The explosive all-rounder was stood down and dropped from the squad for the second Test against New Zealand after breaking a strict team midnight curfew.

Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson were involved in a 1:00 AM fracas at a Chelsea nightclub with a Saracens rugby player, an incident that left an England security officer needing stitches.

While the “Bazball” era has been celebrated for its loose, high-intensity freedom, this latest mistake brings Stokes’ long, volatile history of disciplinary infractions right back into the global spotlight.

From high-stakes legal drama to fiery on-field altercations, the talismanic cricketer has frequently danced along the edge of trouble throughout his 15-year career. Here is a look back at the disciplinary track record of England‘s most polarizing superstar.

1. The infamous Bristol nightclub brawl (2017)

The most severe flashpoint of Stokes’ career occurred in September 2017 outside a nightclub in Bristol. Following a street altercation, Stokes was arrested and subsequently charged with affray.

The fallout was immediate: the ECB stripped him of the vice-captaincy and withdrew him entirely from the 2017–18 Ashes tour in Australia.

Though a jury ultimately found him not guilty in 2018 after he argued he was defending a gay couple from homophobic abuse, the ECB fined him £30,000 for bringing the game into disrepute.

2. Sent home from an England Lions tour (2013)

Long before he was handed the Test captaincy, Stokes’ issues with management and late-night socialising were apparent.

During an England Lions developmental tour of Australia in early 2013, a young Stokes and teammate Matt Coles were dramatically sent home by team management.

The duo had repeatedly flouted instructions regarding late-night drinking and curfews during the tour. It served as a stern early warning from the ECB regarding his professionalism (or lack of it).

Also read: Fortress of tradition – 7 iconic milestones from 150 Tests at Lord’s

3. The locker punch and broken bone (2014)

Stokes’ fiery temperament has occasionally resulted in self-inflicted physical damage.

During a 2014 limited-overs tour of the West Indies, after being dismissed for a golden duck in a T20 international in Barbados, an enraged Stokes marched back into the pavilion and violently punched a locker.

The impact fractured a bone in his right hand, forcing him out of the upcoming 2014 World T20 tournament in Bangladesh and sidelining him for months.

4. Running foul of ICC demerit points (2016–2017)

On the pitch, Stokes’ aggressive, confrontational style has regularly drawn the ire of match referees. During a tense winter period between 2016 and 2017, Stokes moved to the absolute brink of an automatic ICC ban.

He picked up successive demerit points for a heated, pointed argument with Bangladesh’s Sabbir Rahman, a fiery exchange with India’s Virat Kohli in Mohali, and an audible expletive while bowling against the West Indies at Headingley.

5. Abusing a spectator in Johannesburg (2020)

Even as a senior leader and vice-captain, Stokes occasionally let his emotions get the better of him under crowd provocation. Walking off the pitch after a cheap dismissal during the 2020 Johannesburg Test against South Africa, Stokes reacted furiously to verbal insults from a fan.

He was caught on live television cameras unleashing a barrage of audible obscenities at the spectator. The ICC subsequently fined him 15 percent of his match fee and slapped him with another demerit point.

Read next: Anatomy of a prodigy – Decoding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s strike rates per phase of the innings

With Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson sidelined during an active ECB investigation into an off-field curfew incident, England’s selectors skipped vice-captain Harry Brook (who also has a recent dodgy disciplinary record) and instead turned to their most experienced hand.

Root will now lead the team during the final two Tests against New Zealand, stepping back into a role he previously held for five years.

As the Yorkshireman prepares to lead his country once again, here is a comprehensive breakdown of Joe Root’s historic, prolific, and ultimately taxing record as England’s Test cricket skipper.

The record: Most wins, most losses

Root’s first stint as captain between 2017 and 2022 was defined by extreme longevity and unprecedented statistical milestones. By the time he stepped down in April 2022, he had overseen a record 64 Test matches.

His raw leadership metrics are the most polarizing in English cricket history:

The Wins: Root is statistically England‘s most successful Test captain with 27 victories to his credit, surpassing Michael Vaughan’s previous record of 26.

The Losses: Conversely, a dismal final stretch left Root with 26 defeats, the highest number of losses suffered by any English skipper.

Also read: Fortress of tradition – 7 iconic milestones from 150 Tests at Lord’s

Batting under the burden: A run-scoring machine

While leadership often erodes a top-order batter’s productivity, Root defied the trend. He was frequently forced to carry an incredibly fragile and transitioning batting order. Before taking the job, he averaged 52.80 across 53 Tests.

As skipper, his average dropped only slightly to 46.44, whilst accumulating an incredible 5,295 runs.

His captaincy tenure included 14 centuries and 26 half-centuries. His peak came in the calendar year of 2021. Defying a struggling team, Root amassed 1,708 Test runs, including two double-centuries and four hundreds, en route to being named the ICC Men’s Cricketer of the Year.

 Captaincy style: Methodical and traditional

Root’s tactical blueprint sits in stark contrast to the ultra-aggressive, high-tempo “Bazball” philosophy later engineered by Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum.

Root operated as a traditionalist. He focused on conservative field settings, orthodox attritional bowling plans, and methodical game management.

While his composed demeanour kept dressing room morale high, critics often argued that his style lacked tactical dynamism. He was occasionally criticized for overworking his primary bowling assets, most notably exhausting Ben Stokes during demanding away tours.

Highs and lows: Where he succeeded and failed

Root enjoyed spectacular success in specific territories, notably masterminding consecutive away series victories in Sri Lanka and a famous 3-1 triumph in South Africa.

However, his legacy was fundamentally compromised by his record against arch-rivals Australia and a brutal final 12 months in office:

• The Ashes flaws: Root was unable to win an Ashes series as captain, suffering a 4-0 defeat down under in 2017/18 and an identical 4-0 thrashing in 2021/22.
• The final slide: His reign concluded during a horrific stretch where England won just one of his final 17 Test matches, bottoming out with a 1-0 series loss in the West Indies that prompted his resignation.

Root’s interim reappointment offers a fascinating tactical bridge for England.

While he previously looked relieved to shed the emotional toll of the captaincy to focus strictly on his batting, his steady hand provides vital stability for an England side that has lost its way away from the field and which has seen its leadership come under increasing pressure.

Read next: Anatomy of a prodigy – Decoding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s strike rates per phase of the innings

This long-standing Test cricket match-up has yielded classic encounters, tactical masterclasses, and some of the finest batting displays the sport has ever seen.

From the swinging conditions of Lord’s to the flat, bouncy tracks of Auckland, dominating this specific fixture requires immense patience, flawless technique, and a love for the long grind.

To celebrate the continuation of this great summer tour, we look back through cricket history to rank the top seven highest run-scorers in Test matches between England and New Zealand.

It is a list that is remarkable for two reasons – firstly, given that the first Test between these two nations was played as long ago as 1930 at Lancaster Park, the names on the list are all very modern.

Secondly, although the list is not topped by a Kiwi, it is certainly dominated by them.

1. Joe Root (England): 1,934 runs

• Span: 2013-2026
• Matches: 22
• Average: 50.89
• High Score: 226

Sitting comfortably at the top of the throne is England’s modern batting icon, Joe Root. For over a decade, Root has been a constant thorn in the side of New Zealand’s bowling attacks.

His incredible average of 50.89 against the Kiwis proves just how comfortable he is reading their lines and lengths.

Root’s ultimate standout performance arrived in late 2019 at Hamilton, where he smoked a magnificent 226. He occupied the crease for a staggering 441 balls, utterly exhausting the Kiwi attack.

Furthermore, his legendary fourth-inning century at Lord’s in 2022 secured a famous chase for England, cementing his status as the definitive king of this modern fixture.

2. John Wright (New Zealand): 1,518 runs

• Span: 1978-1992
• Matches: 23
• Average: 37.02
• High Score: 130

Before he became a world-renowned coach, John Wright was the grit and glue at the top of the New Zealand order. Facing the moving ball in England as an opening batsman is one of cricket’s hardest tasks, but Wright built a career on defying the English attack.

Over 23 Test matches, Wright ground out 1,518 runs with sheer resilience.

His standout performance against England came during the 1984 home series, where his gritty 130 at Auckland anchored the team and laid the groundwork for New Zealand‘s growing self-belief on the international stage.

Also read: Fortress of tradition – 7 iconic milestones from 150 Tests at Lord’s

3. Martin Crowe (New Zealand): 1,421 Runs

• Span: 1983-1994
• Matches: 22
• Average: 40.60
• High Score: 143

Widely regarded as one of the most elegant batsmen of his generation, Martin Crowe played with a blend of technical perfection and creative flair. Crowe loved the big stage, and playing England always brought out his absolute best.

In 22 matches, he accumulated 1,421 runs. His signature performance against England came in 1994 at Lord’s, where he compiled an exquisite 142 (his second Lords ton).

The innings was a masterclass in playing late, playing straight, and neutralising England’s swing bowlers on their home turf.

4. Kane Williamson (New Zealand): 1,408 runs

• Span: 2013-2026
• Matches: 20
• Average: 40.22
• High Score: 156

Kane Williamson’s career has run perfectly parallel to Joe Root’s, setting up a fascinating battle of contemporary greats. Williamson’s calm demeanour and soft hands make him uniquely suited to surviving the testing spells that English bowlers dish out.

With 1,408 runs under his belt, his most iconic performance came during the legendary 2023 Wellington Test.

Following a follow-on, Williamson showed nerves of steel to score a monumental 132, guiding New Zealand to a miraculous 1-run victory – one of the greatest finishes in Test history.

5. Ross Taylor (New Zealand): 1,272 runs

• Span: 2008-2021
• Matches: 19
• Average: 41.03
• High Score: 154*

Ross Taylor provided the power and counter-attacking punch to New Zealand’s middle order for over a decade. His ability to punish any delivery that was slightly offline made him incredibly dangerous to bowl to.

Taylor amassed 1,272 runs against England, with his finest hour coming at Manchester in 2008. He smashed a brilliant, unbeaten 154, showcasing his signature leg-side dominance and announcing himself as a premier world-class batsman against top-tier opposition.

6. Stephen Fleming (New Zealand): 1,229 runs

• Span: 1994-2008
• Matches: 19
• Average: 35.11
• High Score: 129

As a tactical mastermind and an elegant left-handed batsman, Stephen Fleming led New Zealand from the front. His crisp cover drives and exceptional leadership often steadied the ship during high-pressure series against England.

Fleming scored 1,229 runs across 19 matches against England. His standout display occurred during the 2004 tour, where he crafted a masterful 97 at Leeds, followed by a brilliant 117 at Nottingham, proving his ability to handle English conditions better than most.

7. Graham Gooch (England): 1,148 runs

• Span: 1978-1994
• Matches: 15
• Average: 52.18
• High Score: 210

Rounding out the list is England legend Graham Gooch. Though he played fewer matches against New Zealand than others on this list, Gooch was devastatingly efficient, averaging a massive 52.18 across his 15 appearances.

Gooch’s magnum opus against the Kiwis came at Nottingham in 1994, where he obliterated the bowling attack to score a magnificent 210. His heavy bat and relentless appetite for big centuries made him one of the most feared English opponents the Black Caps ever had to bowl to.

Read next: Anatomy of a prodigy – Decoding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s strike rates per phase of the innings

However, elite competition in nations like India creates a distinct tactical paradox: consistent brilliance at the franchise level does not necessarily translate into a national cap.

A unique tier of cricketers exists who became multi-million dollar assets, who have lifted championship trophies, and achieved cult-hero status among fans, yet who have never received a single international cap.

Bound by timing, fierce structural competition, or being viewed strictly as franchise specialists, these local heroes spent their careers executing tactical roles under the highest pressure without ever wearing international colours.

Here are five genuine IPL legends who never played a single match of international cricket.

1. The ice-man finisher: Rahul Tewatia

No player embodies the high-octane drama of a modern IPL run-chase quite like Rahul Tewatia.

Famously crushing five consecutive sixes in a single over during a legendary 2020 chase for the Rajasthan Royals, Tewatia later became the designated match-winner for the Gujarat Titans.

Despite a career defined by ice-cold, last-over finishes and over 120 appearances under extreme pressure, fierce competition among spinning all-rounders kept him entirely uncapped at the international level.

2. The heavy-ball specialist: Rajat Bhatia

Long before structural changes like the Impact Player rule existed, Rajat Bhatia served as the tactical heartbeat of the Kolkata Knight Riders’ championship-winning bowling attacks.

Operating with deceptively slow medium-pace variations, Bhatia choked world-class international batsmen during the middle overs across 95 matches.

Highly regarded by tacticians for his sharp reading of game situations, he remained a quintessential domestic workhorse who was never fast enough to earn national selection.

Also read: Fortress of tradition – 7 iconic milestones from 150 Tests at Lord’s

3. The one-night wonder: Paul Valthaty

The IPL frequently produces ultimate flash-in-the-pan heroes, and none burned brighter than Kings XI Punjab’s Paul Valthaty.

In 2011, Valthaty took the tournament by storm, smashing a legendary, unbeaten 120 off 63 balls against a prime Chennai Super Kings bowling attack.

He finished the season among the top run-scorers, but persistent vision struggles from an earlier eye injury derailed his form, ensuring he vanished back into domestic cricket without an international debut.

4. The elite utility weapon: Iqbal Abdulla

A vital component of early tournament history, left-arm spinner Iqbal Abdulla earned the prestigious IPL Emerging Player of the Year award in 2011.

Abdulla played a central role as a defensive powerplay bowler for the Kolkata Knight Riders and Royal Challengers Bangalore, finishing his tournament career with 40 wickets and an incredibly disciplined economy rate.

Navigating an era packed with legendary spinners like Ravichandran Ashwin, his international pathway remained permanently blocked.

5. The modern scouting marvel: Suyash Sharma

Representing the modern generation of pure franchise scouting discoveries, mystery spinner Suyash Sharma was signed by KKR before he had even played a single senior professional match for his state.

He made an instant impact on debut, ripping through elite batting lineups with his rapid legbreak-googly variations.

Having transitioned to become a key asset in RCB’s title-winning setup, his rapid trajectory remains confined strictly to the high-stakes world of the IPL cricket circuit.

Read next: Anatomy of a prodigy – Decoding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s strike rates per phase of the innings

Across four decades the two sides have combined for World Cup classics, high-octane bilateral series and fierce battles shaped by some of the finest bowlers the game has ever seen.

From the reverse swing mastery of Wasim Akram and Waqar Younis to the relentless precision of Glenn McGrath and the raw speed of Shoaib Akhtar, the rivalry has often been defined by bowlers capable of changing games in a single spell.

Ahead of Australia’s latest ODI cricket tour of Pakistan, here is a look at the nine leading wicket-takers in matches between the two nations.

1. Wasim Akram

• 67 wickets at 27.43
• Span: 1985-2003
• Games: 49
• Best: 5/21

No bowler has enjoyed more success in Australia-Pakistan ODIs than Wasim Akram. The left-arm great was at the centre of the rivalry for almost two decades, combining artistry with aggression to devastating effect.

Akram’s ability to swing the new ball and reverse the old one made him dangerous in every phase of an innings. Australian batters often struggled to line him up, particularly during the 1990s when Pakistan’s attack was arguably the most feared in world cricket.

His best figures of 5/21 highlighted his knack for dismantling top orders, while his longevity across 49 matches underlined just how important he was to Pakistan in this rivalry. Few bowlers could produce unplayable deliveries as regularly as Akram at his peak.

Also see: 2026 IPL Team of the Tournament – surprise inclusions and exclusions

2. Glenn McGrath

• 57 wickets at 19.10
• Span: 1994-2005
• Games: 32
• Best: 5/27

If Akram was about flair and deception, Glenn McGrath was ruthless precision. The Australian seamer built a remarkable record against Pakistan through relentless discipline and immaculate control of line and length.

An average of just 19.10 stands out among all bowlers on this list and reflects how difficult Pakistan’s batters found him to score against. McGrath rarely offered width or loose deliveries, forcing mistakes through sustained pressure.

His 5/27 remains one of the finest spells by an Australian against Pakistan in ODIs.

Across 32 matches he consistently delivered breakthroughs at crucial moments and became one of the defining bowlers of Australia’s dominant era under Steve Waugh and Ricky Ponting.

3. Shahid Afridi

• 49 wickets at 32.44
• Span: 1996-2015
• Games: 43
• Best: 6/38

Though celebrated primarily for his explosive batting, Shahid Afridi was also a highly effective wicket-taking bowler against Australia. His fast leg-spin frequently unsettled aggressive Australian line-ups looking to dominate the middle overs.

Afridi’s great strength was his unpredictability. He bowled quickly through the air, attacked the stumps and was never afraid to toss the ball up even against powerful hitters.

His best return of 6/38 demonstrated just how destructive he could be when conditions suited him. Over nearly two decades he remained a key figure for Pakistan, often breaking important partnerships and shifting momentum with sudden bursts of wickets.

4. Brett Lee

• 38 wickets at 23.18
• Span: 2000-2011
• Games: 21
• Best: 4/28

Brett Lee brought genuine pace and hostility to Australia’s contests with Pakistan. Regularly bowling above 150kph, he challenged batters with raw speed as well as sharp swing with the new ball.

Lee thrived in high-pressure encounters and his strike rate against Pakistan was exceptional. Even experienced players found it difficult to cope with his pace through the middle overs and at the death.

His best figures of 4/28 only tell part of the story. Lee’s aggression often created opportunities for others at the opposite end, and he formed a formidable partnership with McGrath during Australia’s golden years.

5. Shane Warne

• 37 wickets at 23.75
• Span: 1994-2002
• Games: 22
• Best: 4/33

Pakistan traditionally prided themselves on playing spin well, but Shane Warne still found consistent success against them in ODI cricket – as he did with everyone. The legendary leg-spinner combined sharp turn with subtle variations and supreme tactical intelligence.

Warne enjoyed the psychological battle as much as the physical contest. He frequently lured attacking Pakistani batters into risky strokes, particularly during tense middle overs.

His tally of 37 wickets from just 22 matches highlighted his effectiveness. Even when conditions offered little assistance, Warne’s control and ability to outthink opponents made him a constant threat.

6. Shoaib Akhtar

• 32 wickets at 31.34
• Span: 1998-2009
• Games: 24
• Best: 5/25

Known as the “Rawalpindi Express”, Shoaib Akhtar brought theatre to every Australia-Pakistan clash. His extreme pace and fiery personality ensured that contests against Australia were often explosive affairs.

Akhtar relished bowling to Australia’s strongest batting line-ups and frequently produced his best spells against elite opposition. His hostile, short-pitched bowling and late reverse swing made him capable of blowing teams away in quick bursts.

The highlight came with his superb 5/25, a spell that captured the fearsome intensity he brought to ODI cricket. Injuries limited his appearances, but his impact remained unforgettable.

7. Waqar Younis

• 29 wickets at 40.75
• Span: 1989-2003
• Games: 30
• Best: 6/59

Waqar Younis formed one half of Pakistan’s iconic fast bowling partnership alongside Wasim Akram. While his average against Australia was higher than others on this list, his wicket-taking ability remained exceptional.

Waqar’s trademark late in-swinging yorkers were lethal, particularly in the closing overs of innings. Australian batters often struggled to counter his pace and reverse swing once the ball aged.

His best return of 6/59 showed how devastating he could be when rhythm and conditions aligned. Few bowlers in ODI history mastered the yorker as effectively as Waqar.

8. Terry Alderman

• 28 wickets
• Span: 1981-1990
• Games: 20
• Best: 4/22

Before the rise of McGrath and Lee, Terry Alderman was Australia’s chief tormentor of Pakistan in ODI cricket. Renowned for his seam movement and control, Alderman excelled at exploiting helpful conditions.

His accuracy outside off stump regularly drew edges from Pakistan’s top order, while his ability to maintain pressure made him one of Australia’s most dependable bowlers during the 1980s.

Alderman’s record of 28 wickets in just 20 matches remains highly impressive given the era in which he played.

9. Imran Khan

• 18 wickets
• Span: 1975-1992
• Games: 29
• Best: 3/13

Although his wicket tally is lower than others on this list, Imran Khan’s influence on Pakistan’s rivalry with Australia extended far beyond statistics. The great all-rounder led from the front and inspired Pakistan with his intensity and tactical acumen.

Imran’s ability to generate lift and late movement made him a difficult proposition for Australian batters, particularly with the older ball. More importantly, he set the tone for generations of Pakistani fast bowlers who followed.

As captain and talisman, Imran helped transform Pakistan into one of world cricket’s most formidable one-day sides, laying the foundations for many of the memorable Australia-Pakistan contests that followed.

Read next: Anatomy of a prodigy – Decoding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s strike rates per phase of the innings

Widely revered as the definitive Home of Cricket, this iconic ground, with its famous 2.5-metre outfield slope and the legendary Long Room, has anchored the red-ball format for over a century.

From its Victorian inception to modern-day warfare, the Lord’s Honors Boards tell a story of unparalleled sporting heritage.

Excluding the fireworks of shorter white-ball formats, let’s take a look back at seven monumental Test match highlights that shaped the legacy of this legendary stadium between 1884 and 2026.

1. The Victorian genesis (1884)

The grand Test tradition at St John’s Wood officially began on 21 July 1884 during only the ninth Test match ever recorded in cricket history.

England hosted their fierce rivals Australia on the newly established ground, establishing an immediate fortress by securing a crushing victory by an innings and 5 runs.

English batsman A.G. Steel struck a magnificent 148 to register the ground’s inaugural Test century, while George Ulyett dismantled the visitors with a fiery bowling spell of 7/36.

2. Hedley Verity’s masterclass (1934)

The 1934 Ashes Test at Lord’s witnessed arguably the greatest single-day bowling exhibition in the history of the sport. Legendary English left-arm orthodox spinner Hedley Verity completely decimated Australia, taking a staggering 15 wickets in a single day of Test cricket.

Verity claimed extraordinary figures of 7/61 and 8/43 across both innings, single-handedly bowling England to an unforgettable victory and etching his name permanently into the stadium’s folklore.

Also see: 2026 IPL Team of the Tournament – surprise inclusions and exclusions

3. Sir Don Bradman’s 254 (1930)

No historical retrospective of Lord’s is complete without celebrating the pinnacle of batting perfection. In the 1930 Ashes clash, a young Don Bradman walked onto the turf and executed a flawless, surgical dismantling of the English attack.

He hammered a breathtaking 254 runs; an innings Bradman himself later rated as the technically purest and most visually perfect knock of his entire record-shattering career.

4. Sobers and Holford’s great escape (1966)

In 1966, the West Indies looked dead and buried in their second innings against England, slumping to a disastrous 95/5 with a meagre lead.

What followed was an immortal, undefeated 274-run partnership between the iconic Sir Garfield Sobers (163*) and his cousin David Holford (105*).

The pair defied the English attack for over four gruelling hours, transforming a certain, impending defeat into a legendary, proud draw.

5. Graham Gooch enters the 400-club (1990)

During a high-scoring encounter against India in July 1990, England opener Graham Gooch enjoyed the most prolific individual Test match ever staged at the venue. Gooch blazed a majestic 333 runs in the first innings, followed immediately by a rapid-fire 123 in the second.

His staggering, combined match aggregate of 456 runs remains an unmatched all-time world record for the most runs scored by a single batsman in a single Test match.

6. Bob Massie’s spellbinding debut (1972)

In the 1972 Ashes series, unheralded Australian swing bowler Bob Massie produced the most devastating debut performance the old ground had ever witnessed.

Utilizing the humid London atmosphere and the distinct Lord’s slope to perfection, Massie swung the ball around corners to claim eight wickets in each innings.

He finished with match figures of 16/137, a spellbinding world record for a debutant that has never been broken at the home of cricket.

It was only been bettered once since anywhere else in the world, when India’s Narendra Hirwani claimed figures of 16/136 against the West Indies in Chennai in 1988.

7. Lord’s reaches the 150-Test milestone (2026)

Bringing the historic arc right into the modern era, the June 2026 clash between England and New Zealand officially elevates Lord’s into a standalone bracket as the most utilized Test venue on earth.

Opening day perfectly honoured the venue’s chaotic heritage, with 16 wickets tumbling on Day one as bowler-friendly cloud cover and modern seam-bowling tactics added a thrilling new chapter to this 142-year-old theatre of dreams.

Read next: Anatomy of a prodigy – Decoding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s strike rates per phase of the innings

When a Test match finishes with days to spare, it highlights a profound gulf in class, skill, and execution – which, to be fair, was not entirely unexpected.

Innings victories are the ultimate flex in cricket. They prove that one team’s single batting effort outweighs everything the opposition could muster across two attempts.

Inspired by India’s latest record-breaking feat, let’s look back at the seven largest Test cricket victories achieved by India.

1. India vs Afghanistan (2026) at New Chandigarh

• Margin: Innings and 300 runs

The story: This match set the gold standard for absolute dominance. Fresh off the press, India’s top order feasted on a young Afghan bowling attack on a pristine New Chandigarh surface.

Two of India’s premier batsmen, KL Rahul and Shubman Gill posted centuries, while a further three players went past 50, allowing the hosts to declare at a monstrous first-innings total of 564.

When it was time to bowl, India‘s world-class attack exploited the conditions perfectly.

They combined lethal swing with relentless accuracy, bowling Afghanistan out twice in rapid succession to cross the 300-run victory margin for the very first time. Debutant spinner Manav Suthar, who bagged six in the first innings was named man of the match.

2. India vs West Indies (2018) at Rajkot

• Margin: Innings and 272 runs

The story: This match is best remembered as the launchpad for dynamic opener Prithvi Shaw, who smashed a century on his Test debut. Alongside him, Virat Kohli and Ravindra Jadeja also piled on centuries to guide India to an imposing 649/9.

The West Indies batting unit simply had no answers for India’s spin trio of Ravichandran Ashwin, Kuldeep Yadav, and Jadeja. Kuldeep took a memorable five-wicket haul in the second innings, wrapping up a comprehensive victory well within three days.

Despite the excellent start to his career, Shaw has now largely disappeared from the international stage – his last appearance for India came back in 2021 in a T20I against Sri Lanka.

Also see: 2026 IPL Team of the Tournament – surprise inclusions and exclusions

3. India vs Afghanistan (2018) at Bengaluru

• Margin: Innings and 262 runs

The story: This historic match was Afghanistan’s inaugural introduction to Test cricket, and India welcomed them with a harsh lesson. Shikhar Dhawan and Murali Vijay both scored centuries on the opening day, setting up a total of 474.

The Afghan batsmen, used to the frantic pace of T20 cricket, struggled with the patience required for the longest format. They were rolled over twice on Day 2, as 24 wickets in a single day with Ashwin and Jadeja triggering a historic collapse.

4. India vs Bangladesh (2007) at Mirpur

• Margin: Innings and 239 runs

The story: Following a disappointing 2007 ODI World Cup exit, a wounded Indian team arrived in Bangladesh with a point to prove. The top four batsmen; Dinesh Karthik, Wasim Jaffer, Rahul Dravid, and Sachin Tendulkar, all scored centuries in a rare and spectacular feat.

Facing a daunting 610, Bangladesh disintegrated. Left-arm seamer Zaheer Khan led the destruction with a fiery opening spell, ensuring the hosts never got a foothold in the match.

5. India vs Sri Lanka (2017) at Nagpur

• Margin: Innings and 239 runs

The story: Virat Kohli was at the absolute peak of his powers in late 2017, and Sri Lanka bore the brunt of it. Sri Lanka batted first and scored a modest 205.

After that it was all India as Kohli smashed a masterful 213, supported closely by centuries from Murali Vijay, Cheteshwar Pujara, and Rohit Sharma. India’s total of 610/6 declared completely deflated the visitors.

On a pitch that offered subtle turn, Ravichandran Ashwin opened the bowling in the second innings and took four for 63 to become the fastest bowler to reach 300 Test wickets as he ripped through the Sri Lankan lineup with ease.

6. India vs Sri Lanka (2022) at Mohali

• Margin: Innings and 222 runs

The Story: This game belonged entirely to one man: Ravindra Jadeja. Walking in at number seven, the all-rounder played a career-defining knock of 175 scored from just 228 balls. He then picked up a five-wicket haul in Sri Lanka’s first innings and four more in the second.

Jadeja became only the third player in history to score 150+ runs and take nine wickets in the same Test match, single-handedly securing a famous win.

7. India vs Australia (1998) at Eden Gardens

• Margin: Innings and 219 runs

The story: Defeating the mighty Australians by an innings is a rare feat, which makes this 1998 triumph iconic. It was a powerful Australian side that included Mark Taylor, the Waugh twins, Ricky Ponting, Shane Warne and Michael Slater.

After bowling Australia out for 233, India replied with an avalanche of runs. India’s top four of VVS Laxman, Navjot Sidhu, Rahul Dravid and Sachin Tendulkar all made substantial scores, well above 50.

But skipper Mohammad Azharuddin with an undefeated 163, Sourav Ganguly with 65 runs batting at number six really heaped on the misery as they tore the Shane Warne-led bowling attack apart to post 633/5.

Javagal Srinath and Anil Kumble then combined to skittle the visitors for 181 in the second dig, sealing an unforgettable victory at a roaring Eden Gardens.

Read next: Anatomy of a prodigy – Decoding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s strike rates per phase of the innings

While Black Caps icon Kane Williamson cemented his legacy early with a masterful 132 at the ground back in 2015, the unique pressures and quirky conditions of London’s most famous pitch have routinely humbled many of the sport’s finest masters.

To earn a spot on these sacred walls, a player must score a century, take five wickets in an innings, or claim ten wickets in a Test match.

Remarkably, some of the most prolific statistical giants in cricket history could never unlock this elusive achievement. Here’s our list of seven icons of the game who suffered the infamous Lord’s curse.

1. Sachin Tendulkar (India)

The ‘Little Master’ conquered almost every pitch he ever played on, retiring with a monumental 100 international centuries. Yet, the Lords’ Honours Board remained a bridge too far. Across five Test appearances at the venue, Tendulkar looked uncharacteristically human.

He averaged a meagre 21.66 on the ground, with a highest Test score of just 37.

Even during his final appearance in 2011, when the sporting world desperately willed him to score his 100th international ton at the Home of Cricket, he fell for 12 and 34, leaving his immaculate resume forever missing a Lord’s milestone.

2. Brian Lara (West Indies)

Few batsmen in history possessed the theatrical, high-back lift wizardry of Brian Charles Lara. The man who holds the record for the highest individual Test score (400*) and first-class score (501*) routinely dismantled world-class bowling attacks for fun.

However, the unique 2.5-metre slope running across the Lord’s pitch repeatedly disrupted his legendary hand-eye coordination. Lara played six Test matches at the ground, managing a top score of 54.

His inability to raise his bat for a three-figure milestone in NW8 remains one of cricket’s great historical anomalies.

Also see: 2026 IPL Team of the Tournament – surprise inclusions and exclusions

3. Shane Warne (Australia)

The late, great King of Spin finished his illustrious career with a staggering 708 Test wickets and changed the art of leg-spin forever. He loved the big stage and torturing English batsmen, but Lord’s never granted him his crowning individual moment.

While Warne enjoyed team success at the venue, a single five-wicket haul in an innings eluded him. He suffered the ultimate cricketing agony by finishing with four wickets in an innings on three separate occasions at the ground, missing out on the board by the thinnest of margins.

4. Jacques Kallis (South Africa)

Arguably the greatest modern all-rounder to ever lace up a pair of boots, Kallis was a machine. With over 13,000 Test runs and nearly 300 Test wickets, he effectively gave South Africa two world-class players in one body.

Despite this god-like utility, Lord’s was his kryptonite. Kallis endured an incredibly dismal record at the ground, averaging an abysmal 10.75 with the blade across five Tests.

With the ball, his heavy fast-medium deliveries failed to break through for the necessary five-wicket haul, leaving his legendary name absent from the dressing room. His best bowling return at the ground was four for 24.

5. Curtly Ambrose (West Indies)

Standing at a menacing 6-foot-7, Sir Curtly Ambrose was the definition of fast-bowling terror in the 1990s. With 405 Test wickets at a ridiculous average of 20.99, he routinely blew away top orders with terrifying bounce and pinpoint accuracy for West Indies.

But like the others on this list, London never quite suited his script.

Ambrose bowled with great economy at Lord’s but could never find the devastating, multi-wicket spell required to cross the five-wicket threshold, leaving the honours board devoid of one of the West Indies’ greatest fast-bowling legends.

6. Wasim Akram (Pakistan)

The ‘Sultan of Swing’ is universally regarded as one of the greatest left-arm fast bowlers to ever grace the game, possessing an unparalleled ability to move the ball both ways at high speed for Pakistan.

He bamboozled batsmen worldwide to collect 414 Test wickets, yet the Lord’s slope never quite yielded the magical five-wicket haul he required.

Across four Test matches at the venue, Akram bowled with his trademark hostility and skill, but his best innings figures peaked at a frustrating 4 for 66, leaving his name agonizingly absent from the stadium’s premier bowling board.

7. Sunil Gavaskar (India)

Long before the modern era, the original ‘Little Master’ was the gold standard of opening batsmen, becoming the first player in history to cross the 10,000 Test run milestone while facing down the world’s most terrifying West Indian pacemen without a helmet.

For all his technical perfection and legendary patience, London proved to be his ultimate undoing.

Gavaskar endured a bizarrely wretched record at the Home of Cricket, playing five Test matches, scoring a total of 340 runs and averaging a disappointing 34, ensuring his flawless defensive technique never translated into a Lord’s celebration.

Read next: Anatomy of a prodigy – Decoding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s strike rates per phase of the innings

In late 2025, the Belgian Cricket Federation teamed up with private sports management firm Destino Legends Sports LLC to birth EUT20 Belgium, the continent’s very first sanctioned, high-performance professional franchise T20 cricket league.

Formulated specifically to expand the game beyond traditional associate boundaries, this hyper-condensed tournament aims to bridge the gap between top-tier global superstars and budding European domestic talent.

If you are trying to familiarise yourself with this brand-new addition to the global sporting calendar, here’s our guide to the franchises, rosters, and rules defining the inaugural season.

1. When and where does it take place?

The inaugural edition of EUT20 Belgium is scheduled to run across a lightning-fast, high-octane 9-day window from 6 June to 14 June 2026. To optimize infrastructure and maintain standard ICC playing pitches, the league is bypassing traditional multi-city travel.

Instead, all 18 scheduled matches will take place at a single, centralized venue: the specially prepared grass pitches of the 12 Stars Cricket Club in Hofstade, Zemst, situated just outside Brussels.

2. The five franchises

While a sixth team was originally drawn up in early planning, the tournament finalized into a highly competitive five-team city structure.

The five foundation clubs competing for the historic title include: Akcel United Brussels, Antwerp Anchors, Ghent Gladiators, JB Bruges, Liège Red Lions.

Also see: 2026 IPL Team of the Tournament – surprise inclusions and exclusions

3. Star-studded rosters and global ambassadors

The league made immediate global headlines by appointing World Cup-winning captain Eoin Morgan as its official Global Brand Ambassador.

The teams themselves feature an unbelievable mix of legendary veterans and active short-format mercenaries drafted alongside mandatory domestic Belgian qualifiers.

Elite players: Proteas icon Faf du Plessis anchors the Liège Red Lions alongside Chris Lynn, Corey Anderson, and Shoaib Malik. Antwerp Anchors boast West Indies powerhouse Andre Russell and David Wiese.

Meanwhile, Akcel United Brussels is completely loaded with star power, sporting Alex Hales, Jason Roy, Rilee Rossouw, and Shakib Al Hasan.

Coaching masterclasses: The backroom staff is equally elite. International coaching minds like Mark Boucher (Brussels), Jonathan Trott (Ghent), Shivnarine Chanderpaul (Bruges), and South Africa‘s Herschelle Gibbs (Liège) have signed on to mastermind the franchises.

4. What’s up for grabs?

Beyond a massive global broadcasting reach – with matches beamed live internationally via major hubs like the Sony Sports Network and FanCode, the immediate prize is the inaugural European T20 Franchise Championship.

More importantly, local Belgian players have immense career growth on the line. Top domestic performers receive direct pathways to contracts in prominent global T20 leagues.

5. The competitive format

The league features a rapid-fire progression structure. The five franchises will first clash in a single round-robin group stage. Following the group stage, the 4th and 5th-placed teams square off in an elimination playoff.

The winner of that sudden-death shootout joins the top three league finishers in the high-stakes Super 4 phase, which ultimately determines the two grand finalists who will battle on Sunday, 14 June.

6. How it compares to global leagues

Unlike sprawling two-month spectacles like the IPL or the Big Bash League, EUT20 Belgium operates on a sprint format mimicking the highly successful Abu Dhabi T10 or the Major League Cricket (MLC) launch templates.

By consolidating all operations at the 12 Stars Cricket Club, it focuses heavily on high broadcast quality, dense schedules, and heavily international-flavoured playing XIs designed to rapidly cultivate a local sporting fanbase from scratch.

Read next: Anatomy of a prodigy – Decoding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s strike rates per phase of the innings

Across four decades the contests between the two nations have featured everything from World Cup classics and Sharjah thrillers to brutal fast bowling and dazzling stroke play.

With Australia set to return to Pakistan for a three-match ODI cricket series in June, it is worth revisiting the batsmen who made the fixture their own.

From elegant accumulators to ruthless finishers, these are the seven leading run-scorers in ODI matches between Australia and Pakistan.

1. Ricky Ponting (Australia)

• Matches/Innings: 35
• Runs: 1107
• Highest score: 124*
• Average: 36.9

No batsman has scored more ODI runs in Australia-Pakistan matches than Ricky Ponting. Aggressive from the outset and ruthless once set, Ponting regularly dictated games against Pakistan during Australia’s dominant years in the late 1990s and 2000s.

His unbeaten 124 was a masterclass in controlled aggression, combining brutal pull shots with precise placement through the offside. Whether facing Wasim Akram, Waqar Younis or Shoaib Akhtar, Ponting rarely backed down.

More than any other player in the rivalry, he embodied Australia’s relentless approach in one-day cricket, and his record at the top of this list underlines just how often Pakistan struggled to contain him.

2. Javed Miandad (Pakistan)

• Matches/Innings: 33
• Runs: 1019
• Highest score: 74*
• Average: 33.96

Javed Miandad thrived on confrontation, and there were few opponents he enjoyed battling more than Australia. Streetwise, fiercely competitive and endlessly resourceful, Miandad became the heartbeat of Pakistan’s batting through the 1980s and early 1990s.

Interestingly, he never scored a century against Australia yet still accumulated more than 1,000 runs through relentless consistency. His ability to manoeuvre the field and frustrate bowlers made him the ideal middle-order operator in tight ODI contests.

Also see: 2026 IPL Team of the Tournament – surprise inclusions and exclusions

3. Mohammad Yousuf (Pakistan)

• Matches/Innings: 29
• Runs: 1016
• Highest score: 100
• Average: 37.62

Mohammad Yousuf brought grace and precision to an era dominated by power hitting. His wristy stroke play was especially effective against Australia’s seam-heavy attacks, allowing him to score fluently without appearing rushed.

The right-hander’s century against Australia remains one of the standout innings by a Pakistani batter in the rivalry. Few players handled high-class pace with such serenity, and Yousuf’s average of 37.62 reflected his consistency against one of the strongest ODI sides in history.

4. Steve Waugh (Australia)

• Matches/Innings: 40
• Runs: 1003
• Highest score: 82
• Average: 31.34

Steve Waugh’s numbers against Pakistan were built on resilience rather than extravagance. Across 40 innings, more than anyone else on this list, he became a constant obstacle for Pakistan through sheer determination and tactical intelligence.

While he never reached three figures against them, Waugh repeatedly produced gritty innings in difficult conditions, particularly in Sharjah where matches between the sides often carried enormous pressure.

His ability to guide chases and build partnerships made him one of Australia’s most reliable performers in the fixture.

5. Inzamam-ul-Haq (Pakistan)

• Matches/Innings: 34
• Runs: 991
• Highest score: 91*
• Average: 31.96

At his best, Inzamam-ul-Haq made batting look wonderfully uncomplicated. The timing was effortless, the footwork minimal and the results consistently effective.

Australia often tested him with aggressive pace attacks, yet Inzamam still came within nine runs of reaching 1,000 ODI runs in the rivalry. His unbeaten 91 was a reminder of his ability to absorb pressure before dismantling bowling attacks with crisp drives and disdainful pulls.

6. Michael Clarke (Australia)

• Matches/Innings: 21
• Runs: 939
• Highest score: 103*
• Average: 55.23

Michael Clarke’s record against Pakistan reflected the elegance and control that defined much of his ODI career. Equally comfortable against pace and spin, Clarke often anchored Australian innings while others attacked around him.

His average of 55.23 is exceptional considering the quality of opposition attacks he faced, including the likes of Shoaib Akhtar, Umar Gul and Saeed Ajmal.

Clarke’s ability to rotate strike in middle overs frequently allowed Australia to dominate matches without needing explosive acceleration.

7. Michael Bevan (Australia)

• Matches/Innings: 22
• Runs: 851
• Highest score: 83
• Average: 56.73

No player defined the art of the ODI chase in the late 1990s quite like Michael Bevan.

Calm under pressure and almost impossible to dismiss at the death, Bevan regularly frustrated Pakistan’s formidable bowling attacks with his ability to manipulate gaps and run tirelessly between the wickets.

Remarkably, despite never scoring a century against Pakistan, he averaged almost 57 across 22 innings. His consistency was the key (along with his uncanny ability to remain undefeated).

Pakistan often had the firepower to blow sides away, but Bevan specialised in denying them momentum and dragging Australia over the line in tight finishes.

Read next: Anatomy of a prodigy – Decoding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s strike rates per phase of the innings

The Rajasthan Royals opener did not just score runs; he weaponized pace, spin, and field restrictions to leave bowling attacks entirely shell-shocked.

While his record-shattering 38-ball century against the Gujarat Titans made global headlines, a deeper analytical dive into his scoring metrics reveals a highly sophisticated tactical mind.

Sooryavanshi’s strike rates across the three distinct phases of a T20 cricket innings demonstrate how a modern prodigy deconstructs a bowling lineup.

The powerplay execution (Overs 1-6)

• Phase strike rate: 182.45

When stepping out to face the brand-new ball against elite international frontline seamers, most young batsmen opt for a brief period of consolidation. Sooryavanshi did the exact opposite.

Utilizing his low centre of gravity and lightning-fast hand speed, he treated the powerplay as a pure clearing exercise.

He operated at a blistering strike rate of 182.45 during the first six overs, routinely dispatching good-length deliveries over extra cover and utilizing the hard ball to pierce the inner ring.

By consistently maximizing the field restrictions, his explosive starts immediately forced opposition captains into highly defensive field placements, effectively breaking the tactical plans of opposing bowling units before the fielding restrictions had even lifted.

Also see: 2026 IPL Team of the Tournament – surprise inclusions and exclusions

The middle-overs transition (Overs 7-16)

• Phase strike rate: 144.12

The true litmus test for any explosive batter is how they adapt when the field spreads out and the mystery spinners are introduced to dry up the boundaries. This is the exact phase where Sooryavanshi proved he is far more than a one-dimensional slogger in India.

As the fielding restrictions ended, his strike rate adjusted to a mature 144.12. Instead of forcing high-risk boundary options against turning balls, he displayed an exceptional ability to manipulate gaps, relying on nimble footwork to rotate strike with soft hands.

However, he remained highly punitive on anything slightly short, using his signature sweep and lofted straight drives to ensure that defensive spinners could never settle into a rhythm.

The death-overs acceleration (Overs 17-20)

• Phase strike rate: 215.38

On the occasions where Sooryavanshi batted deep into the innings, his scoring trajectory shifted into absolute overdrive.

Facing the tournament’s premier death-bowling specialists executing high-pace yorkers and slower-ball variations, his strike rate surged to an astronomical 215.38.

Because he possesses a complete 360-degree scoring arc, bowlers cannot not find a safe zone. He repeatedly turned textbook yorkers into boundaries through the leg side or stood tall to smash back-of-a-length deliveries completely out of the stadium.

This late-innings explosiveness was the driving force behind several key knocks, establishing him as one of the most complete and terrifying top-order prospects in world cricket today.

Read next: Anatomy of a prodigy – Decoding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s strike rates per phase of the innings

While modern professionalism makes it almost impossible for athletes to split their time between multiple sports, cricket and football have a rich, shared historical crossover.

Long before the days of rigid, year-round training camps and multi-million-dollar exclusive contracts, several iconic cricketers were just as lethal with a football at their feet as they were with a bat or ball in hand.

As fans prepare for World Cup fever, here are five incredible cricketers who were also highly accomplished, elite football players.

1. The Master Blaster: Sir Viv Richards

Widely regarded as one of the most destructive and intimidating batsmen in cricket history, Sir Viv Richards of West Indies possessed an athletic versatility that extended well beyond the boundary ropes.

Before fully committing his future to cricket, the Antiguan icon was an exceptional football talent. He famously represented Antigua and Barbuda during their 1974 football World Cup qualifying campaign, featuring in high-stakes international matches.

This unique crossover officially makes him the only sportsman to have played in both a cricket and football World Cup tournament format.

2. The cavalier of willow and ball: Denis Compton

England’s post-war batting sensation Denis Compton did not just play football as a hobby; he won major silverware at the very highest level of English club football.

While compiling 5,807 Test runs for England at a brilliant average of 50.06, Compton simultaneously operated as a star winger for Arsenal.

He made 60 official appearances for the Gunners, famously lifting the First Division league title in 1948 and winning the prestigious FA Cup in 1950.

3. The ultimate modern cross-sport icon: Ellyse Perry

An absolute legend of the modern women’s game, Australia’s Ellyse Perry holds the distinct honour of being the first Australian to appear in both the ICC Cricket World Cup and the FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Operating as a defender, Perry earned 18 caps for the Australia national football team, the Matildas, even scoring a spectacular long-range goal against Sweden in the 2011 World Cup quarter final.

She eventually chose cricket full-time when scheduling conflicts made playing both professional sports impossible.

Also read: Fortress of tradition – 7 iconic milestones from 150 Tests at Lord’s

4. The legendary Ashes general: Sir Ian Botham

‘Beefy’ Botham is universally remembered as one of the greatest fast-bowling all-rounders in Test history, but he also harboured a deep passion for professional football.

Seeking to maintain his peak fitness during the traditional cricket off-season, Botham signed as a professional footballer in the English leagues.

He made 11 senior league appearances as a center-back for Scunthorpe United between 1980 and 1985, alongside turning out for non-league outfit Yeovil Town.

5. The Premier League prodigy: Phil Neville

While Phil Neville chose football as his definitive career path – winning six Premier League titles with Manchester United and earning 59 caps for England—his teenage cricket pedigree was legendary.

Neville was a prodigiously talented batsman who captained the England Under-15 cricket team. He remains the youngest player ever to represent the Lancashire second XI, where he regularly batted alongside Andrew “Freddie” Flintoff.

Many coaches at the time openly claimed Neville was a more natural cricket prospect than Flintoff before old Trafford called.

Read next: Anatomy of a prodigy – Decoding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s strike rates per phase of the innings

T20 leagues have undoubtedly reshaped batting mindsets, accelerating scoring rates and shortened attention spans. Yet, it is unfair to blame players entirely for an environment dictated by structural shifts.

As modern pitches lean toward extreme manipulation, five-day Tests are evaporating into truncated weekend exhibitions. While some argue that these hyper-accelerated contests provide thrilling, fast-paced entertainment, the reality is far more damaging.

Very short Test matches, those concluding in less than three days, are actively eroding the tactical depth, financial viability, and historical integrity of cricket’s pinnacle format.

This structural flaw has been vividly illustrated in recent seasons.

Extreme, hypersensitive pitches across the globe have forced premature results, such as India’s two-day victory over England in Ahmedabad or South Africa’s lightning-fast low-scoring affair against India in Cape Town.

Also read: Fortress of tradition – 7 iconic milestones from 150 Tests at Lord’s

This past weekend saw England defeat New Zealand at Lords by 115 runs. It’s true that the game ended on day four, but it was also a match that was severely affected by rain and bad light.

A day of Test cricket is meant to see a minimum of 90 overs bowled. The England versus New Zealand game was over after just 166 overs (in other words, less than two days of actual cricket were played).

Reflecting on the state of the pitch after the game England skipper ben Stokes said: “From someone who loves Test cricket, is that something that will benefit Test cricket? I don’t think so…”

The game, which was the 150th Test played at Lords, was the second shortest to produce a positive result in the history of the venue, while it was the third shortest at any ground when all 40 wickets have fallen.

Whether chopped down by administrative pitch-doctoring or truncated by the elements, micro-Tests rob the sport of its fundamental identity.

Crucially, the problem with these short matches is not that they are uncompetitive from an opponent-versus-opponent perspective. If one international side is simply vastly superior to another, a swift and decisive victory is perfectly acceptable.

The true damage occurs when short matches stem from a fundamental imbalance between bat and ball.

Test cricket is designed to be a game of attrition, patience, and shifting momentum. Its unique beauty lies in a slow narrative arc: a standard pitch changes character daily, forcing players to adapt.

When a surface is a hyper-reactive “green mamba” or a crumbling dustbowl from the very first over, the element of skill is heavily diminished.

The intricate chess match is replaced by a chaotic lottery, alienating purists and failing to test the true temperament of international cricketers.

Beyond the structural damage to the game, the economic consequences of short Test matches are catastrophic for broadcasting networks and hosting boards. Organizing a five-day match is an incredibly expensive venture.

Ground preparation, security, stadium staffing, and technology infrastructure require massive upfront investments. Crucially, ticket sales and broadcast advertisements on days four and five represent pure profit for the host nation.

When a match concludes prematurely on day two or early on day three, millions of dollars in television revenue and gate receipts vanish instantly.

Stadiums are left empty, fans who purchased weekend tickets must be refunded, and local hospitality economies suffer. For cash-strapped cricket boards outside the wealthy elite, a string of short home Tests can result in crippling financial deficits.

Having said that, there is no merit either in producing flat tracks that offer nothing and which end in laborious draws after five days of toil. That’s hardly a spectacle anyone wants to see either. But a result after lunch on day five is what it is all about. Intrigue until the end.

Ultimately, the proliferation of premature Test conclusions threatens the survival of the format itself. Test cricket is already fighting a fierce battle for relevance against the lucrative, bite-sized allure of global T20 franchises.

Its main selling point is that it offers a definitive, ultimate test of human character and athletic endurance over five days.

If Test matches continue to mimic the frantic pace and short duration of limited-overs cricket, they will lose their distinct identity. To save the longest format, governing bodies must protect the five-day canvas that makes it a masterpiece.

A two-day Test match is the equivalent of a T20 game reduced to eight overs a side.

It goes without saying that nobody wants to see such a game and that there would be a genuine uproar if T20Is were increasingly becoming 16 over affairs. So why are two- and three-day Test match increasingly being allowed to happen?

Read next: Anatomy of a prodigy – Decoding Vaibhav Sooryavanshi’s strike rates per phase of the innings

While the Royal Challengers Bengaluru celebrated back-to-back glory, elite individual performances illuminated stadiums across the country from opening night to the grand finale.

Compiling a definitive Team of the Tournament requires balancing raw statistical dominance with impact under extreme pressure. Selecting just four overseas slots while maintaining a structurally balanced, explosive cricket lineup is no easy feat.

Here is our ultimate, star-studded XI that dominated their specific positions to define the template of modern T20 cricket excellence this season.

1. Virat Kohli (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

The modern legend was the undeniable heartbeat of the defending champions. Forced to shoulder the responsibility of anchoring the top order after Phil Salt’s unfortunate tournament-ending injury, Kohli produced a masterclass campaign.

He finished in the top tier of the tournament run charts, combining his signature anchor role with an aggressively updated powerplay strike rate that routinely dismantled opposition bowling attacks early on.

2. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)

Partnering Kohli at the top is the breathtaking teenage sensation who completely took the tournament by storm. Sooryavanshi provided pure, unadulterated explosive power in the powerplay, headlined by his unprecedented strike rate and sheer weight of runs.

His fearless approach and ability to effortlessly clear the ropes made him the most electrifying opening batsman of the entire season.

3. Shubman Gill (captain, Gujarat Titans)

The Gujarat Titans captain continued his love affair with the IPL, delivering another phenomenally consistent season at the crease. Gill was the epitome of class at number three, acting as the perfect bridge between the explosive powerplay and the middle-overs acceleration.

His spectacular home form at Ahmedabad—where he consistently crossed fifty – anchored GT’s run all the way to Sunday’s final shootout, where, for once, he was unable to see his side over the line.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

4. Rajat Patidar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Patidar completely owned the number four slot this year, emerging as the tournament’s most lethal destroyer of spin bowling in the middle overs.

Whenever RCB faced a sluggish pitch or a choking spin partnership, Patidar walked out and completely altered the momentum with his effortless, lofted maximums. His clutch half-century in the playoffs cemented his reputation as a big-game specialist.

5. Heinrich Klaasen (wicketkeeper, Sunrisers Hyderabad)

The destructive South Africa batsman produced a historically dominant season, rewriting the record books for middle-order run aggregates.

Klaasen smashed 624 runs, routinely walking out into high-pressure scenarios and launching balls into the top tiers of stadiums with ruthless consistency.

His peerless ability to clear the boundary against both extreme pace and elite mystery spin makes him the undisputed wicketkeeper-batsman of this side.

6. Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals)

Parag truly came of age as a premier finisher this season, pairing his undeniable raw talent with ice-cold maturity under immense pressure.

Spearheading the Royals’ middle-order transitions, he rescued his side from multiple collapses while maintaining a blistering finishing strike rate over 170. His clutch boundaries in tight death-overs chases made him a foundational pillar of RR’s deep playoff run.

7. Washington Sundar (Gujarat Titans)

Every elite T20 side requires a balanced tactical utility player, and Sundar fulfilled that brief flawlessly. Operating as a premier bowling all-rounder, he choked out opposition teams during the powerplay with his incredibly defensive off-spin lines.

Crucially, he paired this defensive discipline with vital, rapid-fire cameos lower down the batting order to rescue GT’s lower tail.

8. Rashid Khan (Gujarat Titans)

The Afghan maestro remains the most influential tactical weapon in short-format cricket. Rashid choked out opposing batting line-ups during the crucial middle overs, maintaining an exceptional economy rate below 7.00 while consistently breaking dangerous partnerships.

Furthermore, his explosive “snake-whip” batting cameos at the death added invaluable late-innings runs to GT’s totals all season.

9. Jofra Archer (Rajasthan Royals)

Archer brought genuine, terrifying x-factor pace back to the IPL, finishing near the peak of the wicket-taking charts.

Operating as both a frontline powerplay weapon and a lethal death-overs specialist, his ability to execute pinpoint yorkers at 150 km/h completely suffocated opposition batsmen, giving the Royals a defensive shield that defined their campaign.

He showed himself to be handy with the bat on more than one occasion as well.

10. Bhuvneshwar Kumar (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

The veteran swing maestro enjoyed a spectacular, vintage renaissance to take home the coveted Purple Cap with 24 wickets. Bhuvneshwar was absolutely unplayable when the ball moved early on, setting a tournament benchmark with his defensive economy rate.

His masterclass death-bowling execution under heavy pressure was the defining anchor that secured RCB’s title defence.

11. Arshdeep Singh (Punjab Kings)

Rounding out the team is the premier India left-arm seamer, who provided exceptional tactical balance to this elite bowling department.

Arshdeep was outstanding in the death overs, utilizing a deceptive mix of wide yorkers and slower bouncers to stifle the league’s most expensive finishers. He finished the year as the leading domestic left-arm wicket-taker.

Read next: The next big thing? Five uncapped IPL stars set to dominate in the future

Although there were plenty of South Africans in the tournament, RCB were one of the few sides who didn’t have any South Africans on their roster.

But that is not to say that the South African contingent at the IPL did badly, indeed, several of our country’s stars were outstanding for their respective teams.

With the tournament now done and dusted, let’s take a moment to look at the report cards of the South Africa players who did duty at the world’s premier event in franchise cricket.

Kagiso Rabada (Gujarat Titans) – 10/10

The undisputed king of the Proteas contingent this season. Rabada spearheaded the Titans’ march to the final, claiming the prestigious Purple Cap by finishing as the tournament’s leading wicket-taker with 29 scalps from 17 matches.

His opening spells set a ruthless tone for GT all year long. He couldn’t get the better of Virat Kohli in the final but, following a disappointing T20 World Cup at the start of the year, KG genuinely looked back to his potent best for the Titans.

Heinrich Klaasen (Sunrisers Hyderabad) – 9.5/10

Lived up to every cent of his massive retention fee. Klaasen was a monster in the middle order, rewriting records as the first middle-order batsman to hammer 624 runs in a single season, featuring six half-centuries and a devastating strike rate of 160.

He almost single-handedly carried SRH into the playoff rounds. Led the Orange Cap rankings for a considerable part of the tournament.

Corbin Bosch (Mumbai Indians) – 9/10

Bosch struggled initially to get game time in a squad that is laden with stars. But as has been the case throughout his career, when he is called on, Bosch always steps up. Bosch played just six games for MI but he ended the season with a batting average of 50 at a strike rate of 161.29.

His primary role is as a bowler and there he excelled as well with a total of 12 wickets, a best return of 4/26, an average of 16.25, economy rate of 9.66 and a strike rate of 10.0.

Those are some seriously impressive numbers – especially compared to MI’s so-called premier allrounder (and captain) Hardik Pandya who averaged 22.88 with the bat and who took just four wickets at an average of 64.75.

Ryan Rickelton (Mumbai Indians) – 7.5/10

Rickelton briefly took the IPL by storm when he blazed a brilliant 81 in the opening match against Sunrisers Hyderabad. Unfortunately, he failed to maintain that early momentum, fading in successive games before ultimately losing his starting XI spot to Quinton de Kock.

However, once QdK and Rohit Sharma were injured Rickelton returned and did some damage. He finished with a highest score of 123*, a total of 448 runs at an average of 40.72.

His strike rate of 186.66 was excellent and with 38 sixes he ended the season with the fifth most sixes in the tournament.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

Tristan Stubbs (Delhi Capitals) – 7/10

A tale of two halves for the young Proteas star. Stubbs started the season in a blaze of glory, producing crucial match-winning knocks like his unbeaten 60 against RCB to anchor DC’s middle order.

While his scoring rate slowed down in the latter half of the tournament, finishing with 275 runs, his execution under immense pressure was highly commendable.

David Miller (Delhi Capitals) – 7/10

‘Killer Miller’ provided his typical calm assurance to the Capitals’ middle order.

While he did not replicate some of his record-shattering seasons of old, his tactical maturity helped secure key points during tight finishes.

Lungi Ngidi (Delhi Capitals) – 7/10

The towering fast bowler was good for Delhi, bowling in 11 innings and taking 13 wickets. His slower ball is the best in the business and even when batsmen know it is coming they struggle to get it away.

He returned best figures of 3/27 and finished with an average of 26.15 and an economy rate of 8.22. It is his worst average in five seasons of IPL cricket, but it is also his most successful wicket-taking season.

Would probably have claimed a few more scalps if he hadn’t injured himself in the field and been sidelined for a few games with concussion.

Quinton de Kock (Mumbai Indians) – 6/10

Despite initially being bench-warmed in favour of local and international combinations, De Kock reminded everyone of his world-class pedigree when given the chance.

In limited outings, he smashed an unbeaten 112*, averaging an elite 66.0 with a scoring rate over 162 to reclaim his spot. An injury brought a premature end to his campaign.

Nandre Burger (Rajasthan Royals) – 6/10

Burger showed glimpses of raw, terrifying pace and steep bounce during the early powerplay overs. However, a lack of consistency in his line and length saw him leak runs on flatter pitches.

He played a total of 13 games and took 14 wickets at an average of 31.42 and with an economy rate of 10.11.

The big plusses for Burger are the fact that he made it through the tournament uninjured and that he got to bowl in tandem with Jofra Archer, one of the best in the business – he will have learned plenty from the big England player.

Aiden Markram (Lucknow Super Giants) – 5/10

A rather subdued campaign by Markram’s lofty international standards. Shuffled up and down the batting order, he managed 193 runs across eight matches without scoring a half-century. His structural anchor play was valued, but LSG missed his explosive capabilities at the death.

The Proteas skipper was not helped by the struggles of his teammates with Nicholas Pooran and Rishabh Pant’s lack of form transferring pressure to players like Markram and Mitch Marsh.

Donovan Ferreira (Rajasthan Royals) – 3/10

Ferreira spent the vast majority of the gruelling two-month campaign running water and signalling tactical changes from the sidelines, as RR preferred alternative explosive finishers in their middle-order puzzle.

Marco Jansen (Punjab Kings) – 3/10

A deeply frustrating season for the talented all-rounder, Jansen failed to fire as he did last season.

The giant allrounder managed just nine wickets from 13 games with an awful average of 53.66. His contributions with the bat were negligible. IPL 2026 is a season Jansen would prefer to forget.

Dewald Brevis (Chennai Super Kings) – 3/10

Moving to CSK held massive promise, but Brevis endured a tournament to forget. Starved of quality time in the middle game time, he played 11 games, batted in eight and managed just 151 runs at an average of 18.87.

Known for his incredible strike-rate and six hitting ability the fact that he cleared the rope just ten times and hit at a rate of 127.96 puts into perspective how disappointing the 2026 campaign was for South Africa’s highest T20I scorer.

George Linde (Lucknow Super Giants) – 2/10

Brought in as an explicit spin option for slower tracks, Linde spent almost the entire tournament trapped on the bench as an unused squad backup.

Read next: The next big thing? Five uncapped IPL stars set to dominate in the future

Or, in some cases they are already stars who are imposing themselves on the Indian landscape. Most runs in a debut season is a great way to measure the impact of a players’ first season in the league.

Let’s take a moment to look at which stars have enjoyed the best debut seasons in the IPL and see which star joins the list from the latest season.

Shaun Marsh (PBKS, 2008) – 616 runs

Nearly two decades later, Shaun Marsh’s inaugural campaign for the Kings XI Punjab remains the untouched gold standard for IPL debuts. In fairness it was the first ever season of IPL cricket, so it was everyone’s debut season.

Arriving as a relatively unheralded Western Australian left-hander, Marsh missed the opening few games but took the tournament by storm once inserted.

In just 11 innings, he pillaged an extraordinary 616 runs at an average of 68.44, including one century and five half-centuries, comfortably winning the league’s very first Orange Cap.

Marsh’s efficiency and pure run-scoring volume set a historic benchmark that rookies are still chasing to this day.

Gautam Gambhir (DC, 2008) – 534 runs

Representing his hometown team Delhi Daredevils (now Delhi Capitals) in the tournament’s maiden year, Gautam Gambhir was the epitome of consistency.

While international icons were adapting to the format, Gambhir used his elite spin-playing ability and calculated risk-taking to dismantle opponents.

Accumulating 534 runs at an excellent average of 41.07, he struck five fifties and anchored Delhi’s star-studded top order all the way to the semi-finals, establishing himself as a true blueprint for Indian anchors.

Sanath Jayasuriya (DC, 2008) – 514 runs

Long before structural shifts redefined the franchise, the Deccan Chargers boasted the vintage, raw power of Sri Lankan legend Sanath Jayasuriya in the inaugural edition.

Jayasuriya brought his signature slash over point and fierce down-the-ground lofting to Indian soil, aggregating 514 runs in 14 matches.

Operating at a blistering strike rate of 166.34, his absolute destruction of bowling units included a memorable 114* off 48 balls, leaving an indelible mark on the league’s infancy.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

Cooper Connolly (PBKS, 2026) – 491 runs

The latest superstar to break into this elite tier is none other than Punjab Kings’ Australia prodigy, Cooper Connolly.

Brought into the squad under the keen eye of head coach Ricky Ponting, the 22-year-old batting all-rounder experienced an extraordinary debut season in 2026, primarily occupying the number three position.

Connolly rewrote history books by becoming the youngest overseas player to score an IPL century, smashing a spectacular 107* off 59 deliveries against Sunrisers Hyderabad.

Leaving opposing captains clueless, he ended his debut term with 491 runs, clobbering 32 sixes to snap an 18-year-old rookie record.

Priyansh Arya (PBKS, 2025) – 475 runs

A domestic sensation who set the competitive lower tiers alight, Priyansh Arya seamlessly adapted to the grandest stage of them all upon joining the Punjab Kings in 2025.

Unfazed by world-class bowling attacks, the stylish Indian batter displayed a full repertoire of strokes, securing 475 runs over the course of his debut tournament.

His ability to manipulate fields and accelerate at will locked down Punjab’s batting spine and cemented his status as a foundational pillar for the future.

Devdutt Padikkal (RCB, 2020) – 473 runs

Amid the unique backdrop of the United Arab Emirates in 2020, young elegant southpaw Devdutt Padikkal enjoyed a dream breakout year for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

Matching up alongside global titans Virat Kohli and AB de Villiers, the local youngster finished as RCB’s highest run-scorer of the tournament.

Registering five half-centuries, Padikkal amassed 473 runs in 15 matches, flashing crisp timing, immaculate technique, and a mature temperament that fast-tracked him to national recognition.

Shane Watson (RR, 2008) – 472 runs

The inaugural 2008 season was defined by Rajasthan Royals’ underdog fairy tale, and Shane Watson was the heartbeat of that campaign. While he won the Player of the Tournament award for his dual capabilities, his batting alone was elite.

Constructing an ideal blueprint for the modern T20 dynamic, Watson blasted 472 runs across 15 innings with a strike rate of 151.76. His heavy hitting in the powerplay and anchoring presence in the middle overs transformed an unheralded Rajasthan side into champions.

Cameron Green (MI, 2023) – 452 runs

Brought in on a massive auction price tag, Australian all-rounder Cameron Green justified every penny for the Mumbai Indians during his maiden campaign in 2023.

Functioning primarily as a top-order engine, Green’s towering presence yielded 452 runs in 16 matches at a superb strike rate of 160.28.

He consistently provided early momentum and showcased his immense composure by striking a sensational, unbeaten 100* off just 47 balls against Sunrisers Hyderabad to power Mumbai into the playoffs.

Jonny Bairstow (SRH, 2019) – 445 runs

When England’s explosive wicketkeeper-batsman landed in Hyderabad for the 2019 season, expectations were high. Paired with David Warner at the top of the order, Bairstow formed one of the most destructive opening partnerships in tournament history.

Playing just 10 matches before leaving for international duty, he hammered 445 runs at an astonishing average of 55.62 and a strike rate of 157.24.

His season highlight was a breathtaking 114 against Royal Challengers Bengaluru, proving that his aggressive white-ball style was a perfect match for Indian conditions.

Read next: The next big thing? Five uncapped IPL stars set to dominate in the future

While the tournament offers unmatched glitz, glamour, and cricket of the highest calibre, the monetary rewards distributed at the end of the season remain the ultimate benchmark of its commercial success.

From multi-million-dollar payouts for the champion franchise to lucrative individual accolades, the IPL’s financial ecosystem ensures that excellence is rewarded handsomely.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of the cash prizes, historical growth, and individual bonuses that define the business end of the tournament.

The champions prize money

The franchise that lifts the iconic IPL trophy secures the lion’s share of the central prize pool. The winning team takes home a staggering US$2.4 million.

Per league regulations, at least 50 percent of this championship prize money must be distributed directly among the squad players, making it a highly profitable bonus on top of their standard auction salaries.

The runners-up and play-off share

Success in the playoff stages guarantees an impressive payout, even without winning the IPL final match.

• Second place: The tournament runners-up receive US$1.5 million
• Third place: The team eliminated in Qualifier Two walks away with roughly US$840 000
• Fourth Place: The team knocked out in the Eliminator match is awarded approximately US$780 000

Individual caps and seasonal awards

The tournament consistently rewards stand-out individual performers through fixed cash bonuses at the closing ceremony. The most prominent individual season awards include:

• The Orange Cap (most runs): US$12 000
• The Purple Cap (most wickets): US$12 000
• Most Valuable Player (MVP): US$12 000
• Emerging Player of the Season: US$24 000

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

Exponential growth since 2008

The financial trajectory of the league highlights the exploding global value of cricket. In the inaugural 2008 season, the champions (Rajasthan Royals) received a prize of US$580 000.

The current prize structure represents a massive four-fold increase in raw value, cementing the IPL as the highest-paying domestic cricket competition in the world.

Ground and pitch rewards

The tournament extends its financial incentives beyond the players and franchises to the local associations managing the venues.

The state cricket association judged to have curated the “Best Pitch and Ground” throughout the season receives a dedicated performance reward of US$60 000 to help fund local grassroots infrastructure.

Central revenue and media distribution

The standard tournament prize pool is merely a fraction of the total cash distributed by the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). The single largest source of income for franchises stems from the central media rights pool.

The BCCI splits 50% of its massive multi-billion-dollar broadcasting revenue equally among the ten competing teams, ensuring that every franchise receives a baseline distribution of roughly US$58 million annually, regardless of their final position on the league table.

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Curiously the final will be the fourth meeting this season between the two sides, so it is fair to say that they know each other well now.

The spoils were shared 1-1 in the pool phase of the competition before RCB delivered GT a sound beating in Qualifier 1. Since then, GT have levelled up their confidence after completing their highest successful chase on Friday.

It’s the defending champions playing at the home of a side who have made three of the last four finals. Sunday is shaping up to be a final for the ages.

IPL final: Royal Challengers Bengaluru v Gujarat Titans

Key talking points

RCB

Defending champions RCB enter Sunday’s showcase with excellent momentum but a heavily reshuffled top order.

Following a tournament-ending injury to opener Phil Salt, all eyes shift to the legendary Virat Kohli, who must anchor the innings alongside Venkatesh Iyer.

Backed by the blistering form of Rajat Patidar and seamer Bhuvneshwar Kumar, RCB’s biggest statistical anomaly is their undefeated record in playoff matches over the last two seasons when defending totals above 180.

GT

The Titans have proven their resilience by bouncing back from a heavy Qualifier 1 defeat to peak at the absolute perfect moment.

Skipper Shubman Gill leads from the front, boasting an astonishing 1,310 career runs at this specific Ahmedabad venue.

Alongside the firing Sai Sudharsan and ace quick Kagiso Rabada, GT’s core is purring. Intriguingly, statistical records show GT wins 78% of matches at this ground when chasing under heavy evening dew, making the toss a massive factor.

Venue: Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad is the world’s largest cricket stadium, boasting a massive seating capacity of 132 000 spectators.

Functioning as the primary fortress for the Gujarat Titans, the venue features both red and black soil pitches that can alter playing conditions drastically. Expect the stadium to be packed for the final.

Captains drastically prefer to bowl first and chase at this venue.

Heavy evening dew frequently settles on the outfield during night matches, making the ball exceptionally difficult for bowlers to grip and allowing batsmen to line up shots with ease during the second innings.

The historical first innings average sits right around 175 runs.

However, the ground is highly pitch-dependent; black soil offers an even bounce that pushes par scores past 190, while red soil pitches assist spin and can produce sluggish, low-scoring games.

Gujarat Titans captain Shubman Gill dominates this venue, leading all players with 1 310 runs scored and counting.

His sensational run tally includes a venue-best individual score of 129 runs smashed during a high-stakes playoff match. He is followed closely by teammate Sai Sudharsan with 1 187 runs.

Local veteran Mohit Sharma and spin wizard Rashid Khan share the peak spot for the most wickets at the stadium, deadlocked at 29 scalps each.

Mohit Sharma holds the single-game record at the venue with his blistering career-best spell of 5/10 against the Mumbai Indians.

The highest successful chase recorded in the stadium’s IPL history is 205 runs, completed by the Kolkata Knight Riders against the Gujarat Titans.

The legendary match concluded with Rinku Singh pulling off an impossible feat, smashing five consecutive sixes in the final over to seal the win.

The lowest score successfully defended in a full 20-over IPL match at this ground is 130 runs.

The Delhi Capitals successfully restricted the Gujarat Titans to 125/6 in a low-scoring thriller, proving that the pitch can become a minefield if the ball grips.

The ground features an extreme scoring variance.

While it has hosted massive 230-plus batting exhibitions, the absolute lowest team total recorded at the stadium is 86 runs, when the Sunrisers Hyderabad were skittled out by the Gujarat Titans.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

Weather

This Sunday evening in Ahmedabad, expect sweltering and humid conditions as afternoon heat lingers. Temperatures will hover around 37 degrees, though high humidity will make it feel closer to 42.

Skies will remain clear to partly cloudy, with no threat of rain. A gentle breeze from the west will offer little relief for spectators.

Form

• RCB: W, L, W, W, W
• GT: W, L, W, L, W

Predicted line-ups

RCB

Virat Kohli, Venkatesh Iyer, Devdutt Padikkal, Rajat Patidar, Jitesh Sharma, Tim David, Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Josh Hazlewood, Rasikh Salam Dar.

GT

Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Jason Holder, Nishant Sindhu, Rashid Khan, Sai Kishore, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna.

Key players

Virat Kohli

The Indian veteran is RCB’s ultimate trump card for Sunday’s final.

With Phil Salt sidelined by injury, the legendary batsman bears the immense responsibility of anchoring and accelerating the innings right from the powerplay – it’s a good thing for RCB that Kohli is a man who thrives on the big occasion.

Kohli’s unrivalled BMT, flawless chasing pedigree, and vast experience under extreme playoff pressure make him the absolute linchpin. If RCB is to lift the coveted trophy, they will need Kohli to deliver a vintage, masterclass performance.

Shubman Gill

India’s Test and ODI skipper and the heir apparent to Kohli, Gill has been in outstanding form all season.

He stroked a marvellous century in Qualifier Two, to steer his side to victory and he heads into the final second on the Orange Cap rankings with Vaibhav Sooryavanshi the only player ahead of him.

Gill is averaging 48.13 this season and he heads into the final with one century and six half tons from 15 innings, his runs coming at a strike-rate of 163.71.

Prediction: Gujarat Titans

This is not an easy one to call but home ground advantage will count for a lot. RCB were sensational against GT in Qualifier One, handing out a genuine hiding, but it is hard to see that gulf unfolding for two games in a row.

GT’s bowling unit is very strong and that should ultimately prove to be the difference.

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It highlights a player who has completely outclassed every other competitor over a gruelling two-month season. Yet, cricket remains a team sport.

On several occasions, a superstar has carried their franchise on their back, rewriting record books, while the rest of the squad collapsed around them.

These one-man army campaigns often result in an individual standing on the podium holding a prestigious cap, despite their team languishing near the bottom of the points table. Here are six times a player won an IPL cap but failed to reach the playoffs.

1. Chris Gayle – Royal Challengers Bangalore (2012)

• The Cap: Orange Cap (733 runs)
• Team Finish: 5th place (Missed Playoffs)

The Universe Boss from West Indies was at the absolute peak of his destructive powers during the 2012 season. Opening the batting for Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB), Gayle smashed 733 runs at a staggering strike rate of 160.74, including seven fifties and a hundred.

Despite his historic aerial assault, RCB’s bowling unit repeatedly failed to defend massive totals. The team tied on points with Chennai Super Kings but was brutally eliminated from the playoff spots due to an inferior net run rate.

2. Andrew Tye – Kings XI Punjab (2018)

• The Cap: Purple Cap (24 wickets)
• Team Finish: 7th place (Missed Playoffs)

Australia variations specialist Andrew Tye had a historic individual season with Kings XI Punjab in 2018. Tye claimed a staggering three four-wicket hauls over the course of the tournament, repeatedly saving his side during the death overs.

However, Punjab suffered a catastrophic second-half collapse. After winning five of their first six games, the team’s middle-order batting completely disintegrated, winning just one more match and leaving Tye to collect his cap from the second-to-last spot on the table.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

3. Harshal Patel – Punjab Kings (2024)

• The Cap: Purple Cap (24 wickets)
• Team Finish: 9th place (Missed Playoffs)

Harshal Patel created history by becoming the first bowler to win the Purple Cap for two completely different franchises. Moving to the Punjab Kings in 2024, his masterclass of slower balls and dipping yorkers earned him 24 scalps.

Unfortunately, Punjab’s familiar curse struck again. Plagued by top-order collapses and an inability to close out tight matches, the franchise finished second from bottom, rendering Harshal’s individual brilliance an afterthought in a lost season.

4. Sai Sudharsan – Gujarat Titans (2025)

• The Cap: Orange Cap (759 runs)
• Team Finish: 6th place (Missed Playoffs)

The IPL 2025 season witnessed the magnificent rise of Gujarat Titans opener Sai Sudharsan. The young left-hander displayed unbelievable consistency, scoring a monumental 759 runs with six half-centuries and a brilliant hundred.

He consistently anchored the innings while superstar teammates struggled for rhythm around him.

Despite holding off immense pressure from Mumbai’s Suryakumar Yadav to win the crown, Sudharsan’s individual masterclass wasn’t enough to drag a misfiring Gujarat side into the top four playoff spots.

Read next: The next big thing? Five uncapped IPL stars set to dominate in the future

However, an elite group of modern cricket icons has never walked out onto the pitch for an IPL match – even though they were available and playing elsewhere.

Whether due to geopolitical borders, timing, auction snubs, or a strict devotion to Test cricket, several legends are entirely missing from the competition’s storied database.

Here are seven superstars who never featured as a player in a single IPL game.

1. Brian Lara

The legendary West Indian left-hander was already near the end of his career when the IPL launched in 2008.

While contemporaries like Sanath Jayasuriya and Sourav Ganguly featured heavily in the early years, Lara opted out of the inaugural auction. He made a surprise entry into the 2011 draft at age 41, but franchises passed on the master batter.

He later influenced the tournament from the dugout, serving as the head coach for Sunrisers Hyderabad.

2. Babar Azam

As one of the world’s premier all-format batters, Pakistan’s Babar Azam would naturally have triggered massive bidding wars when he was in his pomp. However, due to political tensions, Pakistani players have been excluded from the IPL since the conclusion of the 2008 season.

Consequently, the former Pakistan captain has spent his peak years lighting up the Pakistan Super League (PSL) rather than showcasing his cover drives in front of packed Indian crowds.

3. Shaheen Shah Afridi

Much like his compatriot Babar, Shaheen Shah Afridi is an elite T20 asset who has never had the chance to play in the IPL. His terrifying opening spells, sharp left-arm angle, and pinpoint death-over yorkers make him a prototype bowler for high-scoring Indian venues.

The tournament has missed out on seeing how modern opening batters would handle his ferocious first-over spells under the stadium lights.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

4. Stuart Broad

Stuart Broad was an accomplished short-format bowler in his younger years and even captained England’s T20 international side. Despite his international profile, he never made an appearance in the IPL.

Broad prioritised his longevity in England‘s Test match setup, frequently using the April and May window to rest his body or prepare for the gruelling English summer alongside his longtime bowling partner.

5. James Anderson

England’s record-breaking fast bowler James Anderson represents a complete anomaly in modern cricket. He is arguably the greatest swing bowler of his generation but never played a single domestic T20 match outside of England.

Anderson focused entirely on red-ball durability, leaving the IPL out of his schedule to protect his body for a historic international career that spanned over two decades.

6. Nathan Lyon

While Australian spinners like Shane Warne and Adam Zampa found major franchise success, Nathan Lyon remains an elusive figure to Indian fans.

“The GOAT” has over 500 Test wickets and possesses an incredible off-spin template, but he has rarely been viewed by selectors as a primary T20 draft option.

Lyon has remained a fixture for the Sydney Sixers in the Big Bash League but has never attracted a bid at the IPL auction block.

7. Marnus Labuschagne

Australia’s eccentric top-order batter has publicly stated his desire to experience the IPL atmosphere on multiple occasions. Labuschagne entered the player auction pools in 2021 and 2022, looking to prove his adaptability ahead of global tournaments.

However, franchises viewed him strictly as a red-ball specialist, and he ultimately went unsold. He later described the snub as a “blessing in disguise” to focus on state and international commitments, but has since starred in the Pakistan Super League.

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In an era where data-driven scouting is king, there is still no substitute for the raw, unscripted drama of a net bowler getting their big break.

These are the players who arrived at training camps with no contract and no guarantee of game time, only to be handed a jersey and asked to save a match.

From speedsters clocking over 150 kph to spinners out foxing legends, here are six players who have transitioned from the shadows of the practice nets to the blinding lights of the IPL 2026 spotlight.

1. Ashok Sharma (Gujarat Titans)

The ultimate fairy tale of 2026 belongs to Ashok Sharma. A son of a farmer from Rampura, Rajasthan, Ashok was a net bowler for RR and KKR without ever making the playing XI. His brother even gave up his own cricket dreams so the family could afford Ashok’s training.

After a breakout domestic season, Gujarat Titans signed him for ₹90 lakh. He repaid that faith instantly by bowling a 154.2 kmph thunderbolt, the fastest ball of the 2026 season, proving that a former support player is now India’s newest pace monster.

2. Raghu Sharma (Mumbai Indians)

At 33, Raghu Sharma is a reminder that it’s never too late to make it.

Long considered a journeyman leg-spinner used primarily as a net bowler to prepare MI batters for wrist-spin challenges, he was officially drafted into the squad as an injury replacement for Vignesh Puthur in 2025.

In his debut against LSG, he claimed a crucial maiden wicket, becoming an overnight sensation for his persistence and old-school flighted deliveries that outclassed much younger international stars.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

3. Eshan Malinga (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

While he has very much arrived now, Eshan Malinga’s journey to the top once involved a 4-hour daily bus commute in Sri Lanka just to bowl as a net bowler for the national team.

Picked up by SRH for the 2025 season, he has firmly established himself alongside skipper Pat Cummins as their leading wicket-taker in the death overs.

With 15 wickets to his name by May, he has transformed from a “replica” bowler used for practice into a frontline spearhead that even his namesake, Lasith Malinga, would be proud of.

4. Praful Hinge (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

A 24-year-old product of the MRF Pace Foundation, Praful Hinge spent time in the SRH nets before being fast-tracked into the main squad.

His moment of glory came when he executed a daring plan to dismiss teenage prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi with a first-ball bouncer earlier in the season.

Hinge’s ability to handle high-pressure scenarios has seen him win multiple “Player of the Match” awards, proving he’s no longer just a “support” arm.

5. Sakib Hussain (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Another SRH find, Sakib Hussain rose from extreme poverty to the IPL stage after impressing coaches as a net bowler during regional trials. On his debut, he delivered a devastating spell of 4/24, dismantling the opposition middle order.

His story is a classic IPL archetype: a player discovered in the dusty practice tracks of Ranchi who found himself taking wickets under the lights of a packed stadium just weeks later in India.

6. Harsh Dubey (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

While technically a domestic veteran for Vidarbha, Harsh Dubey was often overlooked by franchises until he served as a tactical net bowler for SRH.

Captain Ishan Kishan eventually handed him the new ball in the Powerplay, and Dubey responded by stifling some of the league’s most aggressive openers.

His transformation from a “practice spinner” to a genuine Impact Player has been one of the tactical highlights of the 2026 season.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

While the tournament returned to a full home-and-away format, the 2026 season has proven that some stadiums are far more hospitable to their tenants than others.

From the spinning dustbowls of the south to the high-altitude swing of the north, let’s rank the major IPL 2026 venues by how effectively they serve as a fortress for the home side.

1. MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai (Chepauk)

• Tenant: Chennai Super Kings
• Fortress Rating: 10/10

Chepauk remains the gold standard of IPL fortresses. Despite Josh Hazlewood’s recent ranking placing it last due to the heat, for CSK, it is a sanctuary. Historically, the Yellow Army has won over 66 percent of their matches here.

In 2026, the pitch has maintained its signature slow, gripping nature, perfectly suited for Noor Ahmed and CSK’s veteran spin-hitters.

While chasing has become easier, highlighted by Punjab Kings’ record 210-run chase, the tactical knowledge CSK possesses of these conditions makes it the hardest place in India for a visiting team to secure two points.

Also read: Revealed – The five biggest disappointments of this year’s IPL so far

2. M Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru

• Tenant: Royal Challengers Bengaluru
• Fortress Rating: 9/10

In 2026, the Chinnaswamy has finally become the fortress RCB fans always dreamed of. Historically a graveyard for bowlers, RCB has adapted by building an aggression-first identity that thrives on the short boundaries.

They have won 80 percent of their home games thus far this season. The thin air and fast outfield play perfectly into the hands of Virat Kohli and Will Jacks, while their bowling unit has finally mastered the art of the defensive yorker at the death.

It is currently the most intimidating atmosphere for any visiting bowling attack.

3. Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

• Tenant: Gujarat Titans
• Fortress Rating: 8/10

The world’s largest cricket stadium is a fortress of a different kind – one built on tactical balance. The Narendra Modi Stadium offers a unique dual-pitch nature where one square might favour pacers while another assists spinners.

Gujarat Titans have used this to perfection, winning 14 of their 26 total matches at the venue. However, the rise in chasing success (winning over 51 percent of games) has slightly dented its unbeatable status.

It remains a venue where home-team knowledge of the shifting dew factor is a massive advantage.

4. HPCA Stadium, Dharamsala

• Tenant: Punjab Kings
• Fortress Rating: 7/10

While it is PBKS’s second home, the high altitude of Dharamsala provides a psychological and physical edge. The ball swings significantly more in the cool mountain air, a factor that visiting batters from the plains often struggle to calculate.

PBKS has capitalised on this by fielding a pace-heavy attack that thrives in these 1,317-metre conditions. Statistically, it is one of the few venues where batting first (64.3percent win rate) is a winning formula, allowing the home side to dictate terms.

5. Eden Gardens, Kolkata

• Tenant: Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)
• Fortress Rating: 6/10

Eden Gardens has lost some of its “mystery” in 2026. Once a spin-bowling haven, the recent shift toward flatter, high-scoring tracks has neutralised KKR’s home advantage in T20 cricket.

While the crowd remains the most vocal in the league, visiting teams have found it easier to chase down 200-plus totals on the lightning-fast outfield.

KKR’s reliance on Varun Chakravarthy still makes it a difficult place to visit, but it no longer carries the “unplayable” aura of the early 2010s.

Read next: The next big thing? Five uncapped IPL stars set to dominate in the future

Thereafter it’s into the playoffs and downhill to the final. Even though 62 out of 70 pool games have been played, only one team has qualified for the play-offs and only two are out of the running.

That means that seven teams are still vying for three places in post-season. Let’s take a look to assess their chances and see who is most likely to finish where.

The solitary team currently breathing easy is Royal Challengers Bengaluru. Sitting comfortably at the top with 18 points from 13 games, their clinical 23-run dismantling of the Punjab Kings officially secured their playoff ticket.

Backed by an imposing +1.065 Net Run Rate (NRR) and spearheaded by Virat Kohli’s reliable bat, RCB are all but guaranteed to wrap up the league phase exactly where they are right now: in 1st place.

Behind them, the Gujarat Titans look almost as secure in second place. With 16 points and an impressive run of four wins in their last five matches, their top two ambitions rest heavily on the orange-cap-chasing duarchy of Sai Sudharsan and Shubman Gill.

Barring a catastrophic mathematical collapse in their final fixture, Gujarat’s consistency should carry them through with a crucial qualifier safety net.

Also read: Revealed – The five biggest disappointments of this year’s IPL so far

The real intrigue begins in the race for the remaining two postseason spots. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) currently hold the wildcard advantage in 3rd place.

Crucially, they possess a game in hand over most of the chasing pack, sitting on 14 points from 12 matches with a robust +0.331 NRR. Heinrich Klaasen’s explosive middle-order hitting has given them a fear factor that few can match.

If they secure even a single win from their remaining double-header, the Sunrisers will lock down their spot. Expect them to absorb the pressure and comfortably finish in third.

That leaves an absolute dogfight for the final playoff berth, the coveted 4th place.

The Punjab Kings (PBKS) currently sit in that spot on paper with 13 points, but they are a side in freefall. Reeling from an excruciating six-match losing streak, they have played 13 games and have completely lost control of their own destiny. They are the ultimate sitting ducks.

Waiting to overtake them are three teams deadlocked on 12 points: Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Rajasthan Royals (RR), and Delhi Capitals (DC).

Delhi can effectively be discounted; they have played 13 matches and suffer from a horrific -0.871 NRR that will choke out their postseason aspirations.

Therefore, the final spot will come down to a straight sprint between two heavyweight franchises: CSK and the Rajasthan Royals. Both have identical 6–6 records and sit on parallel +0.027 NRRs.

However, momentum is a cruel master. Rajasthan are stumbling backward after a recent loss to Delhi. Meanwhile, five-time champions Chennai Super Kings possess the ultimate championship DNA required for a late-season crunch in India.

Backed by home comforts and a balanced bowling unit featuring breakout star Anshul Kamboj, CSK are primed to peak at the perfect moment. They are heavily tipped to snatch fourth place away from the fading Kings and edge out Rajasthan on NRR.

As for the rest, the Kolkata Knight Riders retain a mathematical whisper on 11 points, but it would require an improbable matrix of external results to save them.

At the absolute bottom of the ladder, the Mumbai Indians and Lucknow Super Giants are already packing their bags, officially eliminated after disastrous, disjointed campaigns.

The table is set, the margins are razor-thin, and the final eight matches promise absolute theatre.

Read next: The next big thing? Five uncapped IPL stars set to dominate in the future

It has been a desperate campaign for the Wankhede-based team who have managed just three wins all season.

For a side that boasts the cream of Indian talent, including Jasprit Bumrah, Rohit Sharma, Hardik Pandya, Suryakumar Yadav and Tilak Varma – not to mention some of the best T20 players from around the world, it has been a fraught season.

It was a season that promised much but which has delivered very little. Let’s look at where it all went wrong.

The primary catalyst for this collapse was a catastrophic failure of the senior core. Jasprit Bumrah, typically the most feared paceman in the world, went wicketless in the first five matches.

By the time he found some sort of rhythm, the season was already slipping away. Similarly, Suryakumar Yadav, who just twelve months ago was the Indian Premier League‘s Most Valuable Player, looked a shadow of himself, averaging a dismal 17.73.

When your two most impactful match-winners fail to fire, the structural integrity of the team dissolves.

Tactical confusion under Hardik Pandya’s leadership further exacerbated these on-field struggles.

The decision to hand the final over in a must-win game against Royal Challengers Bengaluru to rookie Raj Angad Bawa, who had never bowled in the IPL before, perfectly encapsulated a season of questionable decision-making.

Although to be fair that decision was made by Suryakumar and not Hardik, as the regular skipper missed out injured.

Also read: Revealed – The five biggest disappointments of this year’s IPL so far

Critics and fans alike noted a distinct lack of unity, with many pointing to a ‘lobby culture’ and a failure to truly rally behind Pandya as captain following the transition from Rohit Sharma in India.

There have been other issues, which we will touch on shortly, but the leadership transition and balance within the changeroom have been critical.

Rumours around the team suggest that there are factions within the dressing room with some veteran players and support staff still more aligned with the former leadership, creating an environment where the team isn’t fully united behind the current captain.

Added to that is the fact that there are too many leaders. Analysts have noted that the dressing room has become “crowded with opinions,” with senior players like Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, and Jasprit Bumrah all being alphas and natural leaders.

While this can undoubtedly be a strength for a team, it can very quickly become a weakness if alignment is missing which is the case here with a lack of tactical clarity showing on the field, as different lobbies, or groups within the team, bring their conflicting views on strategy.

Injuries also played a cruel hand. Rohit Sharma’s mid-season hamstring injury forced him out for six consecutive games, depriving the top order of its most experienced anchor.

While uncapped Naman Dhir emerged as a rare bright spot at the top of the order, he lacked the support to sustain MI’s aggressive powerplay ambitions.

The team’s inability to adapt to the league’s evolving all-out attack template meant they were often playing catch-up, appearing stuck in an outdated 2020 tactical framework while the rest of the league surged ahead.

Ultimately, Mumbai Indians’ 2026 campaign was a story of a giant that forgot how to walk.

Over-reliance on an aging core, a lack of successful youth scouting, once the franchise’s USP, and a complete breakdown in death-over execution left them languishing at the bottom of the table.

For a five-time champion, finishing among the bottom two for the third time since 2021 is not just a dip in form; it is a full-blown identity crisis that will require difficult calls in the upcoming mini-auction.

Read next: The next big thing? Five uncapped IPL stars set to dominate in the future

In 2026, the coaching line-up is a fascinating mix of international legends, tactical pioneers, and seasoned domestic experts.

These head coaches are the individuals who manage the high-pressure environments, draft the auction blueprints, and mentor the next generation of stars.

From tenured veterans who have defined their team’s culture to fresh faces looking to leave their mark, here is a profile of the ten men leading the charge behind the scenes for the IPL 2026 season.

1. Stephen Fleming – Chennai Super Kings (CSK)

The gold standard for coaching longevity in franchise cricket, Stephen Fleming has been the head coach of the Chennai Super Kings since 2009.

A former New Zealand captain known for his sharp tactical mind, Fleming’s partnership with MS Dhoni created a dynasty that secured five IPL titles.

As a player, Fleming was an elegant left-handed batter and one of New Zealand’s most successful captains.

As a coach, his greatest achievement is maintaining a winning culture across nearly two decades, characterized by loyalty to players and a calm, methodical approach to high-stakes games.

2. Mahela Jayawardene – Mumbai Indians (MI)

Returning for his second stint as head coach, Mahela Jayawardene is the most successful coach in Mumbai Indians history. He oversaw their trophy-winning runs in 2017, 2019, and 2020 before briefly stepping into a global role for the franchise.

Jayawardene, a Sri Lanka batting icon with over 10,000 runs in both Tests and ODIs, is renowned for his strategic depth and ability to foster young talent like Tilak Varma.

His return to the dugout in 2025 and 2026 signifies MI’s intent to reclaim their position at the top of the table.

3. Andy Flower – Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB)

Following a historic title win in 2025, Andy Flower continues to lead the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. The former Zimbabwe captain is one of the most decorated coaches in world cricket, having led England to three Ashes wins and the number one Test ranking.

Known for his disciplined and performance-driven environment, Flower successfully broke RCB’s “trophy jinx” in his second season.

As a player, he was a world-class wicketkeeper-batter, once ranked the best Test batsman in the world. His ability to balance star power with tactical structure has been his hallmark at RCB.

4. Abhishek Nayar – Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR)

A “homegrown” success story, Abhishek Nayar stepped up to the head coach role for Kolkata Knight Riders for the 2026 season. Nayar has been part of the KKR family since 2018, previously serving as an assistant coach and lead coach of their academy.

A domestic legend for Mumbai with a brief international stint for India, Nayar is widely respected as a “player’s coach” who focuses on mental conditioning and technique refinement.

His appointment reflects KKR’s long-term vision of promoting talent from within their own ecosystem.

5. Kumar Sangakkara – Rajasthan Royals (RR)

After a brief period where Rahul Dravid held the reins, the legendary Kumar Sangakkara has returned as the head coach and Director of Cricket for Rajasthan Royals.

Sangakkara is one of the greatest cricketers to ever play the game, having amassed over 28,000 international runs for Sri Lanka. His coaching philosophy at RR is built on data-driven decisions and empowering young players like Yashasvi Jaiswal.

His greatest achievement as a coach has been building the Royals into a perennial playoff contender, focusing on a clear, aggressive brand of cricket.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

6. Ricky Ponting – Punjab Kings (PBKS)

One of the biggest moves ahead of the 2025 season was Australia veteran Ricky Ponting taking charge of the Punjab Kings. After a long tenure with Delhi Capitals, the two-time World Cup-winning captain assumed the head coach role with PBKS, and he took them all the way to the final.

Now in his second season he has been tasked with bringing a winning mentality to a franchise that has struggled for consistency.

Ponting, arguably Australia’s greatest-ever batter and captain, brings an uncompromising, high-performance edge to the dugout.

His primary goal for 2026 is to make sure PBKS remain a hard-to-beat unit through aggressive tactics and psychological resilience – and to go one better than last season and win the competition.

7. Justin Langer – Lucknow Super Giants (LSG)

Continuing his work with Lucknow Super Giants, Justin Langer brings the “elite honesty” and grit that defined his playing career for Australia.

Langer, who coached Australia to a T20 World Cup title and an Ashes win, is known for his intense focus on team culture and fitness. At LSG, he has worked to stabilize a talented squad, emphasizing the importance of adaptability on different Indian pitches.

As a player, he was a gritty opening batter who formed one of history’s most successful partnerships with Matthew Hayden.

8. Daniel Vettori – Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH)

The analytical Daniel Vettori remains at the helm for Sunrisers Hyderabad. The former New Zealand captain and left-arm spinner is highly sought after in the global T20 circuit for his tactical flexibility.

Vettori has a wealth of experience coaching in the IPL, Big Bash, and The Hundred. Under his guidance, SRH has moved toward an ultra-aggressive batting philosophy that redefined the powerplay in recent seasons.

His calm demeanour provides a perfect foil to the high-intensity captaincy of Pat Cummins.

9. Ashish Nehra – Gujarat Titans (GT)

One of the most unique coaching personalities in the league, Ashish Nehra is the man who led Gujarat Titans to a title in their debut 2022 season.

Unlike the formal styles of some international counterparts, Nehra is known for his “hands-on” approach, often seen prowling the boundary line with a paper tactical sheet in hand.

A former India left-arm pacer who played until his late 30s, Nehra understands the modern T20 player’s psyche perfectly. His greatest achievement is fostering a relaxed yet fiercely competitive environment that consistently exceeds expectations.

10. Hemang Badani – Delhi Capitals (DC)

Hemang Badani is the new face in the Delhi Capitals dugout for the 2026 season. A former India batter and a veteran of the domestic circuit, Badani earned his stripes coaching in the TNPL and other global leagues before getting the top job at DC.

His focus is on rebuilding a balanced squad after the departure of Ricky Ponting. Badani is highly regarded for his technical knowledge and his deep understanding of the Indian domestic talent pool, which is critical for scouting the next breakout stars.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

Read these 2026 IPL predictions for insight into what could happen next.

Will Gujarat be able to secure another title? Time will tell.

Punjab Kings v Mumbai Indians

Key talking points

PBKS

Punjab enters this match seeking to bounce back from a narrow loss to Delhi. Led by Shreyas Iyer, the team has been clinical, especially with Prabhsimran Singh and Shashank Singh providing explosive finishes.

Statistically, PBKS has been the masters of the run-chase this season, famously completing the highest-ever T20 chase of 265 earlier in the year.

Their bowling unit, spearheaded by Arshdeep and Yuzvendra Chahal, will look to exploit the extra bounce typically offered by the Dharamsala track.

Having started the season in exceptional form, they have floundered recently and have now lost four games in a row slipping from the summit of the table to fourth in the process.

MI

For the five-time champions, this match is about pride and testing bench strength. MI’s season has been plagued by injuries and a startling lack of form for the bowling unit.

While Quinton de Kock and Ryan Rickelton have both shown flashes of brilliance with recent centuries, the team has struggled to close out tight games.

A curious statistical anomaly for MI this year is their poor powerplay record; they have failed to take a wicket in the first six overs in nearly 40% of their matches, often leaving themselves playing catch-up.

Venue: Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association Stadium, Dharamsala

In a rare trend, teams batting first at the ground have won 64.3% of the IPL matches here.

The average first innings score at the ground is a healthy 187.5 runs, with winning totals usually exceeding 191.

Shaun Marsh remains the all-time leading run scorer at the ground with 334 runs at an average of 66.8.

Set in May 2024, Royal Challengers Bengaluru hold the record for the highest score at the ground, with a massive 241/7 against PBKS.

The lowest team innings made at the ground is 116, scored by Punjab Kings in 2011.

The highest successful chase achieved is 189/6, accomplished by Rajasthan Royals in 2023.

The high altitude (1,317m) and cooler air at the venue cause the ball to swing much more than at any other IPL venue, often catching out batters from the plains.

Weather

Dharamsala will offer a much cooler, crisp environment at the HPCA Stadium. Evening temperatures will be a brisk 16 degrees, dropping towards 13 overnight.

Light mountain breezes are expected under mostly clear skies, though the cool air may lead to some condensation. Fans should bring warm layers for this high-altitude encounter.

Form

• PBKS: L, L, L, L, W.
• MI: L, W, L, L, L.

Predicted line-ups

PBKS

Prabhsimran Singh, Priyansh Arya, Cooper Connolly, Shreyas Iyer, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Musheer Khan, Marco Jansen, Arshdeep Singh, Xavier Bartlett, Yash Thakur.

MI

Ryan Rickelton, Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya, Sherfane Rutherford, Naman Dhir, Keshav Maharaj, Shardul Thakur, Deepak Chahar, Jasprit Bumrah.

Key players

Priyansh Arya

The young left-hander has been a revelation for Punjab Kings this season, currently maintaining a staggering strike rate of 226.49 in India.

Arya enters this game in scintillating form, having struck a fearless 56 off 33 balls in Monday’s clash against Delhi. His ability to anchor the powerplay while maintaining a high scoring rate is crucial for PBKS’s playoff aspirations.

Notably, Arya already has a century and five fifties in his burgeoning IPL career, making him the primary threat to MI’s struggling powerplay bowlers.

Rohit Sharma

Despite Mumbai’s elimination, Rohit Sharma remains their batting talisman and a key player for Thursday’s encounter. After missing five games due to a hamstring injury, he made a spectacular return with 84 off 44 balls against LSG.

Rohit has amassed 414 runs this season at an impressive strike rate of 158.62. His biggest challenge will be surviving Arshdeep Singh, who has dismissed him previously in T20s.

If he navigates the early swing, Rohit’s ability to dominate the middle overs could play spoiler for Punjab.

Prediction: Punjab Kings

Unlike the already eliminated Mumbai Indians, Punjab are fighting for a crucial playoff spot and have mastered the conditions at their second home in Dharamsala.

Their superior chasing ability and the explosive form of Priyansh Arya should outweigh MI’s inconsistent bowling attack, which has struggled to defend totals all season.

Also read: The next big thing? Five uncapped IPL stars set to dominate in the future

Lucknow Super Giants v Chennai Super Kings

Key talking points

LSG

LSG enters this home encounter fighting for pride following six consecutive defeats that left Rishabh Pant’s side marooned near the bottom of the table.

Despite their collective struggles, individual personnel are flashing immense form. Wicketkeeper-batsman Josh Inglis (a late arrival this season) is in devastating touch, recently blasting a 33-ball 85 against this very opponent.

Statistically, LSG presents a comment worthy batting curiosity – while they boast one of the league’s most efficient powerplay batting units as evidenced by a franchise-record 91/1 in six overs last match.

They also have the lowest middle-overs run-rate in the tournament.

CSK

Ruturaj Gaikwad’s Chennai Super Kings are surging late in the season, securing five wins from their last seven outings to climb into fifth place.

Explosive batsman Urvil Patel is the man in form, recently smashing the joint-fastest fifty in IPL history off just 13 deliveries against Lucknow.

A notable statistical fact backing CSK is their historic chasing metric: their successful pursuit of 204 last Sunday marked the first time the franchise chased down a 200-plus target since 2018.

Venue: Bharat Ratna Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee Ekana Cricket Stadium, Lucknow

Teams slightly prefer to chase at this venue. Out of 27 IPL matches tracked, the team batting second has won 14 times, compared to 12 wins for the team batting first.

The average first-innings score at the Ekana Stadium is 173.56 runs. Historically known as a slow, spin-friendly track, it has evolved into a much better batting surface over recent seasons.

Former Lucknow Super Giants captain KL Rahul holds the record for the most IPL runs at this ground. He has amassed well over 500 runs here, anchoring numerous innings for the home franchise.

The highest successful run chase achieved at this stadium is 177/2, completed by the Punjab Kings against the Lucknow Super Giants.

The lowest total successfully defended is here is 126, pulled off by Royal Challengers Bengaluru when they bowled out the Lucknow Super Giants for just 108 runs.

The highest team total at the venue is 235/6, posted by the Kolkata Knight Riders. The lowest team total is 108, registered by the Lucknow Super Giants.

The ground has historically been a paradise for slower bowlers. Despite this the best individual bowling performance is held by fast bowler Mark Wood, who claimed a devastating 5/14 by leveraging raw pace on a tacky surface.

Meanwhile, spinner Ravi Bishnoi remains one of the most prolific wicket-takers at the venue.

Weather

Friday evening in Lucknow will be notably hot, with temperatures hovering around 38 degrees even after sunset. Expect mainly clear skies and very low humidity, making for a dry, sweltering night.

A light breeze from the northwest will offer little relief. Visibility remains good, though the air quality may be poor.

Form

• LSG: L, W, L, L, L.
• CSK: W, W, W, L, W.

Predicted line-ups

LSG

Mitchell Marsh, Arshin Kulkarni, Nicholas Pooran, Aiden Markram, Rishabh Pant, Akshat Raghuwanshi, Himmat Singh, Shahbaz Ahmed, Digvesh Rathi, Mohammed Shami, Prince Yadav.

CSK

Sanju Samson, Ruturaj Gaikwad, Urvil Patel, Kartik Sharma, Dewald Brevis, Shivam Dube, Jamie Overton, Akeal Hosein, Noor Ahmad, Anshul Kamboj, Mukesh Choudhary.

Key players

Prince Yadav

Sitting fourth on the Purple Cap standings, Yadav is a vital bowling asset for Lucknow who has excelled on the spin-friendly Ekana deck despite being a pace merchant.

His ability to restrict runs in the middle overs and break partnerships will be crucial against Chennai’s aggressive batting lineup.

Coming off a disciplined spell in their recent encounter, his tactical execution against spin-dominant batsmen gives LSG defensive stability. If he can stifle the run rate early in his spell, he will force errors and restrict CSK to a chaseable total.

Urvil Patel

A relative unknown until recently Urvil Patel enters Friday’s clash as Chennai’s premier dynamic weapon following his record-breaking 13-ball half-century against Lucknow last week.

His current form allows CSK to dominate the powerplay and put immediate pressure on the LSG bowling attack. Patel’s fearless approach against both pace and spin make him the definitive match-winner for Chennai.

A similar explosive start on Friday could easily take the game away from the hosts during the opening overs.

Prediction: Chennai Super Kings

CSK hold all the momentum after winning five of their last seven games, including a successful 200-plus run chase against LSG last Sunday.

In stark contrast, Lucknow are reeling from a horror run of one win in seven with severe middle-overs batting stagnation.

Urvil Patel’s blistering form gives CSK a decisive powerplay edge that the deflated LSG bowling attack will struggle to contain. And don’t forget, CSK have everything to play for while LSG only have pride on the line.

Kolkata Knight Riders v Gujarat Titans

Key talking points

KKR

After a slow start KKR enters this home fixture in sizzling form, having secured three victories in their last four outings to solidify their playoff credentials.

The loss against RCB on Wednesday was damaging though and they now need to win each of their last three games (and hope that other results go their way) if they are to have a hope of making the play-offs.

Leg-spinner Varun Chakaravarthy remains their primary weapon, leading the team’s wicket charts with 16 scalps.

Curiously, Eden Gardens has served up a massive statistical anomaly this season: KKR has a 100 percent win record when chasing at home, but they have lost every single match when forced to bat first.

GT

Gujarat Titans travel to Kolkata as the tournament’s undisputed in-form team, riding a spectacular five-game unbeaten winning streak.

Opening batsman Sai Sudharsan is in blistering touch, crossing the 500-run milestone for the season, while fast bowler Kagiso Rabada sits near the top of the wicket-taking charts.

Statistically, GT possesses the league’s most efficient death-bowling economy rate this year at 8.4, yet they face a glaring anomaly: despite their high-flying top-table position, they have hit the fewest total sixes of any team in the tournament.

Venue: Eden Gardens, Kolkata

Teams heavily prefer to chase at Eden Gardens due to the prominent dew factor later in the evening. In 104 IPL matches, the chasing team has emerged victorious 59 times, compared to 43 wins for the team batting first.

The historical average first-innings score is 164.59 runs. However, this figure is heavily skewed by older seasons; modern pitches here are exceptionally flat, regularly yielding scores well above 200.

Legendary former KKR skipper Gautam Gambhir leads the charts with 1,408 runs scored across 47 matches. He is closely followed by fellow batsman Robin Uthappa, who scored 1,160 runs at the venue.

Eden Gardens holds the record for the highest successful run chase in IPL history. The Punjab Kings miraculously chased down a mammoth target of 261, finishing at 262/2 against KKR.

The lowest score successfully defended in a completed match here is 131 by KKR against Royal Challengers Bengaluru.

The highest team total is 262/2 by the Punjab Kings. The lowest team total is a shocking 49 all-out by Royal Challengers Bengaluru, which remains the lowest team total in the history of the IPL.

Despite the track evolving into a boundary-laden, high-scoring highway, mystery spinner Sunil Narine completely dominates the bowling charts here.

He has taken over 70 wickets at Eden Gardens, maintaining an incredibly low economy rate on a ground built for batters.

Weather

Kolkata is set for a warm and humid Saturday evening, with temperatures around 31 degrees. The sky will likely be mostly clear with only a few scattered clouds.

A gentle southerly breeze typical of the pre-monsoon season will bring in moisture, keeping the ‘real feel’ temperature higher. No significant precipitation is expected, providing a stable night and the prospect of uninterrupted cricket.

Form

• KKR: L, W, W, W, W.
• GT: W, W, W, W, W.

Predicted line-ups

KKR

Finn Allen, Sunil Narine, Ajinkya Rahane, Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Cameron Green, Rinku Singh, Ramandeep Singh, Rovman Powell, Anukul Roy, Vaibhav Arora, Varun Chakaravarthy.

GT

Shubman Gill, Sai Sudharsan, Jos Buttler, Washington Sundar, Glenn Phillips, Shahrukh Khan, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Kagiso Rabada, Prasidh Krishna, Mohammed Siraj.

Key players

Angkrish Raghuvanshi

The young top-order batsman shoulders massive responsibility and has found some good form in recent outings with two fifty-plus scores in his last three outings.

Raghuvanshi’s natural aggression and ability to manipulate fielders during the powerplay make him the ideal candidate to dominate KKR’s top order.

Playing at Eden Gardens, his tactical approach against Gujarat’s formidable new-ball attack will dictate whether KKR can build a competitive total or chase successfully under intense pressure.

Sai Sudharsan

Sudharsan is the batting linchpin for the tournament’s most in-form team, having already crossed the 500-run milestone this season (he is currently the competition’s second highest scorer for the season).

His immaculate anchoring ability allows GT’s heavy hitters to play freely around him.

On a spinning Eden Gardens track, Sudharsan’s exceptional footwork and composure against KKR’s dangerous spin twins, Varun Chakaravarthy and Sunil Narine, will be vital to maintaining Gujarat’s five-game unbeaten streak.

Prediction: Gujarat Titans

The Titans enter Saturday’s game as the tournament’s most in-form unit, riding a rampant five-game unbeaten streak.

While KKR possesses a dangerous spin duo, their batting line-up remains highly inconsistent following their recent defeat to RCB.

GT’s well-oiled death-bowling unit and Sai Sudharsan’s elite anchoring form give them the tactical edge to secure victory.

Read next: Why Heinrich Klaasen’s international chapter should stay closed

We are well past mid-way through the IPL 2026 season.

It’s time to take stock and look at five players who stand out as the most underwhelming performers.

1, Cameron Green (Kolkata Knight Riders)

The most expensive overseas player in history, Australia star Cameron Green was bought for a staggering ₹25.20 crore. However, he has completely failed to live up to the “all-rounder” billing.

Initially hampered by a back injury that prevented him from bowling, his batting has been equally dismal, collecting just 199 runs in nine innings at an average of 28.42.

It’s not a terrible return but given the hype and the huge fee paid for his services it is not surprising that fans are already calling for him to be dropped in favour of a more reliable overseas option once Matheesha Pathirana returns to full fitness.

2. Jasprit Bumrah (Mumbai Indians)

In one of the most surreal statistical dips in IPL history, the world’s premier T20 bowler has looked toothless. Bumrah, a hero of India’s recent T20 World Cup win, has managed just three wickets across his first nine matches.

While his economy rate remains respectable, his lack of breakthroughs has left MI’s pace attack depleted and primarily responsible for their position near the bottom of the table.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

3. Suryakumar Yadav (Mumbai Indians)

The “360-degree” master has lost his rhythm. After leading India to the T20 World Cup title, Suryakumar Yadav has looked out of sorts for MI, managing only 183 runs in nine innings at an average of just 20.33.

Aside from a single half-century, he has failed to dominate attacks, leaving a massive void in the Mumbai middle order that has translated into a string of narrow defeats.

At a time when Mumbai needed their big-name stars to stand up in the absence of Rohit Sharma, Suryakumar has been a major disappointment.

4. Rishabh Pant (Lucknow Super Giants)

As the league’s highest-paid player at ₹27 crore, expectations for Pant are always sky-high. Unfortunately, his second season leading LSG has been defined by scratchy batting and questionable captaincy.

He has averaged just 25.50 with a strike rate significantly lower than his usual explosive standard. His struggle to convert starts and his frequent reshuffling of the batting order has left LSG languishing at the bottom of the points table.

5. Nicholas Pooran (Lucknow Super Giants)

Joining his captain in the disappointment category, West Indies star Nicholas Pooran has seen a shocking decline in power. Known for his record-breaking strike rates, Pooran has struck at under 100 this season, managing a meagre 82 runs from eight games.

For a player LSG relies on to finish innings, hitting only four sixes mid-way through the season is a catastrophic drop-off from his usual form.

While he showed signs of a revival with a fluent 63 against MI, his low point was undoubtedly the Super Over against KKR where he was bowled first ball by Sunil Narine as LSG posted a score of one as they lost the tiebreaker.

Read next: The 7 exciting teenage prodigies set to light up IPL 2026

Franchise scouts now spend 12 months a year traversing the country, from the bustling grounds of Mumbai to the remote districts of Jharkhand, looking for specific skill sets, namely high-pace bowling, 360-degree hitting ability and mystery spin.

As we move toward the business end of the 2026 season and with the inevitable mega-auction on the horizon, these five players, uncapped at international level, have emerged as this season’s blue-chip prospects.

Here is the scouting report on the next wave of Indian talent ready to make the leap to the international stage.

1. Vaibhav Sooryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)

• The profile: Top-order left-handed batsman

The hype: At just 15 years old, Vaibhav Sooryavanshi has become the face of Generation Alpha cricket. After being picked up by Rajasthan Royals for ₹1.10 crore, he hasn’t just participated; he has dominated.

Scouting notes: Sooryavanshi possesses a rare combination of classical timing and contemporary fearlessness. He recently broke the record for the fastest fifty by a teenager in IPL history, reaching the mark in just 15 balls.

His ability to hit “good length” balls over cover is reminiscent of a young Sourav Ganguly, but his strike rate suggests a player built entirely for the T20 age.

Verdict: A future multi-format star for India; expect him to be the first name protected in any future retention lists.

2. Priyansh Arya (Delhi Capitals)

• The profile: Opening batsman

The hype: Arya arrived in the Indian Premier League with a massive reputation after hitting six sixes in an over during the Delhi Premier League. In 2026, he has proven that his power hitting translates to the world’s biggest stage.

Scouting notes: Arya is a Powerplay specialist. He excels at exploiting the field restrictions, using a high back-lift and incredible bat speed to clear the ropes with ease.

Unlike many young power-hitters, his footwork against spin is advanced, allowing him to stay at the crease long after the fielding restrictions have eased. He has been a bright spark in an otherwise difficult season for the Capitals.

Verdict: The ideal T20 opener. His Impact Player value is enormous because of his ability to provide a 200-plus strike rate start.

Also read: Biggest IPL blowouts ever – the most dominant wins in history

3. Ashok Sharma (Gujarat Titans)

• The profile: Right-arm fast bowler

The hype: The standout story of the 2026 season. After years as a net bowler, Sharma has suddenly become the fastest Indian on the circuit.

Scouting notes: Sharma is the rare raw pace find that coaches dream of. Clocking in at 154.2 kmph, he doesn’t just rely on speed; he has developed a lethal heavy ball that hits the bat harder than expected.

His temperament under pressure, specifically when defending totals at the death, has been the biggest surprise for the Titans’ coaching staff.

Verdict: If he stays fit, he is a lock-in for India’s white-ball squads by the end of the year.

4. Swastik Chikara (Delhi Capitals)

• The profile: Aggressive batsman

The hype: Another product of the vibrant Delhi cricketing ecosystem, Chikara has been a revelation for his fearless approach to middle-over batting.

Scouting notes: Chikara is a destroyer of spin. In a league where many teams use the 7-15 over period to squeeze the batting side with slow bowlers, Chikara is the antidote.

He has an incredible range of sweeps and lofted drives, making it almost impossible for captains to settle on a defensive field for him. His consistent strike rate of 160-plus in the middle overs has kept DC competitive in several high-scoring chases.

Verdict: A vital middle-order engine who could easily transition into a “finisher” role as he matures.

5. Manav Suthar (Gujarat Titans)

• The profile: Left-arm spinner

The hype: While pace has stolen the headlines, the accuracy and guile of Manav Suthar have quietly kept Gujarat Titans in the playoff hunt.

Scouting notes: Suthar is an intelligence-first bowler. He doesn’t generate massive turn, but his control over line and length is exceptional for his age. He thrives on frustration, bowling defensive lines that force batters into risky shots.

His economy rate in the 2026 season is among the top five for all uncapped bowlers, making him an invaluable asset on the slower, turning tracks seen in the latter half of the tournament.

Verdict: The perfect T20 utility bowler. He provides four overs of control that allow the strike bowlers like Ashok Sharma to attack from the other end.

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His ability to dismantle spin and clear boundaries with nonchalant ease for Sunrisers Hyderabad has, predictably, ignited a flurry of calls for him to rescind his international retirement with commentator Kevin Pietersen leading the clamour.

The sight of Klaasen in full flow makes any South African fan nostalgic for that explosive power in the Proteas middle order.

However, despite the seductive nature of his current form, the prospect of a return would be a step backward that South African cricket simply cannot afford to take.

The most compelling reason to resist the “Klaasen comeback” narrative is the sheer depth of talent currently knocking on the door. To recall a veteran is to stifle the momentum of players like Ryan Rickelton and Donovan Ferreira.

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Rickelton has been in sensational form domestically and in various T20 leagues, proving he is ready for the rigours of the international stage. While he did well for the Proteas at the T20 World Cup, it should be remembered that there was not initially space for him in the side.

Similarly, Ferreira offers a mirror image of Klaasen’s finishing ability—a hard-hitting, versatile player who represents the next generation of Proteas finishers.

If the national side continues to revert to retired legends every time a gap opens, it sends a demoralising message to those who have remained loyal to the domestic system. Much as Klaasen has been doing for SRH, Ferreira has been doing for the Rajasthan Royals.

Ferreira’s most recent innings saw him strike an undefeated 47 from 14 balls.

Furthermore, we must factor in the Baby AB phenomenon. Dewald Brevis represents the absolute future of South African batting.

While his journey has had its ups and downs, the only way for a talent of that magnitude to mature is through consistent exposure to the international arena.

The reality is that Brevis and Klaasen are competing for the same place – it is possible that there would be space for both of them in the same Proteas team, but the role they both play is very similar.

In short, every game a returning veteran plays is a game of experience stolen from a youngster like Brevis.

Building a world-class squad is about looking to the horizon, not peering into the rearview mirror. True progress lies in nurturing the raw potential of the youth rather than clinging to the safety net of the past.

Perhaps the most important factor is the philosophy of retirement itself. Major life decisions, especially those involving one’s career and family, should be made for reasons far more substantial than a temporary purple patch of form.

As Klaasen himself noted in a recent interview, “It was a thought for about two weeks… then we decided against it. My family plays a big role.”

Retirement is a foundational shift in a player’s lifestyle and mental headspace. Linking a comeback solely to “how well one is hitting the ball” ignores the personal toll and the logistical commitments that international cricket demands.

Klaasen’s honesty is refreshing; he admitted that while he missed the camaraderie during the World Cup, he ultimately realised, “It’s not going to happen.”

To pressure a player back into service when his heart and family priorities have moved on is a recipe for burnout and diminished returns.

Ultimately, Heinrich Klaasen’s legacy is secure. He has provided South Africa with some of its most exhilarating modern cricketing moments in the IPL and elsewhere.

But for the Proteas to evolve into a side capable of winning trophies, they must trust the system they have built and the players they are currently developing. The chapter is closed, and for the health of South African cricket, it should stay that way.

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Taking a five-wicket haul (a “five-for”) in just four overs is a monumental task, yet some bowlers managed to capture lightning in a bottle exactly once, etching their names into trivia lore forever.

Here are five of the most unlikely bowlers to have dismantled an opposition in the IPL.

1. Ishant Sharma – (5/12 vs Kochi Tuskers Kerala, 2011)

Known more for his Test match longevity and red-ball precision, India seamer Ishant Sharma isn’t the first name that comes to mind for T20 demolition.

However, playing for Deccan Chargers in 2011, he produced one of the most devastating spells in league history.

In a single match against the now-defunct Kochi Tuskers, Ishant tore through the top order, claiming 5 wickets for just 12 runs in a performance that remains his only five-for in a T20 career spanning nearly two decades.

2. Amit Mishra – (5/17 vs Deccan Chargers, 2008)

While Amit Mishra eventually became the IPL’s hat-trick king, his early-career 5-wicket haul for Delhi Daredevils in the inaugural 2008 season was a massive surprise.

At the time, the world was still figuring out if leg-spinners would even be viable in the new format. Mishra’s 5/17 not only answered that question but established the template for the wicket-taking wrist-spinner that defines the modern IPL.

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3. Ankit Rajpoot – (5/14 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2018)

Perhaps the most ‘unlikely’ name on this list in terms of star power, Ankit Rajpoot stunned the cricketing world in 2018. Playing for Kings XI Punjab, the uncapped Indian pacer delivered a masterclass in swing and bounce against a powerhouse Sunrisers Hyderabad lineup.

His 5/14 remains one of the best-ever figures by an uncapped Indian player, a feat even seasoned international superstars struggle to match.

4. Alzarri Joseph – (6/12 vs Sunrisers Hyderabad, 2019)

It is rare for a bowler to take a five-for; it is nearly impossible to do it on your debut. Alzarri Joseph did one better by taking 6 wickets for 12 runs in his very first IPL appearance for Mumbai Indians.

Joseph wasn’t a household name at the time, but he broke Sohail Tanvir’s long-standing 11-year record for the best bowling figures in IPL history in just 3.4 overs.

5. Dimitri Mascarenhas – (5/25 vs Pune Warriors India, 2012)

England all-rounder Dimitri Mascarenhas was a solid professional but rarely considered a “strike” bowler in the IPL. In 2012, however, he found the perfect conditions at Mohali for Kings XI Punjab.

Utilizing subtle changes of pace and impeccable lines, he dismantled the Pune Warriors India middle order to finish with 5/25, a classic case of a smart “bits-and-pieces” player outshining the specialists.

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