"Virat Kohli is a great servant of Indian cricket. But his form from sometime now is a huge concern now for the National selectors and BCCI." - The BCCI Official
"I am going straight to the main guy here. Virat Kohli is overcooked. If anyone needs a break, it's him": Ex India coach Ravi Shastri
Indian team selectors are on the cusp of doing the Unthinkable. The murmurs coming from the BCCI's Headquarters are that Selectors have started deliberating Virat Kohli's T20 Future with the Indian team. It has reliably learned that both the national selectors as well as BCCI officials are very concerned about Kohli's form.
Virat Kohli's poor form continues in IPL2022 Image - Insidespot
A top BCCI Official confirmed to InsideSport that Kohli's form is being discussed among selectors.
"He is a great servant of Indian cricket. But his form from sometime now is a huge concern now for the national selectors and BCCI".
confirmed the BCCI Official
When prodded further, the top board official said that Selectors will deal with the matter.
"See we don't intervene in the selection matters. Selectors have to take call on Virat and others. We can't give our judgment to them. Obviously,they are concerned about what is happening to him", added the official
Without any doubt, Virat Kohli is struggling in the middle. The mode and manner of his dismissals, his reactions and most importantly overall his demeanor don't evoke much confidence. So can Virat Kohli be dropped?
"I don't want to speak about it", the Chairman of the National Selection committee Chetan Sharma abruptly disconnected the phone when queried about Kohli's form.
Virat Kohli in IPL 2022:
41* vs PBKS
12 vs KKR
5 vs RR
48 vs MI
1 vs CSK
12 vs DC
0 vs LSG
0 vs SRH
9 vs RR
"I am going straight to the main guy here. Virat Kohli is overcooked. If anyone needs a break, it's him. Whether it's 2 months or a month-and-a-half, whether it's after England or before England. He needs a break because he has got 6-7 years of cricket left in him and you don't want to lose that with a fried brain."
Shastri said, speaking on Star Sports where he is commentating during the IPL
The BCCI has already announced the five venues for these matches. The first match will be played at Delhi's Arun Jaitley Stadium. The second fixture will be played in Cuttack's Barabati Stadium.
The third game will see both teams traveling to the Dr. Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy ACA-VDCA Cricket Stadium. The last two fixtures will be played out in Rajkot's Saurashtra Cricket Association Stadium and Bengaluru's M Chinnaswamy Stadium.
The picture of who will win the Orange Cap in IPL 2025 has become completely clear, but the place of Suryakumar Yadav, who came second, is still in danger. Virat Kohli is still in the race for the IPL 2025 Orange Cap, but he will hardly be able to leave Sai Sudharsan behind, but he has a chance to leave Surya behind.
On the other hand, Punjab Kings captain Shreyas Iyer, who played an unbeaten 87-run innings against Mumbai Indians in the second qualifier match, has entered the club of batsmen who have scored 600 runs this season. He is the sixth batsman to score 600 runs in this season and also has the highest run scorer for Punjab.
Kohli can leave Surya behind
The IPL 2025 Orange Cap will remain in the name of Sai Sudarshan and it will be difficult for Virat Kohli to leave him behind. Sai has 759 runs in 15 matches and Virat Kohli has scored 614 runs in 14 matches. Kohli has only one match left in the form of the final. If Kohli scores 104 runs in this match, he can overtake Suryakumar and come to the second position. SKY has scored 717 runs in 16 matches.
There is a possibility that Kohli will score 104 runs in the final, but as far as leaving Sai behind is concerned, for this Kohli will have to play an innings of 146 runs against Punjab Kings, which does not look easy and its possibility also seems less. So, Sai's position seems safe, but Kohli may leave Suryakumar behind.
Journey through Indian Test cricket history to find out the 5 youngest cricketers to lead India in Tests. Learn about the early leadership and how the recently appointed test captain, Shubman Gill, joins this elite group.
In Test cricket, captaincy is often associated with experience and seasoned wisdom, which matters in the long format. However, young talents step up early and prove how they are worthy of leadership.
With Shubman Gill stepping up as the new test captain for India, let's take a moment to celebrate the youngest cricketers to lead India in tests.
Here we bring you the five youngest cricket to ever represent India in tests as a captain.
5. Shubman Gill (25 years 285 days) | 2025
Shubman Gill representing India in tests. Image | BBC
The newest nameto join this list of young Indian test captains is Shubman Gill. At the age of 25 years and 285 days, Gill became the 37th test captain of India, and is set to lead in the longest format of the game.
The Indian team will play under Gill's captaincy with the commencement of five-match test series against England on June 20, 2025. This was a major change in the test squad after the former captain, Rohit Sharma, along with Virat Kohli, announced retirement from tests.
Gill made his test debut against Australia in December 2020, and scored 1893 runs, with 5 centuries and 7 fifties so far. With this new turnaround in his career, he became the 5th youngest cricketer to lead India in tests.
Ravi Shastri representing India in tests. Image | ESPNcricinfo
A prominent all-rounder and later a successful coach for the Indian team, Ravi Shastri also briefly held the reins of Test captaincy. He took on the role at the age of 25 years and 229 days, when he led India against West Indies on January 11, 1988.
His captaincy tenure was limited to a single match, but it was a memorable one, as India secured a victory by 255 runs. Shastri scored 3830 runs and took 151 wickets in his test career, that spanned from 1981 to 1992.
3. Kapil Dev (24 years 48 days) | 1983
Kapil Dev representing India in tests. Image | NDTV
The legendary all-rounder, Kapil Dev stepped into test captaincy for India at the age of 24 years and 48 days. His first match as a captain was against West Indies on February 23, 1983.
Dev captained India in 34 matches and proved how he was worthy of the position with true leadership skills at such young age. He took 434 wickets and scored 5248 runs in his test career (1978-1994).
He is still the youngest captain to win the World Cup for any team, and comes third in the list for youngest cricketers to lead India in tests.
Sachin Tendulkar representing India in tests. Image | NDTV
One of the greatest batsmen of all time, Sachin Tendulkar also had his tenure as the test captain of India at the age of 23 years and 169 days. He first took on the captaincy to lead India in a match against Australia, in 1996.
Tendulkar's captaincy journey had two phases, with him leading in 25 matches. He had an incredible test career with 15921 runs in 200 matches, which is still the highest by any batter in the world!
1. Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi (21 years 77 days) | 1962
Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi representing India in tests. Image | Instagram
Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi remains India's youngest ever test captain, having taken the role at the age of just 21 years and 77 days! He was famously known as 'Tiger' Pataudi in the field of cricket.
He captained India in 40 matches out of his 46-match test career. Despite losing his right eye in an accident early in his career, he continued to play and lead with brilliant skills and courage.
Pataudi scored 2793 runs, smashing 6 centuries and 16 half-centuries in his test career (1961-1975).
AB de Villiers has the record for winning the most P.O.T. awards in IPL history. Among Indians, Rohit Sharma has won the most player of the match awards in the tournament.
While team victories are the ultimate goal in IPL, the 'Player of the Match' (P.O.T.M) award is the direct recognition of a player's game-changing performance.
Winning P.O.T.M a couple of times shows how a player has outshined the rest and truly dominated the game. We will now explore the players with most P.O.T.M awards in IPL.
Keep an eye out, as Rohit Sharma is remarkably close to reaching the top.
1. AB de Villiers (25 P.O.T.M Awards)
AB de Villiers holding his M.O.M for RCB in a match in IPL 2021. Image | Firstpost
The "Mr. 360" of cricket, AB de Villiers, holds the most P.O.T.M awards in IPL history with 25awards throughout his career with DC and primarily Royal Challengers Bengaluru.
Whether it was fast paced fifties or scorching hundreds, his impact was undeniable. His IPL career spanned from 2008-2021, and yet no one could match his numbers in terms of Player of the match awards.
Chris Gayle receiving the P.O.T.M award for his spectacular knock of 175 runs off 66 balls in IPL 2013. Image | BBC
Whether it's the list of most sixes in IPL or highest individual scores, this West Indies legend always finds his spot in the top for all of them. Chris Gayle has the second-most P.O.T.M awards in IPL with 22awards in total.
He played for franchises like KKR, PBKS, and RCB, and won multiple awards at his prime years like 2011 (smashed 2 centuries), 2012 (claimed the Orange Cap) and of course, 2013, where he scored the monumental 175* against PWI.
3. Rohit Sharma (21 P.O.T.M Awards)
Rohit Sharma receiving the P.O.T.M award for his performance against GT in Eliminator of IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Rohit Sharma is the Indian player with most P.O.T.M awards in IPL and the third-highest in this list. He received 21 awards and is just an award away to equal Gayle's number.
Sharma received 2 P.O.T.M awards in IPL 2025; one for his 75* (45 balls) against CSK in league stage, and the other for his 81 runs off 50 balls against GT in IPL Eliminator.
As Mumbai Indians are set to play the Qualifier 2 this season, there's high chances of Rohit bagging another one (or maybe 2).
Virat Kohli receiving Super Striker of the match award along with P.O.T.M award in IPL 2021. Image | Twitter
One of the most consistent run-scorer and match-winner for RCB, Virat Kohli stands fourth with an impressive 19 P.O.T.M awards in IPL. He is like the heart of the team and doesn't need awards to measure his greatness.
Kohli has won a P.O.T.M award in IPL 2025 for his unbeaten 73 runs against Punjab Kings. He has scored 8 half-centuries so far this season and there might be another loading as RCB is set to play the Final.
Kohli received multiple P.O.T.M awards during the 2016 season where he scored the record-breaking 973 runs.
David Warner receiving a P.O.T.M Award in IPL 2022. Image | Instagram
The Australian legend, David Warner, had an incredible journey in IPL. He was the key player of every franchise that he represented, such as Delhi Capitals and Sunrisers Hyderabad. He won 18 P.O.T.M awards in IPL.
He has also been a three-times orange cap winner (2015, 2017, 2019), which tells a lot about his career peak in IPL and the shower of P.O.T.M awards in those years.
6. MS Dhoni (18 P.O.T.M Awards)
MS Dhoni receiving the P.O.T.M award for his performance against LSG in IPL 2025. Image | NDTV
The five-time IPL winning captain, MS Dhoni, equals the number of P.O.T.M awards as Warner with 18 awards in IPL. His unparallel impact, captaincy, and match finishing abilities has earned him this high count of awards.
In IPL 2025, Dhoni won the P.O.T.M award by delivering a match-winning knock of 26* runs off just 11 balls against LSG, which also made him the oldest player to win a P.O.T.M award in IPL history, at the age of 43 years and 280 days.
The IPL is like a festival of sports for India as we call it. It is also the festival of explosive and jaw-dropping sixes. The list for most sixes hit by any batter in IPL history is led by one and only, Chris Gayle. It is not surprising one bit, is it?
Dive into the list of several batters that are so close to match Gayle's six-hitting numbers, where some names will surely surprise you.
1. Chris Gayle (357 sixes)
Chris Gayle playing for RCB in IPL. Image | ESPNcricinfo
When it comes to hitting sixes in IPL, there is Chris Gayle, and then there's everyone else. This West Indies legend tops the chart for most sixes hit by any batter in IPL history with 357 sixes (in just141 innings)!
Gayle's IPL journey spanned from 2009 to 2021, and he was the first batsman to cross the 300-mark in terms of sixes. He displayed his batting peak with franchises like KKR, PBKS, and especially RCB.
His most memorable six-hitting moment of IPL came in 2013 when he smashed 175* runs off 66 balls against PWI, hitting 17 explosive sixes.
Rohit Sharma playing for Mumbai Indians in IPL. Image | Instagram
Known for his aggressive start and batting, Rohit Sharma, is the only batter who has hit 300+ sixes after Gayle in IPL history. He holds the second place, with 302 sixes (in 265 innings).
The hitman doesn't like to take things slow, and always delivers the ball out of the boundary with his powerful pulls and cover drives. Once he gets in his six-hitting zone, it truly gets difficult to stop him!
Sharma has consistently stood up for the team, and these numbers are about to get high as he will continue to play and dominate in IPL in the future.
3. Virat Kohli (291 sixes)
Virat Kohli playing for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in IPL. Image | Instagram
When has it occurred that there's a list of excellent batting records where this man doesn't hold a spot?
Virat Kohli, the batting maestro, holds the 3rd position with 291 sixes (in 258 innings). Even though he is widely known for his exquisitecover drives and hitting smooth boundaries, his ability to time the ball perfectly out for a six has been phenomenal throughout his IPL career.
Kohli is just 9 sixes away to cross the 300-mark, that he might cross in IPL 2025 itself!
MS Dhoni playing for CSK in IPL. Image | ESPNcricinfo
MS Dhoni, like the greatest finisher he is, has hit an impressive 264 sixes (in 242 innings) in his IPL career so far. He has been brutal in the death overs and has always made sure his team takes the victory home when he his unbeaten at the crease.
Dhoni's six-hitting skills often changes the momentum of the game and puts the opposition under immense pressure, as he becomes unstoppable!
5. AB de Villiers (251 sixes)
AB de Villiers playing for RCB in IPL. Image | Facebook
The South African legend, AB de Villiers, holds several batting records and had delivered many cherishable moments for RCB throughout his IPL journey (2008-2021), and this is one of them. He is the 5th batter to have 250+ sixes in IPL history.
He hit 251 sixes (in 170 innings) which tells a lot about his phenomenal skills and love for hitting sixes. He had the ability to deliver the ball in every corner of the stadium and was called "Mr. 360" for a reason!
IPL 2025: RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs
Explore how RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs with 10 different batters smashing fifties in a single IPL season. Relive the iconic moments of these ten half-centurions in IPL 2025.
Never before has an IPL team displayed such diverse batting depth as Royal Challengers Bengaluru did in IPL 2025. This season, they set a new league record by having 10 different players who each scored at least one half-century.
They broke the previous benchmark set by Mumbai Indians of nine different half-centurions in 2017. Find out how RCB batters create this unique history before the playoffs to take this game to another level.
1. Virat Kohli (8 half-centuries)
Virat Kohli celebration his 8th half century of IPL 2025 against LSG. Image | Pinterest
The chase master, Virat Kohli, is leading the pack with 8 half-centuries to his name in IPL 2025. He started this season with a fifty and ended the league stage with scoring his 8th one of this season.
He's been incredibly consistent throughout, and scored 602 runs in 13 matches, with a strike rate above 147. He is also among the top 5 contenders in the race for Orange Cap.
Phil Salt celebrating his third half century in IPL 2025. Image | ESPNcricinfo
The England batter, Phil Salt, proved to be a key opener along with Kohli for the team in IPL 2025. He also started the season with scoring a fifty against KKR, and contributed with 331 runs across 11 matches played.
Rajat Patidar celebrating his second half century in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
The skipper, Rajat Patidar, has not been able to fire with the bat much, but he stood up for RCB whenever he could. This season, he scored 2 half-centuries against two big teams (MI & CSK).
Patidar fifties in IPL 2025:
vs MI: 64 runs (32 balls)
vs CSK: 51 runs (32 balls)
4. Devdutt Padikkal (2 half-centuries)
Devdutt Padikkal celebrating his second half century in IPL 2025. Image | Facebook
Batting at no. 3, Devdutt Padikkal, has served as a vital asset for RCB in crucial games. He proved the fans how he was deserving of his position in the playing XI, by delivering spectacular knocks and 2 half-centuries.
Unfortunately, Padikkal had to leave mid-season due to injury issues, but his contribution makes him the fourth batter that helped RCB create this unique history before the playoffs.
Jacob Bethell celebrating his maiden IPL fifty in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
The 21-year-old Jacob Bethell is the youngest half-centurion of this season for RCB. He scored his maiden IPL fifty against Chennai Super Kings and made his mark with a banger.
Bethell fifties in IPL 2025:
vs CSK: 55 runs (33 balls)
6. Tim David (1 half-century)
Tim David after scoring his maiden IPL fifty against PBKS in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Tim David is like the backbone of RCB who stands strong along the boundary line and never lets a ball pass through! Besides his on-field contribution with his spectacular catching and fielding skills, this power-hitter has delivered with the bat too.
David scored his maiden IPL fifty against PBKS and that was a treat to watch. He comes to bat at crucial times and makes sure his team reaches a defendable total.
Krunal Pandya celebrating his century against DC in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Krunal Pandya is one of the most consistent all-rounder of this season for RCB. He has taken crucial wickets for the team and helped them earn those crucial points.
Apart from bowling, Pandya scored a match-winning half-century against Delhi Capitals. He came to bat at the time when RCB's batting order collapsed early, and delivered an amazing knock.
Romario Shepherd celebrating his half-century against CSK in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Romario Shepherd's half-century against CSK in IPL 2025 was is an explosive batting tale to talk about. His unbeaten 53* off just 14 balls left the bowlers and spectators stunned!
Shepherd single-handedly scored 33 runs off the 19th over and showered the fans with sixes.
Shepherd fifties in IPL 2025:
vs CSK: 53* runs (14 balls)
Are you not entertained? 🤩
Romario Shepherd thrilled the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with a 'blink and you miss' knock 🫡🔥
Liam Livingstone celebrating his half-century against GT in IPL 2025. Image | BBC
The English all-rounder, Liam Livingstone, etched his name in the list of half-centurions for RCB by scoring one against Gujarat Titans in their league match. He helped the team reach a respectable total when they had lost all hopes in the first inning of the match.
Livingstone fifties in IPL 2025:
vs GT: 54 runs (40 balls)
10. Jitesh Sharma (1 half-century)
Jitesh Sharma celebrating his match-winning knock against LSG in IPL 2025. Image | Instagram
Here comes the 10th batter whose half-century was a special one for RCB. Jitesh Sharma, who became the stand-in captain for the team, scored his first fifty for the team in their last league match.
He showed no mercy to the bowlers and scored 85* off just 33 balls to help RCB chase down a big total and reach top-two in the points table.
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