Indian cricketer KL Rahul finally opened up about his non-retention for Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) before the IPL 2025 mega auction. 

In the IPL 2022 mega auction, LSG bought KL Rahul. He was the captain of the team in their first three seasons. Rahul is the only LSG batter to score 1000 runs for the team. The right-handed batter scored 1410 runs in 38 games for the team with an average of 41.47 and a strike rate of 130.67, including two centuries and 10 half-centuries. 

Last season, LSG finished in the seventh position, while they reached the playoffs and played Eliminators in their first two seasons.  

Although Rahul’s exit from the LSG team was highly expected, the decision is still hardly understandable.  

SEE ALSO: Rohit Sharma to miss first Test against Australia in Perth

I wanted to explore my options: KL Rahul

Talking about Rahul’s exit from LSG, the former IPL skipper clarified that he wanted a fresh start and to explore other strong and suitable options in the game. 

Rahul told Star Sports, "I wanted to start fresh, I wanted to explore my options, and I wanted to go and play where I could find some freedom. Team atmosphere would be lighter; sometimes you just need to move away and find something good for yourself, and I have been out of the T20 team for a while." 

My aim is obviously to get back into the T20 team: KL Rahul

Rahul last represented the Indian T20I side in November 2022, during the semi-final of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 against England. He openly admitted that he wanted to return to the T20I side. 

Rahul added, "I know where I stand as a player, and I know what I need to do to get back. I look forward to this IPL season to give me that platform to go back and enjoy my cricket. My aim is obviously to get back into the T20 team."

KL Rahul won the Orange Cap in the IPL 2021 when he was serving for Punjab Kings. While he was the second-most run-scorer in the IPL 2022, he was in seventh place in the IPL 2024 (Rahul missed almost half of the IPL 2023 due to injury). 

Since IPL 2017, Rahul is the leading run-scorer in IPL. It shows his consistent performances and strong dependable ability with the bat. Without any doubt, he will create an auction war between teams in the upcoming mega auction.

Just like Gujarat Titans, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) also made their IPL debut in the 2022 edition. LSG have announced the retained players for the IPL 2025. 

Although they haven’t played any final yet, LSG still have impressed in their early IPL journey. In their first two IPL seasons, LSG reached the Eliminators. Last season, LSG finished in the seventh position with the same points as the fourth place but a lesser net run rate. 

KL Rahul has been leading the team since their IPL debut. In his absence, Krunal Pandya and Nicholas Pooran have led the team. 

Lucknow Super Giants’ player retention

Lucknow Super Giants retained five players, including three capped and two uncapped players, for INR 51 crore. At the IPL 2025 mega auction, LSG can spend the remaining INR 69 crore. 

(Capped)

Nicholas Pooran (Trinidadian): INR 21 Crore

Ravi Bishnoi (Indian): INR 11 Crore

Mayank Yadav (Indian): INR 11 Crore

(Uncapped)

Mohsin Khan (Indian): INR 4 Crore

Ayush Badoni (Indian): INR 4 Crore

Right-to-Match (RTM) card availability for the mega auction

1 capped player

West Indies cricketer Nicholas Pooran has reportedly signed a new contract for the Indian Premier League (IPL) team Lucknow Super Giants (LSG).

Recently, the 29-year-old Caribbean cricketer Nicholas Pooran was in Kolkata to meet with the RPSG officials. While Cricbuzz confirmed this report, the cricket news website also claimed that the Caribbean cricketer could be the first official sign for the IPL 2025. 

The retention deadline is October 31. On that day, we can learn the retained players of each IPL team before the mega auction. 

LSG are unlikely to retain KL Rahul

The LSG team management is unlikely to retain the captain KL Rahul, who is the only batter to record 1000+ runs for the team. LSG played the Eliminators in their first two IPL seasons but finished in the seventh position in the IPL 2024. 

Although the LSG owner has claimed that Rahul is a family member, the unhappiness with the captain was publicly seen in the last season.

Nicholas Pooran's performances

Pooran is the fourth-most run-scorer for LSG, as he has scored 857 runs in 29 games with an average of 42.85 and a strike rate of 175.97. The left-handed Caribbean batter has hit five half-centuries. In the last IPL season, Pooran scored 499 runs with an average of 62.37 and a strike rate of 178.21, including three half-centuries. 

As Pooran is going to be the first sign for the LSG, his retention value can be INR 18 crore. However, the franchise can deal with him for lesser or higher salaries. 

An LSG official said, according to Cricbuzz, "Pooran is committed to LSG, possesses a winning mindset, thinks deep and above all he is adaptable to the batting order and any match situation.”

If LSG don’t retain KL Rahul, Pooran can be their next captain for the IPL 2025. 

According to the Cricbuzz report, capped players Ravi Bishnoi and Mayank Yadav and the uncapped players Ayush Badoni and Mohsin Khan can be the other retained names for the LSG. 

While KLRahul has been dropped from the Pune Test against New Zealand, there is more hard news for him. According to the recent ESPNcricinfo report, Lucknow Super Giants (LSG) are unlikely to retain their captain for the IPL 2025. It also means that he will participate in the upcoming mega auction. 

KL Rahul is the only batter to score 1000+ runs for Lucknow Super Giants as the right-handed batter scored 1410 runs in three IPL seasons with an average of 41.47 and a strike rate of 130.67. He has scored two centuries and 10 half-centuries for the team.

KL Rahul is a consistent performer as a batter

While LSG made their IPL debut in the 2022 season, Rahul was the second most run-scorer in the tournament with 616 runs in 15 matches with an average of 53.00 and a strike rate of 141.16. Under his captaincy, LSG reached the Eliminator round before Royal Challengers Bangalore eliminated them from the tournament. 

In the IPL 2023, Rahul missed out on the second half of the season due to an injury. In that season, LSG once again failed to win the Eliminator round, while Mumbai Indians beat them in that challenge.

LSG disappointed in the IPL 2024 as they finished in seventh place and failed to reach the playoffs. Captain KL Rahul was once again the leading run-scorer for LSG in that season by scoring 520 runs in 14 matches with an average of 37.14 and a strike rate of 136.12. 

One of the major possible problems

In recent times, Rahul has been criticised for his poor strike rate and weak powerplay batting, which put pressure on the next batters in the shorter cricket format. In the IPL 2024, Rahul faced 86 dot balls in the powerplay, the second most dot balls faced in that IPL season. Overall, the right-handed batter faced 123 dot balls in that IPL season, the third most in the season. 

The LSG team management is reportedly unhappy with Rahul. After the end of the IPL 2024 match against the hosts SunRisers Hyderabad (SRH), LSG owner Sanjeev Goenka had a seeming argument with the skipper Rahul. In that match, SRH chased the 166-run target in 9.4 overs without losing any wickets. It was the time when the speculation started on Rahul’s doubtful future with LSG. 

Although Goenka later called Rahul a family, LSG is unlikely to retain Rahul before the IPL 2025 mega auction. The deadline for the players’ retention is October 31. 

The mega auction for the 18th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is just around the corner. Teams will be embroiled in an intense tussle to get their hands on star players. While some teams insist on preserving their loyal long-serving members, other teams most notably the RCB and LSG have broad ambitions and are more than willing to scout for fresh talent at the expense of their experienced guns. Rishab Pant is one such name that has attracted the attention of several IPL franchises. The 26-year-old swashbuckling wicketkeeper-batsman made his IPL debut with the now-defunct Delhi Daredevils (Delhi Capitals) in 2016.

However, as per reports, Pant has put his name forward for the auction as it is believed that the Delhi-based outfit is willing to move on from him ahead of the next season. Many experts speculate that Pant had a series of discussions with the Delhi Capitals franchise and expressed his desire to lead the side. Unfortunately, his wish never materialized as he was informed that he was not the first choice for captaincy. This major reason may have caused Pant to part ways with them ahead of the next IPL season. 

The reason behind RCB's drive to acquire Pant 

Eyeing their maiden title, RCB are more than willing to secure the services of Rishab Pant who has been in prolific form in recent times. Pant brings with him an X-factor and has the ability to take the game from the opposition like no other. Following the exit of Faf du Plessis and wicketkeeper-batsman Dinesh Karthik, the door is now left wide open for RCB to rope in a dynamic batter like Pant. He has been a star performer for India across all formats and can provide the franchise with a great deal of stability in the middle order. Moreover, with the departure of Faf, the possibility of assuming a leadership role for RCB is also open for Pant. It was initially believed that RCB had their eyes set on acquiring KL Rahul but now it looks evidently clear that they have more exciting options at their disposal.  

LSG & PBKS jostle to rope in Rishab Pant

Two other franchises apart from RCB have also shown keep interest in Rishab Pant ahead of the mega auction. Kl Rahul is all set to be relieved from LSG earlier next year. Once he is gone, LSG will be on the hunt for a reliable wicketkeeper option who can not only contribute with the bat and keep behind the stumps, but also lead the franchise to new heights. Pant with his leadership skills could give the Lucknow-based franchise just the edge they need to propel them to their maiden IPL title. On the other hand, PBKS are also reportedly hoping for Pant to join their side under a new head coach Ricky Ponting with whom he shares a special relationship.

Pant is part of the Indian squad in the ongoing 3-match Test series against the Black Caps. The ace wicketkeeper batter was last seen in action during the first Test in Bangalore where he played a match-reviving innings for his side and almost bailed them out of trouble. But his unfortunate demise on 99 in the second innings allowed the Kiwis to crawl back and take a 1-0 assailable lead.  

Delhi Capitals captain Rishabh Pant had an impressive IPL 2024, scoring 446 runs in 13 matches. Despite this the team doesn’t seem fully satisfied with the 26 year old’s performance.

Reports say that Rishabh Pant might be transferred from Delhi Capitals to Chennai Super Kings before the IPL 2025 mega auction. According to Dainik Jagran, DC is debating whether to keep Pant or let him go due to concerns about his recent form.

There’s also a chance Pant could be traded to another team, but DC’s Director of Cricket Sourav Ganguly, appears interested in keeping him as captain.

Dhoni’s potential retirement and Its impact

If DC decides to release Pant he might join Chennai Super Kings. The team is looking for a wicketkeeper to potentially replace MS Dhoni if he retires from the IPL, and Pant is a top candidate for the job. Dhoni’s future in the IPL is uncertain with a chance he might not play in 2025.

Pant made a strong comeback this season after recovering from a car accident in December 2022. He scored 446 runs, including three half-centuries, and also played as India’s No. 3 batsman in the T20 World Cup 2024, where he scored 171 runs in eight matches.

RCB’s search for an Indian captain

Meanwhile, KL Rahul might leave Lucknow Super Giants after a three year period. Following a tough 10 wicket loss to Sunrisers Hyderabad, LSG owner Sanjiv Goenka criticized Rahul, casting doubt on his future with the team.

Rahul could return to Royal Challengers Bangalore, a team he played for in 2013 and 2016. Under Faf du Plessis RCB reached the IPL playoffs this season, but they were eliminated in the Eliminator by Rajasthan Royals. Reports suggest RCB is considering an Indian player as captain, and if Rahul joins he might take on that role.

The Indian Premier League, a veritable breeding ground for cricketing talent, has once again brought a group of promising players to the fore. The just-concluded 2024 edition was a platform for these emerging Indian players, who could potentially bring about a sea change in the national cricket team.

Here’s a rundown of the top five Indian players who, based on their IPL performances, could be on their way to their first international call.

1. Nitish Kumar Reddy (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Sunrisers Hyderabad has uncovered yet another cricketing treasure in the form of Nitish Kumar Reddy, a pace-bowling all-rounder. This sought-after combination frequently piques the curiosity of Indian cricket selection. At the age of 21, Reddy has distinguished himself by his ability to flourish in high-pressure circumstances and guide the innings to a successful completion.

The youngster also won this year’s Emerging Player of the Year title, scoring 303 runs in 15 matches at an average of 33.67. He took three wickets with the ball and had the best bowling stats of 2/17. Nitish played a significant part in enabling the team’s third IPL finale match. 

2. Abhishek Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Having associations since 2019 with the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Abhishek Sharma paid back the trust after a memorable cricketing display as the team’s opener. With his opening partner, Travis Head, Sharma has created havoc with the bat by making a sound and aggressive start towards the team’s high-scoring total, with their highest team total of 287/3 runs against Royal Challengers Bengaluru being one of them.

He has smashed 484 runs in 16 matches, with a strike rate of over 200. As an all-rounder, he also has the potential to turn the ball and scalp some crucial wickets. It would be interesting to see how he performs as an opener when he gets his maiden international call in the future.

Also Read: IPL 2024: Ranking all IPL teams captains

3. Riyan Parag (Rajasthan Royals)

Riyan Parag has been a part of Rajasthan Royals for an extended period, but his performance has gradually declined season by season. With numerous trolls and backlash, Parag gave a befitting reply to such haters with his all-rounding performance in the recent season. He acted as the medium of robust to the team’s middle-order batting and helped in scalping crucial wins for the team.

He emerged as the team’s best run-scorer in IPL 2024, achieving the third-highest total tally with 573 runs at a strike rate of 149.21 throughout 14 innings. With a sophisticated approach and a relaxed attitude, Parag’s proficient tactics have created a lasting impression, which implies that a call-up to the Indian squad may be approaching.

4. Mayank Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants)

Though Mayank Yadav’s IPL career was cut short owing to repeated ailments, the speed phenom made the most of his opportunities while still in the league. Mayank’s blazing speed and pinpoint precision in his maiden match astounded the crowd.

Despite bowling only 12.1 overs in the competition and taking seven wickets with a fantastic economy rate of 6.98, Mayank’s early exit from the IPL 2024 did not herald the end of his career. With his impressive quickness and intriguing talent, he is undoubtedly on selectors’ radar for future possibilities.

5. Shashank Singh (Punjab Kings)

During the 2024 IPL auction, Shashank Singh’s purchase by the Punjab Kings was an atmosphere of confusion and rumours, as the team wanted another player going by the same name. But this purchase turned out to be a masterstroke and made one of the players who might get his India debut call very soon. He became the face of the team’s middle-order lineup.

The batter hit 415 runs in the 14 games he played in the competition this season, with a strike-rate of 161. The effect of his knocks made him a superstar for the Punjab Kings as he came out to bat amid tight moments and won them the game when the team had practically no chance of success.

The 2024 IPL edition is one of the most intensifying tournaments in the Indian franchise-based fraternity. With many broken records and some commendable performances, the team’s captains have acted as the epitome of such cricketing displays, making the concluded edition more memorable for the cricketing world.

With different captains having different strategies and intent, here is a ranking of all the teams’ heads who have contributed to the fullest with their cricketing minds and calibre in the recently concluded IPL 2024 edition. The ranking is based on a combination of factors, including the team’s performance, the captain’s leadership skills, and their contributions to the team’s success.

1. Shreyas Iyer- Kolkata Knight Riders

The 2024 IPL champions, Kolkata Knight Riders, have been a jack-of-all-trades team, checking all the boxes in all aspects, with particular praise from their skipper, Shreyas Iyer, and the coaching staff. Shreyas Iyer has done well as a captain, and the team is doing well under his leadership.

His decision-making has been sound, with no significant weaknesses identified in his leadership. KKR has perhaps the finest balance of bat and ball. The leading cause for this has been player selection and, therefore, player performance. He played aggressive cricket with the bat, hitting 351 runs at a strike rate of 146.

2. Pat Cummins- Sunrisers Hyderabad

Pat Cummins excelled as a captain. After performing well for Australia, which has a strong lineup, the star player’s challenge was to turn around SRH’s fortunes. And he did just that. Thanks to Cummins’ inspired captaincy, the hitters transformed the dynamics of the league with their aggressive style, and the developing bowlers dominated it to the fullest.

Cummins was also effective with the ball, taking 18 wickets over the season. As a captain, he inspired the SRH team to break records in the IPL 2024. Cummins has pulled the best out of numerous players this season, leading them to the grand finals.

3. Faf du Plessis- Royal Challengers Bengaluru

Though the team had one heck of a forgettable start, Royal Challengers Bengaluru made a fantabulous and memorable comeback, even when there was a bleak 1% chance of qualification. All credit would go to the former South African ace opener, Faf du Plessis, who focused on strengthening its batting core and improvising its bowling department.

Overall, it was a valiant display of captaincy and team effort by the Royal Challengers Bengaluru. As of his batting performance, du Plessis made 438 runs at a strike rate of 161.

4. Sanju Samson- Rajasthan Royals

In the initial and mid stages of the league, Rajasthan Royals (RR) were the favourites to finish first in the points standings, having won eight of their nine games. However, their season deteriorated following that, and they made the playoffs in third place.

This was primarily about critiquing the team’s consistency and captain Sanju Samson’s evolving plans and methods. If not for this season, Samson is praised for his constant batting and captaincy efforts, which was unsurprising given his performance this season. He had a spectacular batting tenure, amassing 531 runs with a strike rate of 153.

5. Rishabh Pant- Delhi Capitals

Rishabh Pant returns to play after being out for more than 15 months. After avoiding a life-threatening accident, the top player returned to cricket and performed well as a batsman. But he was a decent skipper. He began his IPL 2024 campaign with some difficulties.

But by the second half of the tournament, he had returned to his excellent levels. The Delhi Capitals skipper scored 446 runs with a strike rate of 155. Pant made poor selections about the team’s batting and bowling. Pant would need to improve over time for the following season.

See Also: Gambhir reveals KKR’s 2024 victory secret

6. Ruturaj Gaikwad- Chennai Super Kings

Ruturaj Gaikwad captained Chennai Super Kings for the first time in IPL history. His leadership was not up to par, but it could have a future influence on the team’s destiny in the long term, especially after a long and prosperous era of MS Dhoni. The batting order constantly changed in numerous games, hampered the players’ performance.

Ruturaj Gaikwad led Chennai Super Kings through a consistent season, not to forget his spectacular batting stint by scoring 583 runs, making him the second-highest run-scorer of the tournament. Gaikwad won only seven games in his 14-match campaign, indicating significant room for development.

7. Sam Curran- Punjab Kings

Though Shikhar Dhawan had to lead the Punjab Kings full-time, Sam Curran’s appearance as a captain for majority of time was interesting to check out. However, he wasn’t appealing with his overall all-rounder performance, as he made just 270 runs at a strike rate of 123 and snapped 16 wickets.

But, his ability to utilise emerging domestic talent has prompted his arsenal to change the game and can act as the future of the team’s successes. In the end, the team was able to win just a mere five wins and ended up ninth in the points table.

8. KL Rahul- Lucknow Super Giants

KL Rahul led the Lucknow Super Giants to a 50-50 record, winning seven of their fourteen matches. Under his guidance, the squad won as many games as it lost, indicating an up-and-down season. They started brightly but lost momentum in the middle.

Meanwhile, Rahul scored 520 runs this season, but his strike rate of 136 was significantly below average and ordinary for openers in the IPL 2024 season, which was a high-scoring event. It sums up his tactics of runs coming off his bat, but not at the rate his side needs.  The Super Giants missed the playoffs for the first time in their three-season history.

9. Shubman Gill- Gujarat Titans

Shubman Gill, a budding opening batter, has become the captain of the Gujarat Titans after Hardik Pandya moved to the Mumbai Indians. In his first stint as captain, Gill faced challenges, including critical player injuries, leading to some perplexed and vague decisions.

Despite this, he viewed it as a learning experience. The team won only five out of 14 matches, but Gill’s batting was solid, with 426 runs in 12 games. But it will be interesting to see how he evolves as a captain for the Gujarat Titans.

10. Hardik Pandya- Mumbai Indians

Hardik Pandya, the new Mumbai Indians captain, was perhaps the most disappointing captain and big-name player of the IPL 2024 season, especially given that he led Gujarat to an IPL trophy and a runners-up finish in the previous two seasons.

Despite huge expectations, the Mumbai Indians ended at the bottom of the points table, winning only four matches out of 14 games. Hardik scored 216 runs at an average of 18 as a player and took 11 wickets. Given his previous success, Pandya’s captaincy has been more forgettable this season.

In the 2024 IPL edition, while the batters stole the show, it’s undeniable that the game was shaped by the impact of the ball. Amidst the high-scoring runs and memorable batting innings, some standout bowling performances significantly influenced the top-notch batting displays.

This article will delve into the top 5 bowling highlights of the 2024 IPL edition, shedding light on the bowlers who made a significant impact. 

1. Shahbaz Ahmed (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Rajasthan Royals- 3/23 

With Sunrisers Hyderabad, a team known for its strong batting attacks and high team scores, the absence of their prime-purchased spinner, Wanindu Hasaranga, due to an injury was a significant blow. However, they managed to turn the tide in their Qualifier 2 match against the Rajasthan Royals, a crucial game that would determine their path to the final.

They relied on their part-time and all-rounder spinners to exploit the no-dew and turning pitch conditions. One such standout was Shahbaz Ahmed, who played a crucial role in scalping the Royals’ batting order wickets. With an economy of a mere 5.75 and having spin-handy support of Abhishek Sharma, they have triumphed a win over the Royals by 36 runs and made their way to their third IPL final. 

2. Matheesha Pathirana (Chennai Super Kings) vs Mumbai Indians- 4/28

The Impact Player rule has been in action since the 2023 IPL edition, and it has stirred a lot of controversies among cricket fanatics and the experienced sports fraternity. Still, this bowling highlight is a prime example of how this rule changes the game’s dynamics.

When Chennai Super Kings set up a target of 207 against a swashbuckling Mumbai Indians batting order, Super Kings’ Pathirana displayed his pace skills and flummoxed Mumbai Indians batting order by scalping four wickets of just 28 runs, with a commendable economy of seven runs. This performance earned him the title of Man of the Match. 

3. Mitchell Starc (Kolkata Knight Riders) vs Sunrisers Hyderabad- 3/34

When the top Australian pacer, Mitchell Starc, was bought for a colossal INR 24.5 Crore, making him the most expensive player in the tournament’s history, many critics gave their words on the costly and unnecessary purchase.

But during the Qualifier-1 match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad, Starc proved his calibre of why he’s the best in the business with his crucial performance during the game by scalping major wickets of the robust Sunrisers Hyderabad batting lineup, by taking three wickets of just 34 runs, at an economy of 8.5, with the swing and pace with the new ball being the highlight. 

See Also: IPL 2024: Top 5 best batting highlights of IPL 2024

4. Mayank Yadav (Lucknow Super Giants) vs Royal Challengers Bengaluru- 3/14

IPL has been a breeding ground for young and emerging cricketing talent, domestic or foreign players. With this season witnessing several promising domestic talents, one such talent arises from the pace bowling department. Mayank Yadav is one of the elements of Lucknow Super Giants’ young-blooded and emerging bowling attack, where his bowling speed has done the talking.

His first-ever IPL delivery clocked at a fiery pace of 147 mph, with other deliveries clocking at 155.8 mph. The speed gun displayed his pace and wicket-taking abilities in his second IPL match against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru, where he had scalped three wickets at an astonishing economy of 3.5, leading the team to a 28-run win and earning his first-ever MOM award. Though his injury sidelined him for the majority of the season, he has a bright future ahead and is getting a chance to get his maiden international call. 

5. T Natarajan (Sunrisers Hyderabad) vs Delhi Capitals- 4/19 

Hailed as the Yorker King, T Natarajan has been a valuable asset for the Sunrisers Hyderabad for a long period and has been vital in scalping pivotal wickets. This match acts as one such instance. Giving a colossal target of 267 runs against a powerful batting order of Delhi Capitals, T Natarajan provided some unplayable deliveries.

He took a triple-wicket maiden over in his final over, summing up his quality pace attack. There is a noteworthy mention of T Natarajan being the team’s highest wicket-taker and the tournament’s fourth-highest wicket-taker (19 wickets). 

The 2024 IPL edition has been a rollercoaster ride for cricket fanatics, filled with suspense and intriguingness. The excitement has been palpable, with shattered records, emerging talents making their mark, and the league stage concluding with a bang from four powerhouse teams.

Here’s a rundown of the five most thrilling matches from the league stage of IPL 2024, each one a nail-biter that kept fans on the edge of their seats. 

1. Match no 68: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Chennai Super Kings

Touted as one of the most intriguing virtual knockout matches, the Southern derby clash between the two powerhouse teams was for sealing the last and crucial fourth position of the playoffs timeline, with the team’s NRR being the deciding factor of one of both teams sealing the fourth place of the table. It occurred amidst the electrified crowd of the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru; the away side, Chennai Super Kings, won the toss and was elected to bat first.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru set a humongous target of 219 on a turning and batters-friendly ground. As the playoff qualification scenario lay on RCB defeating CSK by a minimum of 18 runs, the hosts showcased their will and determination against an in-form batting lineup of CSK through their impeccable bowlers’ arsenal.

In a stunning display of skill and strategy, RCB defeated CSK by 27 runs, fulfilling the qualification criterion and sealing the crucial fourth spot. This victory was a testament to the team’s resilience and spirit, especially considering their mere 1% chance of making it to the playoffs at the halfway mark of the league stage. 

2. Match no 8: Sunrisers Hyderabad vs Mumbai Indians

The 2024 IPL edition witnessed a galore of high-scoring innings, big sixes and commendable batting chases. But, it all started with the initial stage clash between the Sunrisers Hyderabad and Mumbai Indians.

Winning the toss and choosing to bowl, Mumbai Indians seemed confident in restricting the Sunrisers Hyderabad with their bowling side, but the home side had their own plans. The 2016 champions showcased their emerging and powerful batting prowess thanks to the likes of debutant Travis Head, Abhishek Sharma, Heinrich Klassen and Aiden Markram.

By this, the Sunrisers Hyderabad broke the gigantic 11-year record of the highest batting total by scoring 277/3. In response, the Mumbai Indians gave their all and best by scoring 246/5, with SRH beating MI by 31 runs.

See also: IPL 2024: Player Analysis: How did Abhishek Sharma calmly surpass Kohli’s six-hitting record?

3. Match no 30: Royal Challengers Bengaluru vs Sunrisers Hyderabad

With the Sunrisers Hyderabad displaying their top-notch batting skills by scoring the highest batting innings in the tournament’s history, they seemed not yet done. In just a matter of weeks, Sunrisers Hyderabad were up against the Royal Challengers Bengaluru and strived to break their record.

On the small and lively dimensions of Chinnaswamy Stadium, the orange arsenal batted first, and thanks to Travis Head’s stupendous century and other batting cameos by Heinrich Klaasen and Abdul Smad, they scored 287/3 in 20 overs, the tournament’s highest-ever batting innings.

Despite the Royal Challengers Bengaluru displaying their valiant batting effort, the Orange triumphed in a win over them by just 25 runs.

4. Match no 39: Chennai Super Kings vs Lucknow Super Giants

The main reason for having this match on the list is a testament to a resilient chase of a vast batting total. Amidst a massive crowd of Chepauk, the hosts were given to bat first and set up a colossal target of 211 for the away side, thanks to a captain’s knock by Ruturaj Gaikwad of 108 runs off 60 balls.

In their batting innings stint, Lucknow Super Giants weren’t able to middle the ball on the slower wicket and in 11 overs, they scored a mere 88/3. With 123 runs required from the last nine overs, the team’s middle order gang of Marcus Stoinis, Nicholas Pooran and Deepak Hooda have reached the target mark and scalped a win by six wickets and three balls remaining in front of the roaring fanbase of CSK.

The backbone of the innings was a complete innings by Marcus Stoinis, where he scored 124 runs off 63 balls, making it the highest individual score in IPL run chases. 

5. Match no 42: Kolkata Knight Riders vs Punjab Kings

As many cricket fanatics can infer, the batting side has a better advantage over the bowling side in the tournament, and the matchup between the Kolkata Knight Riders and the Punjab Kings sums it up.

On a batters-friendly track of Eden Gardens, Kolkata Knight Riders set up a colossal target of 262 runs through the complete team’s batting prowess. Many game spectators assumed that the away side could not fulfil the mammoth of a target.

Still, the Punjab Kings were up for the challenge and with a praiseworthy century by Jonny Bairstow and brilliant batting cameos by Prabhsimran Singh, Rilee Rossouw, and Shashank Singh, the Kings chased the target successfully with eight balls to spare. This game broke many records by being the highest target successfully chased in men’s T20 cricket and the most sixes hit in an IPL inning and a T20I match (42 sixes).