IPL’s new bat testing rule draws mixed reactions from players
LONDON: The Indian Premier League’s new rule requiring bat checks before batsmen take guard has sparked mixed reactions among players.
Brendon Maccullum Sport News
Virat Kohli Tops Batting Charts, Yuzvendra Chahal Leads With The Ball As IPL Turns 18
On April 18, the Indian Premier League (IPL) celebrates its 18th birthday, a tournament that revolutionised cricket and changed the sport's landscape forever. The league's inception was nothing short of dramatic, as Brendon McCullum of Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) lit up the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium with an unforgettable 158* off just 73 deliveries, smashing ten fours and thirteen sixes against Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB). That one knock announced the arrival of a cricketing carnival. As the league undergoes its 18th season, Virat Kohli stands as the highest run-scorer in IPL history. Representing just one franchise--Royal Challengers Bangalore--Kohli has amassed an astounding 8,252 runs from 258 matches, including eight centuries and 58 fifties. Remarkably, he has never missed a season for RCB, making him the league's most loyal and prolific batter.
"Abhishek Sharma Played Well But...": Punjab Kings Coach Fumes After Heavy Loss To SRH
Abhishek Sharma delivered one of the most explosive knocks of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2025 season, hammering a sensational 141 off just 55 balls against Punjab Kings (PBKS). His innings, laced with 14 boundaries and 10 towering sixes, came at a staggering strike rate of 256.36, leaving the PBKS bowlers gasping for answers. The left-hander, who had been searching for form, finally found his rhythm and punished the Punjab attack with a mix of clean hitting and fearless strokeplay. Reflecting on the carnage, PBKS spin bowling coach Sunil Joshi admitted that the team missed crucial chances which allowed Abhishek to take the game away.
SRH Star Abhishek Sharma Breaks Incredible IPL Record After Stunning 55-Ball 141 Blitzkrieg vs PBKS
Abhishek Sharma played a one of the most scintillating knocks in Indian Premier League history as he smashed 141 off just 55 balls to help Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) chase down a target of 246 against Punjab Kings (PBKS) in IPL 2025. Abhishek went on a complete rampage, smashing 14 boundaries and 10 sixes, as SRH chased down 246 with nine whole balls to spare. Abhishek broke numerous records on the night, including registering the highest score by a player in a run chase in IPL history.
Abhishek plunders 141 as Hyderabad pull off second-highest IPL chase
HYDERABAD: Abhishek Sharma lit up the IPL on Saturday with a spectacular 141 off 55 balls to steer Sunrisers Hyderabad to the second-highest successful chase in tournament history of 246 as they downed Punjab Kings by eight wickets.Earlier, Nicholas Pooran continued his incredible form with 61 to help Lucknow Super Giants end Gujarat Titans’ winning streak of four matches, coming out on top by six wickets.The 24-year-old Abhishek put on the best stand so far this season of 171 with opening partner Travis Head, who hit 66, in a chase achieved with nine balls to spare.“We didn’t talk (about) anything,” Abhishek said of the mood ahead of the chase. “It was just natural play for us.
"My Concern For England...": Australia Great Criticises Bazball, Gives Prediction For Ashes vs Australia
Former Australian pacer Jason Gillespie backed Australia to retain the Ashes 2025-26 series at home, saying that the conditions will offer enough support to Australian bowlers but that England could falter with the bat in Australian conditions, costing them the prestigious series. The Ashes series 2025-26 will kickstart in Perth from November 21 onwards. Currently, the Ashes urn is with England following a 2-2 draw in the UK. England has not won a Test in Australia since 2011, when they last won the series. They had lost all two previous series in Australia by 4-0 and faced a whitewash in 2013. They have not held the prestigious urn at home either, drawing the series in 2019 and 2023.
"If You Are Shaking...": Harbhajan Singh Tears Into CSK Star Over Continuous Flop Shows
The Chennai Super Kings slumped to their second consecutive loss in IPL 2025 as the Ruturaj Gaikwad-led side was outplayed by the Rajasthan Royals on Sunday. It was a batting performance that left a lot to be desired despite skipper Gaikwad scoring a half-century. Following the result, former Indian cricket team spinner Harbhajan Singh pointed out some aspects that he believes are pulling CSK down at the moment. Rahul Tripathi is one of those 'aspects', and Harbhajan doesn't think will be seen in the playing XI when CSK face Delhi Capitals next.
Big hitters shine as unstoppable Indian Premier League begins
The 18th Indian Premier League has begun with a bang. Although not as big a one as the very first match in 2008, when Brendon McCullum smashed an unbeaten 158 off 73 deliveries in a total of 222 for Kolkata Knight Riders, it has generated some powerful batting displays. In the first five matches, an average of 208.7 runs has been scored per innings in the first five matches; in 2008, it was 152.