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 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

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.

Read Also: 5 bowlers with the most wickets in IPL playoffs history

Shane Watson stats in IPL playoffs

4. Faf du Plessis | 390 runs

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.

He won 2 titles with Chennai Super Kings in 2018 and 2021, and played for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in other playoff matches.

Faf du Plessis stats in IPL playoffs

3. Shubham Gill | 474 Runs

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.

Read Also: Can Shubman Gill or Sai Sudharsan break Kohli's record of most IPL runs in a single season?

Shubham Gill status in IPL playoffs

2. MS Dhoni | 523 Runs

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

1. Suresh Raina | 714 Runs

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.

Read Also: Which team has qualified for IPL playoffs most times?

Suresh Raina stats in IPL playoffs

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 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.

Read Also: Expensive flops? Rishabh Pant and Venkatesh Iyer's IPL 2025 disappointments

Rishabh Pant stats in IPL 2025

• vs DC: 0 runs (6 balls)
• vs SRH: 15 runs (15 balls)
• vs PBKS: 2 runs (5 balls)
• vs MI: 2 runs (6 balls)
• vs KKR: 0 runs (0 balls)
• vs GT: 21 runs (18 balls)
• vs CSK: 63 runs (49 balls)
• vs RR: 3 runs (9 balls)
• vs DC: 0 runs (0 balls)
• vs MI: 4 runs (2 balls)
• vs PBKS: 18 runs (17 balls)
• vs SRH: 7 runs (6 balls)
• vs GT: 16* runs (6 balls)

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.

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

The wicket-keeper batsman contenders

• 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):

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.

Read Also: Most Player of the Match awards in T20I cricket history

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.

Also Read: IPL Table toppers: IPL Playoffs teams from 2008 to 2025

Most Wickets in IPL Playoffs History

5. Harbhajan Singh | 17 Wickets

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.

Also Read: Which team has qualified for IPL playoffs most times?

1. Dwayne Bravo | 28 Wickets

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.

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?

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.

Read Also: IPL Playoffs: Teams with most IPL Eliminator defeats

How can MI finish inside top two?

• 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.

Read Also: IPL Table toppers: IPL Playoffs teams from 2008 to 2025

Reasons why MI can't be on top two:

Rain can obstruct MI's way of reaching the top 2 in many ways.

• If the match between MI and PBKS gets washed out, they will end up with 17 points, making their chances slim.
• If the match between DC and PBKS also gets washed out, PBKS will go ahead with 18 points.
• If any of the last two games of RCB get washed out, they will also go ahead in terms of points.

With the IPL 2025 playoffs just around the corner, the tension is reaching its peak. Over the years, the Indian Premier League has given fans plenty of memorable moments full of surprises at the fag end of the group stage. Generally, the fans have to wait till the last over of the group stage to know who will qualify for the IPL Playoffs.

Sometimes, it even goes to the final ball as well, to decide the fourth team to qualify.

From teams that regularly reach the playoffs to underdogs who’ve shocked everyone, the path to the final four has always been full of drama. 

Let's take a look at the IPL Playoffs teams from 2008 to 2025.

Read Also | Most Wickets in IPL history

2008 | RR, KXIP, CSK, DD

2009 | DD, CSK, RCB, Deccan Chargers

2010 | MI, Deccan Chargers, CSK, RCB

Read Also | Most IPL Finals: Teams with most final appearances in IPL history

2011 | RCB, CSK, MI, KKR 

Read Also | IPL records: Most consecutive away wins in IPL history

2012 | DD, KKR, MI, CSK

2013 | CSK, MI, RR, SRH

2014 | KXIP, KKR, CSK, MI

2015 | CSK, MI, RCB, RR 

2016 | Gujarat Lions, RCB, SRH, KKR

2017 | MI, RPSG, SRH, KKR

2018 | SRH, CSK, KKR, RR

Read Also | SRH's poor performance and playoff hopes in IPL 2025: Can they rise?

2019 | MI, CSK, DC, SRH

2020 | MI, DC, SRH, RCB

2021 | DC, CSK, RCB, KKR

2022 | GT, RR, LSG, RCB

2023 | GT, LSG, CSK, MI

2024 | KKR, SRH, RR, RCB

2025 | GT, RCB, PBKS, MI