Ishan Kishan and Yashasvi Jaiswal made their test debuts for India in the WIvsIND, 1st test in Dominica. Although there were no questions about Yashasvi Jaiswal's inclusion as an opener for India, netizens were unhappy with Ishan Kishan's inclusion in the test arena for the men in blue, dropping KS Bharat from the team.
Ishan, who did not play any first-class match recently, replaced KS Bharat as the wicket-keeper batter of the team. Bharat, who featured in five tests for India, did a decent job with the gloves in the absence of Rishabh Pant and Wriddhiman Saha. With Rahul Dravid and the team management being vocal about not thinking of Saha as the future, Bharat was told to be the future for India with the gloves on.
Ishan Kishan averages 38.76 with the bat in first-class cricket and last played a red-ball game in in December 2022.
Now, after just playing five tests, all against Australia including the WTC Final in England, was dropped without much clarification from the team management. As per the fans, if BCCI had believed that KS Bharat was the future, why he got replaced by someone who did not even play a red ball game in recent times. Kishan last played a red ball game in December 2022.
KS Bharat scored 129 runs in five tests averaging only 18.42 with the bat to go with his 13 dismissals from behind the stumps.
What rohit and dravid were expecting from ks bharat? I mean were they expecting some path breaking performances like pant from him? Ab ishan ne yaha runs kardie and pant waapis aaya they will drop ks bharat Not a fan of ks bharat but aise groom kese karoge yr
This is unfair KS Bharat Dropped after Just 5 matches. In these matches almost every Indian Cricketer Fail to Score runs expect One or two Players. BCCI is Wrost Cricket Board ever Friendship Select over talent. pic.twitter.com/twTEMxOEZm
KS Bharat has played 5 matches against Australia and a #wtcfinal. A player should be given a long run of 10-15 matches to decide his future. He should have been given this series. Mumbai captain gave chance to Mumbai opener Ishan Kishan. #WIvsIND Bumrah & BCCI#ViratKohlipic.twitter.com/4YtZzaN6pX
India A's squad for the tour of England: Easwaran named captain, Karun Nair makes a return
Abhimanyu Easwaran was named the captain of the India A team for the tour of England as the BCCI announced the India A squad for the upcoming tour starting from 30th May 2025.
Abhimanyu Easwaran was named the captain of the India A team for the tour of England as the BCCI announced the India A squad for the upcoming tour starting from 30th May 2025.
India A will play two first-class matches against the England Lions at Canterbury and Northampton. Then they will play a practice match against the senior Indian team to prepare them for the big series against England.
Karun Nair was rewarded for his excellent domestic form as he made a return to the India A side. His performance for the A side might decide whether he will be given a chance for the senior team or not.
Abishek Porel, who was named in the last India A's tour to Australia, has been replaced by Ishan Kishan in the side.
Shubman Gill and Sai Sudharsan, who will be busy in the Indian Premier League for the Gujarat Titans, will join the squad from the second match.
Yashasvi Jaiswal's breathtaking 13-ball half century stands strong at the top of the table. Get ready to be thrilled as we dive into the top 10 fastest fifties in IPL history.
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 during his half-century knock off 16 balls against Punjab. Image | ESPNcricinfo
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!
Jake Fraser-McGurk celebrating his 15-balls half century against SRH in IPL 2024. Image | NDTV
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.
Nicholas Pooran's iconic celebration after his fastest half century against RCB in IPL 2023. Image | BBC
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
Sunil Narine celebrates his fastest fifty against RCB in IPL 2017. Image | Hindustan Times
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 after his fastest fifty off 15 balls against SRH. Image | Ani News
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.
Romario Shepherd hitting the ball hard for a six during the match of RCB vs CSK in IPL 2025. Image | OneCricket
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
Pat Cummins celebrating his fastest 50 off 14 balls for KKR in IPL 2022. Image | Pinterest
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 celebrates his heroic fifty in just 14 balls against DC. Image | Instagram
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.
Yashasvi Jaiswal during his record-breaking fastest fifty in the history of IPL. Image | Pinterest
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.
Mumbai Indians have madeIPL 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.
Ryan Rickelton on the way to his half century versus LSG. Image | ap7am
1. MI vs LSG, IPL 2025 Match 45
Opener Ryan Rickelton and Suryakumar Yadavsmashed 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.
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
Rohit Sharma, Jasprit Bumrah, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Verma(from left to right). Image | CricTips
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.
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:
MI vs RR
1st May
Away
MI vs GT
6th May
Home
MI vs PBKS
11th May
Away
MI vs DC
15th May
Home
If MI continues with their current form then they are surely one of the top contenders for the 2025 IPL title.
SRH's poor performance and playoff hopes in IPL 2025: Can they rise?
Sunrisers Hyderabad are having a disappointing season with just 3 wins in 9 games. Check out the detailed analysis of SRH’s poor performance and playoff hopes in IPL 2025.
Sunrisers Hyderabad, despite having a strong team with skilled players, are losing their spark in IPL 2025. They lack team effort and collective performance, failing to build momentum in the tournament.
Let's check out the reasons behind SRH’s poor performance and playoff hopes in IPL 2024.
How the IPL 2025 season began for SRH
Ishan Kishan celebrating his phenomenal century in their first match of IPL 2025 against RR. Image | Instagram
Sunrisers Hyderabad started the tournament with a banger against Rajasthan Royals, winning by 44 runs. They put up a total of 286 runs on board, which is so far the highest total scored by a team in IPL 2025, and the second highest in IPL history.
Ishan Kishan was phenomenal in that game, scoring 106* off 47 balls, with a strike rate above 200. Travis Head showed his fearless batting and scored 67 runs from 31 balls while opening for the team.
The middle order batters like Nitish Kumar Reddy and Heinrich Klassen also contributed significantly to that huge target they set in the inning.
SRH bowlers successfully defended the total with their fine bowling line up. Harshal Patel and Simarjeet Singh took 2 wickets each.
Pat Cummins after his dismissal in the 5-wicket loss against LSG. Image | News18
Despite having a marvellous start, SRH failed to hold onto their winning momentum. They lost 4 matches in a row, which placed them at the bottom of the points table, along with CSK.
• Lost to LSG by 5 wickets
In this match, Abhishek Sharma and Ishan Kishan didn't have any luck with the bat. Ishan got out for a duck, leaving the fans surprised after his aggressive batting in the previous match.
Pat Cummins was the only bowler to have an economy below 10, who also picked up 2 wickets. SRH bowlers collectively failed to defend 191 runs, which led to their first defeat in IPL 2025.
• Lost to DC by 7 wickets
Delhi Capitals secured a comfortable win by 7 wickets with 24 balls remaining. The top batting order of SRH crumbled within the powerplay and were all-out by 18.3 overs.
Aniket Verma’s knock of 74 runs from 41 balls, led them to a defendable total of 163 runs, which eventually fell short in the second innings. SRH bowlers were unsuccessful in taking wickets, with only Zeeshan Ansari having 3 wickets under his name.
• Lost to KKR by 80 runs
SRH faced a humiliating defeat against KKR in their fourth match of the season. Batting first, Knight Riders put up a target of 201 runs, and restricted SRH to 120 (all out) in 16.4 overs.
This defeat raised discussions about SRH’s poor performance and playoff hopes in IPL 2025.
• Lost to GT by 7 wickets
Yet another low scoring totals for the Sunrisers, where they somehow managed to set a target of 153 for the Gujarat Titans. They also failed to take early wickets which was crucial to defend a total like that and gave away their victory.
Losing 4 consecutive matches was highly a matter of concern that slowly started fading their playoff hopes in IPL 2025.
A drought-breaking victory
Abhishek Sharma pulling off his unique "note" celebration after scoring a century against PBKS in IPL 2025. Image | Mid-day
SRH finally ended their losing streak with a victory against Punjab Kings in their match number 6. This was another high scoring match where they had to chase down 246 runs. Abhishek Sharma played a key role in this game by scoring 141 runs off 55 balls.
Notable names like Travis Head and Heinrich Klassen also contributed to this run-chase. This match felt like the only time where the top batting order of SRH didn't collapse easily, giving them a breakthrough.
Post-match scene after SRH lost to Mumbai Indians in IPL 2025. Image | Aaj Tak
SRH lost to Mumbai Indians in 2 back-to-back matches by 4 and 7 wickets, respectively. These defeats almost shattered the hopes of fans. Their low spirit clearly reflected on their performance. They found themselves in the 9th position of the points table, with a very low net run rate.
Much-needed victory against CSK
Nitish K. Reddy and Kamindu Mendis hugs to celebrate after securing the crucial 2 points by defeating CSK in Chepauk. Image | Instagram
SRH successfully managed to win against CSK in a do-or-die match for both the ends. They won by 5 wickets with 8 balls remaining. Players like Harshal Patel, Jaydev Unadkat, Ishan Kishan, Kamindu Mendis, Pat Cummins, and Nitish Kumar Reddy stood out for the team.
SRH got the crucial 2 points to keep their playoff hopes in IPL 2025 alive.
SRH stands in the 8th position in IPL 2025 points table with 6 points and a below par net run rate. They can secure a maximum of 10 more points in their 5 matches remaining, which will add up to 16 points in total.
Therefore, they will need to win all their remaining matches in order to make it smoothly to the top 4.
• If they win 4 out of 5 matches:
This will narrow their chances with a total of 14 points to end the league stage. SRH will need to win those matches with big margins to keep their NRR high.
They might also need to depend on other factors like the performance of teams ending with similar points and their NRR.
• If they win 3 or lesser matches:
The chances of getting into the top 4 will be completely gone if they win 3 or lesser matches out of the 5 remaining. It will be too late for them to bounce back in IPL 2025.
BCCI Central Contract 2025: Talking points from BCCI's contract announcement
7 new names were included in the BCCI Central contract, whereas Ishan Kishan and Shreyas Iyer returned to the list as the BCCI announced their central contract for 2025.
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.
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
Nitish Kumar Reddy was among the seven new names in the BCCI Central Contract. Image | Assoicated Press
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.
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