 deliveries in his IPL career, whereas he faced a total of 4,043 balls in his overall IPL career.

During his entire career, Raina scored 39 half-centuries and a single century, while his strike rate was 136.73 and average 32.51. Incidentally, Raina was also known as "Mr. IPL" for his consistent performances in this high-profile league, which he dominated during his playing days.

4. David Warner | 2809 Balls

On number four on this list of fastest to 4000 runs in IPL is former Sunrisers Hyderabad skipper David Warner, who helped his side win the IPL title back in 2016. One of the most consistent players in the IPL, Warner played for two sides, Delhi Capitals and Hyderabad, in the IPL, where he struck a total of 6,565 runs in 184 matches.

However, this season, he is missing out after going unsold in the auction, but his legacy in this league remains untouched. The left-handed Australian batter achieved the 4,000 runs in his IPL journey after facing a total of 2,809 deliveries in this league. In addition, he has four centuries and 62 half-centuries to his name, with an average of 40.52 and a strike rate of 139.77.

3. Suryakumar Yadav | 2714 Balls*

Moving past a lot of players, the newest number three on this list is Suryakumar Yadav, who displaced David Warner from the number three spot, jumping over him after achieving 4,000 runs in the ongoing IPL 2025 against Lucknow Super Giants, where he managed a brilliant 54 off just 28 deliveries.

He is now number three on the list with a total of 4,021 runs after facing 2,725 deliveries in total whereas he achieved his 4,000th run in the IPL after a total of 2,714 balls. The 34-year-old required 33 runs in this innings to achieve the landmark, which he did as he smashed Avesh Khan for a boundary in the 13th over, and, while playing his 160th match in this cash-rich league.

SKY, who is a versatile right-handed batter, has batted at a strike rate of 146.75, while his average is 33.78 in his overall career, whereas he has already struck 2 centuries and 27 half-centuries so far. Previously, he's also featured for Kolkata Knight Riders, as he made his debut back in the year 2012.

2. Chris Gayle | 2658 Balls

Chris Gayle, who shares this spot with de Villiers, was a menace and one of the most decorated players in this league. Chris Gayle, who went on to achieve the 4,000-run mark after also facing 2,658 balls, went on to score a total of 4,965 runs in his 142-match IPL career, with a strike rate of 148.96, while averaging 39.72. Adding to this, he also has 6 centuries and 31 half-centuries to his name while he played for a total of 4 sides in this league.

Gayle was a proper big hitter of the ball, as his highest score of 175* remains the highest ever in the IPL till date. The left-handed Jamaican batter, who debuted in the year 2009, was a celebrated player for the RCB side, for whom he achieved many records during his playing days as his legacy in the IPL is one that stays true till date.

Also Read: Monster Hits: Top 10 Longest Sixes in IPL History That Shook the Stadiums

1. AB de Villiers | 2658 Balls

South Africa's AB de Villiers' name is at the joint-first position of this list of fastest to 4000 runs in IPL. AB made his IPL debut back in the year 2008 during the inaugural season and went on to play for both Delhi Daredevils (now Capitals) and Royal Challengers Bangalore.

In an overall 184 matches, he smacked 5,162 runs while averaging 39.70 and striking at 151.68. De Villiers hit the 4,000-run mark after having faced a total of 2,658 deliveries, which keeps him at joint-first position.

After enduring a tough stretch since IPL 2024, Mumbai Indians (MI) appear to have rediscovered their rhythm just when it matters most in IPL 2025. The five-time champions had a shaky start to the season, suffering early defeats, but they’ve begun to show why they’re one of the most successful franchises in league history. Having seen both glory and failure over the years, MI has mastered the art of staying composed under pressure and responding with tactical precision.

Climbing from the bottom of the table to 4th place with four consecutive wins, MI’s resurgence has been both timely and impressive. In this article, we break down the key reasons behind their comeback.

Mentality

Mumbai Indians management is well known for its methodical game style on the field. From structuring the playing eleven to utilising bowlers according to conditions, MI has mastered all these things. After a cruising victory against arch-rival Chennai Super Kings (CSK), MI batting coach Kieron Pollard revealed that they planned to use Jasprit Bumrah with the new ball against SRH and wanted to use Deepak Chahar against CSK. 

Read Also | IPL 2025: Where's What each team need to do to qualify for the playoffs

Return of Bumrah 

Best in the business — and the numbers prove it! 📊

Jasprit Bumrah has the BEST economy rate (6.91) among pacers with 300+ T20 wickets!
Deadly, disciplined, and damn near unplayable. 🐐#BumrahBoss #T20King #jaspritbumrah #LasithMalinga #T20Legend #LSGvsMI pic.twitter.com/lOYEHaJXL1

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) April 23, 2025

Jasprit Bumrah’s absence in the early matches due to injury was a major setback for the Mumbai Indians, but his return has proven to be a turning point in their campaign.

Once he regained his rhythm, Bumrah quickly reminded everyone of his match-winning abilities with impactful spells. His bowling performances have been crucial — he returned figures of 0/29 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), followed by a tight 1/21 against Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH), and a vital 2/25 against Chennai Super Kings (CSK).

All-rounder skipper 

Mumbai Indians’ captain, Hardik Pandya, has been in exceptional form this season, contributing with both bat and ball. In just five innings, he has scored 104 runs at an outstanding strike rate of 170, demonstrating his explosive batting capabilities.

In addition to his batting prowess, Pandya has claimed 11 wickets, placing him firmly in the race for the Purple Cap. His all-around performances have been crucial in tight encounters, where his timely contributions with both bat and ball have helped Mumbai stay competitive.

Pandya’s ability to turn matches with his dynamic skills has proven his worth as a match-winner. His leadership, coupled with his brilliance, has been a key factor in Mumbai's success this season, and he continues to be a vital player for the team as they push for a playoff spot in IPL 2025.

Read Also | IPL Facts: Most Man of the Match Awards in IPL History

Vintage Rohit 

Rohit Sharma is steadily regaining his form, with his brilliant knock of 76* off 46 balls being exactly what the Mumbai Indians required to lay a solid foundation at the top of their batting order. This innings highlighted his ability to anchor the innings and build partnerships, something MI has relied on for success.

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Alongside him, Ryan Rickelton has shown encouraging signs of being able to deliver match-winning performances. His promising starts indicate that he could be the explosive partner Rohit needs at the top. Together, the opening duo holds the potential to dominate any bowling attack, creating a strong platform for MI's middle order to capitalise on.

If both Rohit and Rickelton continue in this form, they can prove to be a formidable force in the tournament, taking on some of the toughest bowling lineups in IPL 2025. This partnership could be a game-changer for MI as they aim for the playoffs.

Swashbuckling Suryakumar 

Suryakumar Yadav has regained his confidence and form in the middle order, showcasing his trademark 360° hitting abilities. The Mumbai Indians' star batter has been crucial in stabilising the innings and accelerating when needed. His match-winning knock of an unbeaten 68* off just 30 balls against Chennai Super Kings stands out as his best performance of IPL 2025 so far.

Read Also | BCCI Central Contract 2025: Talking points from BCCI's contract announcement

Suryakumar's ability to adapt to various situations and play innovative shots has been pivotal in MI's resurgence. His aggressive batting style has been a game-changer, helping the team set strong totals and chase challenging targets.

With his current form, he remains a key player for MI as they push for a spot in the playoffs. If he continues this momentum, Suryakumar's contributions could be the driving force behind the Mumbai Indians' successful campaign this season.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) announced the Central Contract for the 2025-26 season on Monday, 21st April 2025. 7 new players were added to the contract, while players like Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan returned to the list after missing out last time.

Last year, Shreyas Iyer and Ishan Kishan were left out of the BCCI central contract after opting out of the domestic games for their respective state teams. BCCI's focus on domestic cricket left them out of the central contract despite being part of the Indian team set up a few months ago.

But, this time, both the Indian batters were added to the contract after Iyer won everything in the domestic cricket last season, along with lifting the IPL 2024 with Kolkata Knight Riders. Ishan Kishan also played through the entire domestic season and has been rewarded with the contract too. 

Read Also | "Mere Sath Kyun?.:" Ishan Kishan breaks silence on Team India exit and Central Contract termination

Talking points from the BCCI Central Contract 2025

Rohit and Kohli stay in Grade A+ 

Both Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli remained in the Grade A+ category despite retiring from the T20I format. Rohit and Virat had announced their retirement from the shortest format of the game after lifting the T20 World Cup 2024 in the West Indies. 

Ravindra Jadeja is another name who has been listed in the A+ category despite retiring from the T20Is after the World Cup victory.

Bumrah is the only all-format player in A+

With Rohit, Kohli and Jadeja retiring from the shortest format of the game, Jasprit Bumrah remains the only all-format player to be in the A+ category of the BCC Central Contract 2025.

Pant is promoted to the Grade A category

Rishabh Pant received a promotion to the A category after being in the B category last year. Mohammed Siraj, KL Rahul, Shubman Gill, Hardik Pandya and Mohammed Shami are the other names in the A category, who were already there in last year's contract. 

Ravi Ashwin has been left out of the contract since he retired from international cricket.

Iyer listed in grade B; Kishan in grade C

Shreyas Iyer, who was left out of the contract last year, has been included in the Grade B, while Ishan Kishan has been listed in the Grade C. 

Suryakumar Yadav, Kuldeep Yadav, Axar Patel and Yashasvi Jaiswal are the other names in Grade B, who were there last time as well. 

New 7 names in Grade C

7 new players have been added to the BCCI Central Contract 2025. All of these players found themselves in Grade C. 

Dhruv Jurel, Sarafraz Khan, Nitish Reddy, Abhishek Sharma, Varun Chakaravarthy, Harshit Rana, and Akash Deep are the players who received the contract for their performances in the last season. 

Not to be confused, Akash Deep earlier had a fast bowling contract and this year received the central contract after doing well in the Test format. 

Shardul Thakur, Jitesh Sharma, KS Bharath, Avesh Khan, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal and Vidwath Kaverappa have been left out of the contract this year.

Vijaykumar Vyshak, Umran Malik, Yash Dayal and Vidwath Kaverappa were all part of the fast bowling contract last season. 

BCCI Central Contract 2025

BCCI announces annual player retainership 2024-25 - Team India (Senior Men) 💙🤝#Bcci #IndianCricket #Viratkohli #RohitSharma #jaspritbumrah #Shreyasiyer #KlRahul #HardikPandya #Ipl2025 pic.twitter.com/LSmlg06QOS

— Sportz Point (@sportz_point) April 21, 2025