Rahul Dravid has stepped down as head coach of Rajasthan Royals, the Indian Premier League (IPL) franchise said on Saturday.

Dravid was offered a broader position in a structural review but the former India coach declined it, the franchise said.

Official Statement pic.twitter.com/qyHYVLVewz

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 30, 2025

"Rahul has been central to the Royals' journey over many years," the 2008 IPL champions said in a statement.

"His leadership has influenced a generation of players, built strong values within the squad, and left an indelible mark on the culture of the franchise."

Former India captain Dravid joined Rajasthan Royals in 2011 as a player and captained the side until 2013.

Your presence in Pink inspired both the young and the seasoned. 💗

Forever a Royal. Forever grateful. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/XT4kUkcqMa

— Rajasthan Royals (@rajasthanroyals) August 30, 2025

He served as the team mentor until 2015 and returned as head coach earlier this year when Rajasthan failed to make the playoff.

Spinner Ravichandran Ashwin ended his Indian Premier League (IPL) career on Wednesday but hinted he may be available to play other competitions of franchise cricket.

"They say every ending will have a new start, my time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today," the 38-year-old posted on X.

Special day and hence a special beginning.

They say every ending will have a new start, my time as an IPL cricketer comes to a close today, but my time as an explorer of the game around various leagues begins today🤓.

Would like to thank all the franchisees for all the…

— Ashwin 🇮🇳 (@ashwinravi99) August 27, 2025

"Look forward to enjoying and making the most of what's ahead of me," he added.

Ashwin began and ended his IPL career with his home team Chennai Super Kings and represented Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals, Rajasthan Royals and Kings XI Punjab.

He is IPL's fifth-highest wicket-taker with 187 wickets from 221 matches with an economy rate of 7.2.

The offspinner, India's second-highest wicket-taker in tests, quit international cricket in December 2024.

India's government introduced a parliamentary bill on Wednesday to ban online gambling, citing concerns over addiction, financial harm, and potential links to money laundering and terrorism financing.

The move could threaten a multi-billion dollar industry that includes online poker platforms to fantasy sports, as well as India's wildly popular homegrown fantasy cricket apps – some of which sponsor the Indian Premier League (IPL) and the national team.

The bill, tabled in the lower house of the parliament, aims to stop websites or apps from offering games that are "played by a user paying fees or depositing money or other stakes", with the expectation of winning money.

If passed, the law would impose jail terms or fines on individuals and companies offering online money gaming services.

The bill proposes prison sentences or fines, saying the ban is needed due to the social and financial harm that online money games have on young players.

Lawmakers said the ban was needed due to the industry's "unchecked expansion", which the bill said had been linked to "financial fraud, money laundering... and in some cases, the financing of terrorism".

The legislation also pointed to the social and financial risks for young players.

Industry bodies have strongly opposed the move, warning it could devastate a sector that has drawn major foreign investment.

The All India Gaming Federation and the Federation of Indian Fantasy Sports said on Tuesday that shutting "responsible" Indian platforms would push millions of players toward offshore gambling sites and unregulated operators.

"Instead of protecting people, this bill risks exposing them to fraud, exploitation and unsafe practices," they said in a letter.

The Indian Premier League's business value has been estimated at $18.5 billion with reigning champions Royal Challengers Bengaluru its wealthiest franchise, according to a report by an investment bank.

The world's richest cricket tournament has been a top revenue earner for the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) and in 2020 was estimated to generate more than $11 billion a year for the Indian economy.

According to US investment bank Houlihan Lokey, which has valued several sports franchises around the world, the brand value of the 10-team T20 franchise tournament has seen a sharp rise of 13.8 per cent to $3.9 billion over the past year.

Bengaluru, who along with star player Virat Kohli won their first IPL title this year, have overtaken five-time winners Chennai Super Kings and Mumbai Indians to achieve a brand value of $269 million.

Mumbai is second with $242 million, followed by Chennai at $235 million.

The Houlihan Lokey report called the IPL "a global phenomenon" that has become more than just a cricket league.

"The IPL continues to set benchmarks in sports business. Franchise valuations have soared, media rights deals have reached record highs, and brand partnerships have diversified across sectors," Harsh Talikoti from Houlihan Lokey, said in a statement.

"The league's ability to attract global investors and sponsors reflects its status as a premier sports property with enduring appeal."

Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings for the title at the world's biggest cricket stadium in Ahmedabad in June to conclude the 18th edition of the league.

The report said the 2025 final had more than 678 million views on the official streaming platform JioHotstar, surpassing the India-Pakistan clash during the Champions Trophy in February this year.

The IPL, which is broadcast around the world and features top international stars such as Australia's Pat Cummins and England's Jos Buttler, mixes sport and showbusiness in a glitzy format, with a number of teams fronted by Bollywood movie superstars.

Since it launched in 2008 it has inspired a range of other franchise-based leagues in India in sports as diverse as boxing, badminton, poker and kabaddi, and spawned copycat cricket tournaments elsewhere.

It was an 18-year wait for Royal Challengers Bengaluru and, specifically, Virat Kohli to finally win the title – and they made the most of every minute of their success (and will continue to do so for the rest of the year).

Neil Manthorp looks back at the highs and lows of IPL 2025.

Match of the Tournament: There was only one Super Over in the entire tournament, which featured fewer close finishes than ever before, but Punjab Kings, defending just 111 against the Kolkata Knight Riders, was a clear standout with Marco Jansen to the fore. But let’s go with the final – the biggest matches so often fail to live up to their billing. Punjab actually bowled beautifully, having chosen to do so, but Royal Challengers batted better to win by just six runs.

Batter:  Sai Sudharsan had a remarkable tournament for the Gujarat Titans, storming his way to 759 runs at an average of 54.2 and a strike rate of 156 but the form team of the first two months faltered when it mattered most. Suryakumar Yadav was in second place with 717 for Mumbai Indians, but let’s go with the man in third place – the one and only Virat Kohli, whose 657 runs came at a respectable strike rate of 144.

Bowler: Prasidh Krishna led the way with 25 wickets, with three overseas players close behind – Afghan wrist spinner Noor Ahmad (24) performed consistently in a hapless CSK season, while Josh Hazlewood and Trent Bould claimed 22 apiece.

Performance: 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi hit his first ball for six over extra cover and made 34 off 20 balls for Rajasthan Royals against LSG – Nine days later, he scored 100 off just 35 balls against Gujarat Titans with seven fours and 11 sixes, second only to Chris Gayle’s 30-ball hundred in 2013.

Clanger: Rishabh Pant cost a record $3.2 million and scored 118* off 61 balls in LSG’s final league match to raise his average from an abject 13.7 to 24.5 with a meagre return of 269 runs from 13 innings. That was more of a blooper than Kagiso Rabada returning home mid-tournament for “personal reasons”.

Overseas Player: Trinidadian Nicholas Pooran’s 40 sixes were more than anybody else managed and his 524 runs came at a remarkable strike rate of 196 for an otherwise disappointing LSG team. Former England captain Jos Buttler also delivered exactly what was required by GT with 538 runs at a strike rate of 163 batting in an unfamiliar No 3 role. But Josh Hazlewood’s 22 wickets and willingness to return to India after the week-long hiatus were instrumental in RCB’s triumph.

Indian Player: Krunal Pandya collected three man-of-the-match awards and scored vital runs everywhere from No 4 to No 8 for champions RCB. There is no more consistent player in recent IPL history – or more consistently under-appreciated.

South African: Heinrich Klaasen’s 37-ball century in Sunrisers' final match pushed him up to ninth place with 487 runs at a strike rate of 172.7 with 25 sixes. Marco Jansen’s 16 wickets for Punjab left him in 13th place overall. They were the most consistent of the South Africans, along with Ryan Rickelton, who will have better seasons for Mumbai. Gerald Coetzee and Corbin Bosch had their moments but perhaps the greatest impression was made by replacement player Dewald Brevis around whom CSK will now attempt to rebuild their batting.

Talking Point: Punjab Kings v Delhi Capitals match was abandoned as air-raid sirens sounded in Dharamsala, less than 200 kilometres from Jammu, where explosions had been reported with India and Pakistan exchanging heavy fire and drone attacks. The stadium lights were cut and the crowd evacuated while the teams and officials were moved by chartered train to Delhi, with airspace in the region shut down.

Look out for: More stories on the MS Dhoni ‘saga’. The former Indian captain will be 44 by the time of the next tournament and, despite looking (and playing like) his age, and being urged to retire by any number of former players and teammates, he said he was in “no hurry” to decide his future.

300? SRH began the season in stunning fashion with a total of 286 for six against the Rajasthan Royals, just one short of their own tournament record set in 2024. It seemed just a matter of time before the 300 barrier was breached. But the bowlers fought back and no team even reached 250 until the Sunrisers (again) posted a whopping 278-5 in their final game against GT with Heinrich Klaasen posting 105* from only 39 balls.

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc is comfortable with his decision to leave the Indian Premier League (IPL) following the India-Pakistan clashes last month regardless of any repercussions, the 35-year-old said.

The IPL was suspended on 9 May in the wake of hostilities between the two. It resumed on 17 May after the nuclear-armed neighbours agreed to a ceasefire.

While most IPL foreign recruits returned to complete their franchise commitment, the Delhi Capitals duo of Starc and fellow Australian Jake Fraser-McGurk took no further part in the 10-team league.

"I'm comfortable with my decision and how I felt about the whole situation and how it was handled," Starc told the Sydney Morning Herald on Friday.

"Time will tell with repercussions or how it looks with guys that didn't return. But I've had my questions and concerns leading into that game, and obviously we saw what happened, which played a part in my decision."

'INDIVIDUAL DECISION'

Starc was in Dharamsala, near the Pakistan border, for Delhi's 9 May match against the Punjab Kings. The contest was abandoned midway through, although league organisers blamed it on a floodlights failure.

"Jake and I chose not to (return). So it was a very individual decision, and I'm happy to live with whatever comes of that," Starc said.

He opted out of the Champions Trophy in Pakistan earlier this year citing personal reasons and has skipped the IPL more than once to preserve himself for international cricket.

The left-arm quick said he withdrew from the remainder of the IPL because of the extraordinary circumstances.

"I'm still heavily committed to the Delhi group, and I'm not someone that's gone into tournaments and pulled out after being picked up in an auction or whatever that looks like," Starc said.

"These are different circumstances ... I had a discussion back home, then came to a decision, and whatever comes from that, I'm comfortable with that and we move forward."

Virat Kohli said he was lost for words after celebrations of a dream IPL title turned to tragedy when 11 mainly young cricket fans were crushed to death in Bengaluru.

Hundreds of thousands had packed the streets on Wednesday to welcome home their hero Kohli and the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) after they had beaten Punjab Kings a day earlier in a thrilling Indian Premier League final.

But the euphoria of the vast crowds in the southern tech city of Bengaluru ended in disaster, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi calling it "absolutely heartrending".

Karnataka state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said most of the 11 dead were young people and there were 47 others injured in the crush after a stampede near the city's M. Chinnaswamy cricket stadium, where the players were parading the trophy for fans.

Kohli, who top scored in the final, said earlier it had been "as much for the fans" after the 36-year-old finally celebrated winning the IPL at his 18th attempt.

Later, Kohli wrote on social media: "At a loss for words.

"Absolutely gutted," he added, alongside a statement from the RCB team saying they were "deeply anguished" at what had unfolded.

One of the people injured described to AFP how a "huge crowd" had crushed her.

"They stamped on me," said the woman, who did not give her name, from a wheelchair.

"I was not able to breathe. I fell unconscious."

Most of the dead were young fans who had gone out just to catch a glimpse of their sporting heroes.

'HE DIED IN AN RCB SHIRT'

Street food vendor Manoj Kumar mourned the death of his 18-year-old son, killed in the stampede, who he said he had stopped from working on his stall so he could study.

"I wanted him to go to college," Kumar told the Indian Express newspaper.

"I brought him up with a lot of care. Now, he is gone."

A grieving mother outside a city mortuary said her 22-year-old engineering student son had also died in the crush.

"He was crazy about RCB," she was quoted as saying by the Indian Express on Thursday.

"He died in an RCB shirt. They danced when RCB won and now he is gone. Can RCB give him back to us?"

Authorities had already called off RCB's proposed open-top bus victory parade through the streets after anticipating vast crowds.

But organisers pressed ahead with the welcome ceremony and celebrations inside the stadium.

RCB's social media account posted a video of cheering crowds lining the streets as the players waved back from their team bus on their way to the stadium.

The team said they cut short the celebrations "immediately upon being made aware of the situation".

Siddaramaiah said that the stadium had a capacity of "only 35 000 people, but 200 000 to 300 000 people came".

Packed crowds in India celebrating their cricket team's victory ended in a deadly stampede on Wednesday with 11 mainly young fans crushed to death, the local state's chief minister said.

Joyous cricket fans had come out to celebrate and welcome home their heroes, Royal Challengers Bengaluru, after they beat Punjab Kings in a roller-coaster Indian Premier League cricket final on Tuesday night.

But the euphoria of the vast crowds in the southern tech city of Bengaluru ended in disaster, with Prime Minister Narendra calling it "absolutely heartrending".

Karnataka state Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said most of the deceased are young, with 11 dead and 47 injured in the crush.

In one Bengaluru hospital, a stream of injured came for treatment.

"I was standing near the entrance, there was a huge crowd and they stamped on me", one lady told AFP, being taken in a wheelchair, who did not give her name. "I was not able to breathe. I fell unconscious."

Siddaramaiah told reporters said that "no one expected such a huge crowd." But he added that the entire police force of the city had been deployed.

"The stadium has a capacity of only 35 000 people, but 200 000-300 000 people came," the minister said.

He said a victory street parade by the winning team was called off as authorities had anticipated an uncontrollable crowd.

"The pain of this tragedy has even erased the joy of victory," said Siddaramaiah, who has ordered an inquiry in the deaths.

"I don't want to defend the incident, the tragedy... our government is not going to play politics on this," he added.

"This tragedy should not have happened. We are with the victims."

'DISTRESSING'

The IPL winning team said it was "deeply anguished" by the incident.

"The safety and well-being of everyone is of utmost importance to us," Royal Challengers Bengaluru said late on Wednesday.

𝗢𝗳𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗦𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁: 𝗥𝗼𝘆𝗮𝗹 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗴𝗮𝗹𝘂𝗿𝘂

We are deeply anguished by the unfortunate incidents that have come to light through media reports regarding public gatherings all over Bengaluru in anticipation of the team’s arrival this… pic.twitter.com/C0RsCUzKtQ

— Royal Challengers Bengaluru (@RCBTweets) June 4, 2025

Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar said hundreds of thousands of people had flocked onto the streets and that police had been "finding it very difficult."

An AFP photographer saw vast crowds as a sea of people crammed the streets and police waved sticks.

Broadcasters showed police rushing away from crowds carrying young children in their arms, who had seemingly fainted.

One unattended young man was sitting in an ambulance struggling to breathe.

India cricket great Sachin Tendulkar called the deaths "beyond tragic", in a post on social media.

"My heart goes out to every affected family," he said. "Wishing peace and strength to all."

What happened at Chinnaswamy Stadium, Bengaluru, is beyond tragic. My heart goes out to every affected family. Wishing peace and strength to all. 🙏

— Sachin Tendulkar (@sachin_rt) June 4, 2025

Former British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, who attended the final match with his wife on Tuesday, expressed sorrow over the stampede.

"We celebrated with you yesterday and we mourn with you today," he said in a post on X.

Mine and Akshata’s hearts go out to everyone who has lost loved ones or been hurt in the tragic events in Bengaluru.

We celebrated with you yesterday and we mourn with you today.

— Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) June 4, 2025

Where the crush took place, abandoned shoes lay scattered around.

Mallikarjun Kharge, a senior Congress party leader, said the deaths were "profoundly distressing", adding that "the joy of victory should never come at the cost of lives".

'HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES

Organisers pressed ahead with the ceremony, with the team's social media account posting a video of cheering crowds as the bus full of the players -- including batting legend Virat Kohli -- waved back.

"This welcome is what pure love looks like," the club said in a post on X, which it later deleted.

But IPL chairman Arun Dhumal, speaking to NDTV, said organisers in the stadium had not been told about the stampede until later.

"At the time of the celebrations inside the stadium officials there did not know what had happened... I would like to send my heartfelt condolences," Dhumal said.

Shivakumar said cricket organisers had "shortened the programme".

Bengaluru had erupted in midnight celebrations after their team RCB, who scored 190-9, restricted Punjab to 184-7.

India's IPL mega-tournament wrapped up on Tuesday night watched by 91 000 fans packed into the stadium in Ahmedabad -- and many millions more on television.

Bengaluru fans celebrated wildly after their hero Kohli and RCB clinched victory for the first time in the 18 years of the IPL, their three previous finals having all ended in defeat.

Deadly crowd incidents are a frequent occurrence at Indian mass events such as religious festivals due to poor crowd management and safety lapses.

A stampede at India's Kumbh Mela religious fair in January this year killed 30 people and injured several others.

In July last year, 121 people were killed in northern Uttar Pradesh state during a Hindu religious gathering.

Virat Kohli said it was "as much for the fans" after he finally won the IPL at his 18th attempt, with Bengaluru's ecstatic supporters preparing to welcome home their hero at a victory parade.

Royal Challengers Bengaluru beat Punjab Kings by six runs in a roller-coaster IPL final on Tuesday in Ahmedabad front of more than 91 000 fans, who erupted in joy when Kohli lifted the trophy at the world's biggest cricket stadium.

The 36-year-old Kohli, the only man to have played all 18 years for the same IPL team since its inaugural season in 2008, fittingly top-scored with 43 to anchor Bengaluru to victory.

Kohli, who captained Bengaluru in 143 matches between 2011 and 2023, had been on the losing side in three previous IPL finals.

Later on Wednesday he will celebrate with his teammates on an open-top bus tour in the southern city of Bengaluru.

Many will be wearing Kohli's number 18 shirt as they celebrate their side's first IPL final win.

"I said it straight away -- this title is as much for the fans as it is for us," said Kohli.

"These people have backed us relentlessly for 18 years.

"We've had horrible seasons and great ones too, but they turned up for every game in Bengaluru.

"I've never seen loyalty like that. That's what made me stay."

India cricket great Sachin Tendulkar led the tributes for Kohli and Bengaluru.

"Congratulations to (Bengaluru) on their first-ever IPL title. Fitting that jersey no. 18 lifts the trophy in the 18th edition," Tendulkar posted on X.

Bengaluru head coach Andy Flower said: "Virat in his 18th year of competing in the IPL, I think that makes it really special for everyone involved.

"I am really happy for him and really proud of the way that he's driven the side forward."

The tech city of Bengaluru erupted in midnight celebrations after RCB, who scored 190-9, restricted Punjab to 184-7.

Fans danced in the streets and fireworks lit up the sky.

"It's not an easy tournament to win," Punjab head coach Ricky Ponting said.

"You have to think long and hard about that, think how many good teams they have had over the years.

"You can see what it meant to (Kohli), his wife and all the RCB fans to finally get the monkey off the back and win an IPL title."

Former Australia batsman Matthew Hayden said on broadcaster JioHotstar: "The IPL 2025 will be forever etched in the annals of cricket -- not just for Virat Kohli, but for the RCB fans who stood by them through thick and thin.

"It shows how consistency and belief can finally lead to a title. Over the past five years they've always been close, and now they've crossed the line."

Indian superstar Virat Kohli was overcome by emotion as the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) finally broke their IPL duck with a six-run win over the Punjab Kings in the Grand Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday night.

It saw them finally lift the title for the first time after long years 18 years, since the IPL was first launched back in 2008.

Only two teams from that first edition, the losing finalists Punjab Kings, and the Delhi Capitals have yet to lift the famed trophy.

The tears say it all 🥹

An 1️⃣8️⃣-year wait comes to an end 👏

Updates ▶ https://t.co/U5zvVhcvdo#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @imVkohli pic.twitter.com/X15Xdmxb0k

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

But no player could be more worthy than Kohli, who has been a one team man since the beginning and having lifted all manner of other trophies internationally and domestically, he finally adds this one to the cabinet, which he admitted was right up there with the best of them.

“This win is as much for the fans as it is for the team. It's been 18 long years. I've given this team my youth, prime and experience. I've tried to win it every season, and gave it everything I have,” said a beaming Kohli after the match.

“To finally have it is an unbelievable feeling. I never thought this day would come. I was overcome with emotion after the last ball was bowled. I have given each and every ounce of my energy and it's an amazing feeling.

“It's right up there, if I have to be honest. As I said, I've given everything that I had for the last 18 years. I've stayed loyal to this team, no matter what. I've had moments where I thought otherwise, but I stuck to this team. I stood behind them, they stood behind me.

“I always dreamt of winning it with them, and this is far more special than winning it with anyone else because my heart is with Bangalore, my soul is with Bangalore. As I said, this is the team I'm going to play for till the last day that I play the IPL.

“So this one is absolutely right up there because you know, as a sportsman, when you grind for something, and this is a very high intensity, high quality tournament, which is of great value in world cricket today. I'm someone that wants to win the big tournaments, the big moments, and this one was missing. Tonight, I'm going to sleep like a baby.”

🗣🗣 My heart is for Bangalore, my soul is for Bangalore...this is the team I will play for until the last day that I play the IPL.

🎥 Virat Kohli, straight from the heart as a #TATAIPL champion ❤#RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @imVkohli | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/4UI4yNKLuB

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

SPECIAL WORDS FOR AB

A number of former RCB stars were at the game to watch them finally get over the line, including former Proteas legend AB de Villiers and former West Indian legend Chris Gayle, and Kohli had some special words for his good friend AB, who he embraced on the field after the win.

“What he (AB) has done for the franchise is absolutely tremendous. I told him before the game, 'this one is as much yours as it is ours, and I want you to celebrate with us when we lift that trophy by the end of the night,’” said Kohli.

“What he’s done for RCB is so very special, he still holds the record for most Player of the Match awards (for the franchise) and he has been retired for four years now.

“So that tells you the impact he's had on the league, on this team, on me as a person and our friendship. What he means to the people of Bangalore, this team and this franchise, is something I can’t describe in words. He deserves to be on the podium, with all of us lifting that cup tonight.”

They have seen it all 🥹

Now, it's time for them to celebrate together 🥳🤝

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/U5zvVhcvdo#TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @imVkohli | @ABdeVilliers17 pic.twitter.com/Qbd6Ybiu5E

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

It was a fantastic IPL overall for Kohli, who played a massive role in helping RCB to the title, with him finishing as the third highest run scorer in the tournament.

Only Sai Sudharsan (759), and Suryakumar Yadav (717), ended with more runs than Kohli’s 657, which he scored at an average of 54.75, with a highest score of 73no and eight half centuries in total over his 15 innings.

He also played a major role in the final, top scoring for his side with 43, which helped them get to 190/9 in their 20 overs batting first, which proved to be enough as Punjab could only reply with 184-7.

The 36-year-old Kohli was asked what has inspired him to continue playing at the highest level over the years, with him admitting that he wanted to make sure he had no regrets come the end of his career.

“I have had this opportunity to play this game for many years, and there is an end date to our career, as you know. By the time that I hang up my boots, I want to sit at home and say I gave it everything I had,” explained Kohli.

“So I look for ways to improve. I can't play as an impact player, I want to feel 20 overs and make an impact in the field. That's the kind of player I have been. And God's blessed me with that perspective, and with the talent.

“You then find different ways to help the team. This management and this group of players has been outstanding, to be honest. They've gotten the right kind of players, match winners, and people who take the game on.

“So this everyone's. I don't want to stand here and talk about myself. There's a lot that's (been) spoken about me already. This win is for Bangalore, and it's for each and every one of the players, the families, and the whole management as well.”

𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙈𝙋𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙎! 🏆@RCBTweets Captain Rajat Patidar collects the prestigious #TATAIPL Trophy from Mr. Jay Shah, Chairman, ICC and Mr. Roger Binny, President, BCCI 🏆 👏👏#RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @JayShah | @ICC pic.twitter.com/UnhFg3QcW5

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

Royal Challengers Bengaluru ended their tense and emotional 18-year wait for an IPL title with a gripping, six-run win against the Punjab Kings in the Grand Final at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

Despite a mostly immaculate bowling display from Punjab which frustrated the RCB batsmen for the majority of the innings they fought gallantly to post a highly competitive total of 190-9 before restricting Punjab to 184-7 in reply.

A winning moment 18 years in the making 🏆🔴

RCB are the 2025 #TATAIPL Champions 🥳#SSCricket pic.twitter.com/gQjq7C9Fqv

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) June 3, 2025

The wait is 𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑 for Virat and RCB 🥳🔴#SSCricket | #TATAIPL pic.twitter.com/vLFWW4i7Ne

— SuperSport 🏆 (@SuperSportTV) June 3, 2025

All of RCB’s top seven batsmen reached double figures with four unable to progress beyond the 20s with Punjab’s bowlers, led by Arshdeep Singh (3-40) and New Zealander Kyle Jamieson (3-48), answering every attempt to counter-attack.

Phil Salt’s 3am arrival in Ahmedabad from England after attending the birth of his first child was commendable but not ideal preparation and the opener swiped Jamieson to mid-on for 16 from nine balls.

Mayank Agarwal (24 from 18) pulled Arshdeep straight to deep square leg.

Captain Rajat Patidar (26 from 16) was trapped lbw by Jamieson’s slower ball and top scorer Virat Kohli (43 from 35 balls with just three fours) was undone by Afghan seamer Azmatullah Omarzai’s bouncer, top-edging a hook back to the bowler who briefly collided with non-striker Liam Livingstone before holding the catch.

Livingstone’s 25 from 15 balls ended with an lbw against a Jamieson full-toss which he rightly reviewed only to see the reply illustrating the narrowest contact with leg stump.

Jitesh Sharma’s hard-hitting 24 from 10 balls also ended slightly unfortunately with a Vijaykumar Vyshak delivery deflecting from an inside edge onto off stump.

Romario Shepherd delivered yet another mini cameo with 17 from nine balls before becoming the first of three wickets for Arshdeep in the final over when he was palpably lbw to swinging yorker.

Punjab’s run-chase followed a similar pattern with the top three batsmen scoring between 24 and 39 before perishing.

Josh Hazlewood (1-54) accounted for Priyansh Singh (26) but it was left-arm spinner Krunal Pandya (4-0-17-2) who made the critical strikes having both Prabhsimran Singh (26) and Josh Inglis (39) caught on the boundary with his subtle and customary changes of pace and angle.

Thirty-three-year-old ‘veteran’ Shashank Singh fought gallantly in a losing cause with an unbeaten 61 from just 30 balls but another veteran, swing bowler Bhuvneshwar Kumar (2-38) claimed two more critical wickets to close the game out.

𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙈𝙋𝙄𝙊𝙉𝙎! 🏆@RCBTweets Captain Rajat Patidar collects the prestigious #TATAIPL Trophy from Mr. Jay Shah, Chairman, ICC and Mr. Roger Binny, President, BCCI 🏆 👏👏#RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @JayShah | @ICC pic.twitter.com/UnhFg3QcW5

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 3, 2025

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BENGALURU: Phil Salt, Virat Kohli, Mayank Agarwal, Rajat Patidar (capt), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wk), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood.

PUNJAB KINGS: Priyansh Arya, Shreyas Iyer (capt), Josh Inglis (wk), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal.

Punjab Kings stand in the way of Virat Kohli's dream of finally winning the Indian Premier League in Tuesday's final at the world's biggest cricket stadium.

No matter which team prevails at the 132 000-capacity venue in Ahmedabad it will be a first – neither Punjab nor Kohli's Royal Challengers Bengaluru have won the IPL since it launched in 2008.

Punjab booked their place in the decider with a five-wicket victory over five-time champions Mumbai Indians on Sunday.

📍 Narendra Modi Stadium, Ahmedabad

📸 The 2⃣ captains gear up for Final Face-off ❤️

𝗔𝗥𝗘. 𝗬𝗢𝗨. 𝗥𝗘𝗔𝗗𝗬? ⏳ #TATAIPL | #RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweets | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/WG0cS0iTVv

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 2, 2025

Shreyas Iyer played a captain's knock with an unbeaten 87.

Kohli and Bengaluru will have a psychological edge after thrashing Punjab by eight wickets at the start of the playoffs last week.

It is the fourth time that Kohli and his team have reached the final of cricket's richest tournament, but they have never been able to take that last step.

The vast majority in attendance will be cheering on Kohli, the 36-year-old superstar batsman and icon to Indian cricket fans.

Kohli, who last month retired from test cricket alongside Rohit Sharma, has again been Bengaluru's go-to batsman with 614 runs, including eight half-centuries, in 14 innings this season.

He has made no attempt to hide his desperation to win the IPL at the 18th attempt and add it to a long list of accolades that includes two World Cup crowns.

He has talked about his "heartbreak" of failing to win the IPL, and celebrated last week's win against Punjab saying: "One more to go."

The path was tough. The purpose was clear ❤

Here’s how #RCB battled their way to the #TATAIPL 2025 Grand Final 🏆#RCBvPBKS | #Final | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/kFgAajj2ta

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 2, 2025

Asked if the Kohli factor was weighing on the finale, Bengaluru skipper Rajat Patidar said: "Of course".

"I think he has given a lot of years to RCB and the international side also," Patidar told reporters on the eve of the final.

"I think we will try to do our best in the game."

Punjab's fast bowling coach James Hopes said his team will be "recovering and getting mentally prepared" for what he anticipates will be a "pretty big crowd, and a pretty big pro-Kohli crowd as well".

SENSATIONAL IYER

As well as Kohli, Bengaluru boast the significant threat of Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood.

The 34-year-old returned following a shoulder injury and a stint back home to put in a match-winning performance in the win over Punjab in the qualifier.

He returned figures of 3-21 to help bundle Punjab out for 101.

Hazlewood spearheads a seam-bowling attack alongside Bhuvneshwar Kumar and left-armer Yash Dayal.

Punjab, coached by Australia great Ricky Ponting, recovered from defeat to win the rain-delayed second qualifier in Ahmedabad.

Skipper Iyer, who led Kolkata Knight Riders to the title last year and then cost Punjab $3.17 million in November's auction, is narrowly behind Kohli in the batting charts with 603 runs from 16 innings.

What it means to reach the 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟! ❤️

𝙍𝘼𝙒 𝙀𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣𝙨 from the #PBKS camp after a magnificent win in Ahmedabad 🤩#TATAIPL | #PBKSvMI | #Qualifier2 | #TheLastMile | @PunjabKingsIPL pic.twitter.com/p0gXuPZLQL

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) June 1, 2025

His latest chase masterclass off 41 balls, laced with five fours and eight sixes, is a reminder that he is lethal on his day.

"When I back myself and back my instincts, I think that's when I get the best out of myself," said Iyer.

"And also when other players revolve around you and keep performing, that also gives you a little bit of extra push to keep going."

Former Australia medium-pace bowler Hopes said Iyer "doesn't get flustered very easily".

"He knows what he has to do and he's prepared to take that risk," said Hopes.

"He is a sensational captain and a sensational player," he added.

Punjab openers Priyansh Arya and Prabhsimran Singh are in good form, and they have another potential match-winner in Australia's Josh Inglis.

Allrounders Marcus Stoinis from Australia and Afghanistan's Azmatullah Omarzai can also threaten Kohli's long-awaited dream.

Virat Kohli's trophy cabinet is chock full of awards from his international career but the batsman can end the long wait to win the Indian Premier League (IPL) title when his Royal Challengers Bengaluru play Punjab Kings in Tuesday's final.

The 36-year-old has been with Bengaluru since the inaugural edition of the league in 2008, including nine seasons as captain of a franchise that made the finals in 2009, 2011 and 2016 but lost every time.

They have looked a different side altogether under Rajat Patidar this season though, winning all seven away games in the group stage and crushing Punjab in the first qualifier.

Veteran Kohli is their leading scorer in the tournament but while Bengaluru have been criticised in the past for ignoring team balance and packing the side with marquee players they have finally clicked as a team this season.

"It's a better balanced side, far better balanced side," former Australia player Tom Moody, who has coached Punjab and Sunrisers Hyderabad in the IPL, told ESPNcricinfo website.

"It's not top heavy. There's opportunities for other players to have an impact in the game, whereas previously, you look at RCB and it was always the top three and then you're concerned about what follows that."

Bengaluru were reinforced by Josh Hazlewood's return from a shoulder injury ahead of the playoff and he had an immediate impact as they dismantled Punjab for 101 on Thursday.

Down but not out, Punjab managed to claw their way into the final at Ahmedabad's Narendra Modi Stadium after beating Mumbai Indians in Sunday's qualifier.

Shreyas Iyer, who captained Kolkata Knight Riders to the IPL title last year, has led from the front and is Punjab's top scorer this season.

He produced a captain's knock of 78 not out to help Punjab chase down a tricky target set by powerhouse Mumbai in the qualifier.

"I love big occasions," Iyer said after his match-winning knock.

"I say to myself and my colleagues, the bigger the occasion, the calmer you are, and you'll get the best results.

"Today I was focusing on my breathing rather than sweating it out."

Iyer, with the full backing of coach Ricky Ponting, has instilled a fearlessness in Punjab's approach that has given them hope of winning a first IPL crown.

Shreyas Iyer delivered a masterclass of batting skill and run-chasing ingenuity during an innings of 87* as he led the Punjab Kings to victory by five-wickets with six balls to spare in their IPL Qualifier Match against the Mumbai Indians at the Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad on Sunday.

Mumbai totalled an impressive 203-6 but Punjab smashed the target on the back of captain Iyer’s magnificent, unbeaten 87 from just 41 balls with five glorious sixes and eight fours.

Opener Priyansh Arya provided a brisk start with 20 from 10 balls and Australian Josh Inglis maintained the tempo with 38 from 21 balls before a furiously contested dismissal when an edged hook against a Hardik Pandya bouncer was immediately reviewed before being given out – to the batsman’s obvious disgust.

But captain Iyer and Nehal Wadhera added 82 for the fourth wicket to bring Punjab firmly back into contention before Wadhera lashed a wide delivery to deep extra cover to depart for a bristling 48 from 29 balls (4x4, 2x6).

Shashank Singh (2) was carelessly run out ambling for a second run leaving Shreyas to do most of the hard-lifting at the back end of the run-chase.

Earlier it appeared to be a consummate batting performance from MI with consistently high-scoring throughout, Englishman Jonny Bairstow setting the tone with a rasping 38 from 24 balls at the top of the innings.

Tilak Varma and Suryakumar Yadav both scored 44 from 29 and 26 balls respectively combining for six fours and five sixes while 25-year-old Naman Dhir provided the explosion at the end with 37 from 18 balls with seven fours.

The Punjab bowlers stuck gamely to their task with New Zealander Kyle Jamieson (4-0-30-1) especially impressive while Afghan seamer Azmatullah Omarzai claimed 2-43 and wrist-spinner Yuzvendra Chahal finishing with 1-39 from his four overs.

The result means the Punjab Kings will now face the Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final, also at the Narendra Modi Stadium, on Wednesday.

PUNJAB KINGS: Priyansh Arya, Josh Inglis (wkt), Shreyas Iyer (captain), Nehal Wadhera, Marcus Stoinis, Shashank Singh, Azmatullah Omarzai, Kyle Jamieson, Vijaykumar Vyshak, Arshdeep Singh, Yuzvendra Chahal

MUMBAI INDIANS: Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (captain), Naman Dhir, Mitchell Santner, Raj Bawa, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Reece Topley

In-form Sai Sudharsan will draw on county cricket experience as he switches from the IPL to the five-day game for his first test tour with India when they travel to England.

The left-handed opener made a valiant 80 on Friday as Gujarat Titans went down to Mumbai Indians and were knocked out of the IPL.

The 23-year-old was key to Gujarat's journey to the playoffs.

He is the leading batsman in the league with 759 runs, including one century and six half-centuries, at an average of 54.21.

Gujarat's exit will give him extra time before he heads to England for a five-test series beginning at Headingley on June 20.

Sudharsan, part of an 18-man India squad led by new captain Shubman Gill – his Gujarat skipper and fellow opener – had stints with English county Surrey last year and in 2023.

"It gave me a great experience," he told reporters after Gujarat's 20-run defeat at Mullanpur.

"It improved my batting multiple folds in terms of technique and in terms of basics."

Sudharsan has dominated bowlers in the IPL but admits adapting to the longer format in England will require a new "mindset and decision-making".

"After a long three months of white-ball tournament, certain things would have changed in your batting," he said.

"I think focusing more on basics and bringing back those to red-ball cricket will take some time."

Chennai-born Sudharsan, who plays domestic cricket for the South Indian state of Tamil Nadu, played three ODIs for India in 2023 and one T20 international last year.

The series in England will be India's first without opener Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, the two veterans who retired from test cricket in May.

A proven "winning mentality" and seasoned campaigners such as Rohit Sharma can propel five-time champions Mumbai Indians to more IPL glory, head coach Mahela Jayawardene says.

Led by Hardik Pandya, Mumbai are two wins from the title after beating Gujarat Titans by 20 runs in Friday's eliminator.

They now meet Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad on Sunday to decide who faces Royal Challengers Bengaluru in the final on June 3.

Mumbai started this IPL with four defeats in five matches before they won seven of their next eight to clinch a playoff berth.

They came fourth in the table to play the do-or-die playoff with Gujarat and after being beaten by them twice in the league stage, came up trumps when they needed it most.

"When you have a winning culture it is easier to try and have that same thing going through," Mahela said.

"Even when you get a new group, we still have a very experienced co-group within our ranks."

The former Sri Lanka captain added: "That winning mentality itself comes through from those senior players and having that experience, guys who have won trophies, does help."

Rohit led Mumbai's batting charge with 81 and put on a blazing opening stand with Jonny Bairstow, who hit 47, in the team's 228-5.

On an evening at Mullanpur in New Chandigarh when dew made it tough for the bowlers to grip the wet ball, Mumbai's senior players including Jasprit Bumrah restricted Gujarat to 208-6.

Mumbai are owned by Nita Ambani, wife of India's richest man, the Reliance Industries billionaire Mukesh Ambani.

The team are equal with Chennai Super Kings as the most successful in IPL history since the T20 tournament's inception in 2008.

REPUTATION AND EXPERIENCES

Bumrah took the key wicket of Washington Sundar when he bowled the left-hander with a yorker and returned figures of 1-27 in his four overs to choke Gujarat.

Bumrah made a late entry this season after recovering from a career-threatening back injury and Mahela said his experience was invaluable.

"There is definitely no concerns when he comes back because the reputation itself carries through and he was quite confident," Mahela said of the ace pace bowler.

"He had bowled few sessions, he was nailing those yorkers and all that. He is a massive asset for us, the experience that he carries through to the team and the situations that he has been bowling for us.

"Great to have him around the group."

Rohit, who recently retired from test cricket along with Virat Kohli, hit his fourth half-century in a patchy season for the former Mumbai captain, who has scored 410 runs in 14 innings.

Rohit led Mumbai to all their five IPL titles.

"Big games he does have a different gear that he plays, that's what experience does and you cannot replace that," said Mahela.

Next Mumbai face a Punjab side who were well beaten in the first qualifier by Bengaluru.

Punjab skipper Shreyas Iyer said "we lost the battle but not the war" after they were bundled out for 101 and lost by eight wickets.

Punjab, who are chasing their first IPL title, ended top of the 10-team table.

Rohit Sharma, dropped twice in the powerplay, powered nine fours and four sixes to lead the Mumbai Indians to a tense 20-run victory over the Gujarat Titans in their Tata IPL Eliminator at New Chandigarh on Friday night.

Wicketkeeper Kusal Mendis, replacing the absent Jos Buttler on England duty, also had a game to forget, dropping Sharma and Suryakumar Yadav and stepping on his wicket when well primed for a good innings.

Gujarat were placed under immediate pressure in their reply when their heavy-scoring captain, Shubman Gill, was trapped leg before to a sharply inswinging delivery from left-arm paceman Trent Boult – the 32nd time the Kiwi has captured a wicket in his opening over.

Gill and Sai Sudharsan have been comfortably the best opening pair in this year’s competition and the early wicket was a major blow.

But the brilliant Sudharsan, who passed 750 runs in the competition during his innings, only the fifth batter to do so, was unphased.

He and Mendis, trying to atone for his dropped catches, added 64 off 34 balls for the second wicket before Mendis slipped trying to pull Mitchell Santner, uprooting two of his stumps in the process.

Once again, Sudharsan made light of this setback and he and Washington Sundar placed Gujarat in a position to win the match with a third-wicket partnership of 84 in 44 balls, featuring some of the best batting in the match.

Sudharsan, in particular, played a succession of superb, conventional strokes as he struck 10 fours and a six.

Sundar, so often ignored, played his part well, hitting five fours and three sixes in his aggressive 48 in 24 balls.

It was fitting, at this stage in the 14th over when Gujarat appeared to be flowing towards victory, that the world’s greatest pace bowler, Jasprit Bumrah, played a lethal hand, bowling Sundar with a sizzling yorker.

And when Sudharsan was bowled by England paceman Richard Gleeson, attempting to reverse sweep a low full-toss, the game was effectively up.

The graceful Sudharsen struck a superb 80 in 49 balls and hardly deserved to be on the losing side, so well did he play.

Bowling with a wet ball because of the heavy dew, Mumbai did just enough in the end to deprive Gujarat of victory with Bumrah the star with 1-27 off his four overs.

Boult was expensive, conceding 56 runs in his four overs, but he did claim the valuable wickets of Gill and Sherfane Rutherford.

SHARMA SHINES

Earlier, the Mumbai top-order all contributed valuable runs as Gujarat struggled to contain the rampant batters.

Sharma’s 81 in 50 balls was a superb effort, exhibiting some excellent sweeps, as he and Jonny Bairstow added 84 in 44 balls to give their team a whiplash start.

Bairstow was eventually dismissed by a combination of Sudharsan and Coetzee as the former palmed the ball, goalkeeper style, to Coetzee at backward point.

The Yorkshireman, playing his first IPL match this season, departed for a valuable 47 in 22 balls with four fours and three sixes.

Suryakumar “Sky” Yadav maintained the innings momentum with 33 off 20 balls, as did Tilak Varma (25 off 11 balls) and Hardik Pandya at the death (22 off nine).

But it was Sharma who provided the backbone of the innings with his majestic innings.

𝘾𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙝𝙤𝙪𝙧, 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙚𝙩𝙝 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙃𝙞𝙩𝙢𝙖𝙣 ✨

Rohit Sharma's composed 81(50) wins him the Player of the Match award 👏

Scorecard ▶ https://t.co/R4RTzjQfph #TATAIPL | #GTvMI | #Eliminator | #TheLastMile pic.twitter.com/PILBfEJNlA

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 30, 2025

For Gujarat, Rashid Khan bowled well without luck (0-31 in four overs) while Sai Kishore and Prasidh Krishna both claimed two wickets.

MUMBAI INDIANS: Rohit Sharma, Jonny Bairstow (wkt), Suryakumar Yadav, Tilak Varma, Hardik Pandya (captain), Naman Dhir, Raj Bawa, Mitchell Santner, Trent Boult, Jasprit Bumrah, Richard Gleeson

GUJARAT TITANS: Shubman Gill (captain), Sai Sudharsan, Kusal Mendis (wkt), Shahrukh Khan, Washington Sundar, Rahul Tewatia, Rashid Khan, Ravisrinivasan Sai Kishore, Gerald Coetzee, Mohammed Siraj, Prasidh Krishna

Josh Hazlewood claimed 3-21 to help dismiss the Punjab Kings for a meagre total of 101 in just 14.1 overs before the Royal Challengers Bengaluru stormed into the IPL final with a thumping 8-wicket victory in the IPL Qualifier match at the Maharaja Yadavindra Singh Stadium in Chandigarh on Thursday.

Virat Kohli (12) was an early casualty during a straightforward run-chase, edging New Zealand seamer Kyle Jamieson to ‘keeper Josh Inglis, and Mayank Agarwal departed for 19 but England opener Phil Salt hooked and drove six fours and three sixes in a rasping 56* from just 27 balls to end the non-contest as emphatically as it deserved – with an astonishing 10 overs to spare.

𝙏𝙝𝙖𝙩'𝙨 𝙝𝙤𝙬 𝙮𝙤𝙪 𝙨𝙚𝙖𝙡 𝙖 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙘𝙚 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙡𝙨 ❤

🎥 Captain Rajat Patidar fittingly finishes off in style as #RCB are just one step away from the 🏆

Updates ▶ https://t.co/FhocIrg42l#PBKSvRCB | #Qualifier1 | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/hXhslIqcDZ

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 29, 2025

Earlier RCB’s new-ball bowler Yash Dayal (4-0-26-2) swung the ball both ways and legspinner Suyash Sharma (3-0-17-3) benefitted from some desperate slogging in support of Hazlewood as RCB romped to their first final since 2016.

It was a disaster for Punjab from the eighth delivery of the innings when Priyansh Arya (7) drove seamer Yash Dayal straight to cover and fellow opener Prabhsimran Singh (18) thin-edged a swipe against veteran Bhuvneshwar Kumar to ‘keeper Jitesh Sharma.

Captain Shreyas (2) played a similar slog against Aussie veteran Hazlewood with an identical result and Hazlewood accounted for fellow Australian Josh Inglis (4) with a bouncer which was top-edged to long leg.

Punjab tried to counter-attack but Nehal Wadhera (8) inside-edged an expansive drive against Dayal onto his stumps and legspinner Sharma hammered three more nails into the coffin with Shashank Singh (3) bowled by a googly, Musheer Khan (0) trapped lbw and top-scorer Marcus Stoinis (26 from 17 balls) missing yet another slog and losing his leg stump.

Rising to the occasion ✨

Suyash Sharma wins the Player of the Match award for his web-spinning spell 🕸️👏

Relive his superb performance ▶️ https://t.co/1SDOOs5TgO#TATAIPL | #PBKSvRCB | #Qualifier1 | #TheLastMile | @RCBTweets pic.twitter.com/8fAdYdloQv

— IndianPremierLeague (@IPL) May 29, 2025

The victory was the most one-sided in the 18-year history of IPL playoff matches but Punjab will have their shot at redemption on Sunday when they play the winner of the first Eliminator between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians which takes place on Friday.

PUNJAB KINGS: Priyansh Arya, Prabhsimran Singh, Josh Inglis (wkt), Shreyas Iyer (captain), Nehal Wadhera, Shashank Singh, Marcus Stoinis, Azmatullah Omarzai, Harpreet Brar, Arshdeep Singh, Kyle Jamieson

ROYAL CHALLENGERS BENGALURU: Virat Kohli, Philip Salt, Rajat Patidar (captain), Liam Livingstone, Jitesh Sharma (wkt), Romario Shepherd, Krunal Pandya, Bhuvneshwar Kumar, Yash Dayal, Josh Hazlewood, Suyash Sharma

The Indian Premier League has finally reached the playoff stage, later than planned, leaving four teams to battle for the title beginning on Thursday.

AFP Sport highlights the best and worst of the T20 league in 2025 – from a 14-year-old bursting onto the scene to deadly armed conflict bringing a dramatic halt to the action.

SENSATIONAL SURYAVANSHI

Rajasthan Royals' 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi catapulted himself into the world cricket spotlight by belting his first ball fearlessly for six on his IPL debut.

The youngest player ever to grace the IPL made headlines with 34 off 20 balls against Lucknow Super Giants, but it was just a taste of what was to come.

Nine days later, Suryavanshi smashed the Gujarat Titans bowlers to all parts as he scored the second fastest hundred in tournament history.

The teenager brought up his century off 35 balls with 11 sixes and seven fours to stand behind only West Indies great Chris Gayle, who took 30 balls to make a ton in 2013.

The staggering power-hitting of left-hander Suryavanshi, who cost $130 500 as a 13-year-old at November's auction, enabled Rajasthan to chase down their 210 target with more than four overs to spare.

He rounded off a remarkable debut season with 57 against Chennai Super Kings in his final outing.

COSTLY PANT

Lucknow splashed a record $3.21 million to secure Rishabh Pant as captain, but the India wicketkeeper-batsman appeared to buckle under the weight of his price tag.

The usually swashbuckling ball striker failed to fire or inspire as Lucknow were eliminated from the playoff race with two matches to play.

He belatedly found his touch in Lucknow's final match on Tuesday night, scoring 118 off 61 balls in another losing cause against Bengaluru.

The knock raised his season average to an ordinary 24.45 from an abject 13.72 going into the match, and barely disguised his poor value for money after a return of 269 runs from 13 innings.

DHARAMSALA DRAMA

The IPL was suspended on 9 May, a day after the Punjab Kings-Delhi Capitals match in Dharamsala was abandoned while nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan exchanged heavy fire across their border.

Players left the field and crowds were hurried out of the ground as air raid warnings sounded in the city less than 200 kilometres (125 miles) from Jammu, where explosions had been reported hours earlier.

Players and officials had to board a train to escape to New Delhi because local airspace had been closed.

A ceasefire allowed a resumption on May 17, but Australia and Delhi's Mitchell Starc, who had been caught up in the Dharamsala drama, decided not to return.

RECORDS WAIT

Sunrisers Hyderabad came within a whisker of beating their own IPL record score of 287 during the second match of the season in March.

Powered by Ishan Kishan's unbeaten 106, the 2016 champions posted 286-6 in a 44-run victory over Rajasthan Royals.

Pundits predicted that the 300-run barrier might be breached this season.

But after that no team went past 250 until Sunday, when high-scoring Sunrisers posted 278-5 in their final match as Heinrich Klaasen hit 105 not out off 39 balls.

DHONI DECISION?

Five-time IPL champions Chennai Super Kings completed a heavy fall from grace as they finished bottom of the table for the first time in their history.

Champions in 2023 under Mahendra Singh Dhoni, the India great again took charge when captain Ruturaj Gaikwad was injured mid-season.

Dhoni, now 43, could not revive the glory days and Chennai became the first team to be eliminated from the playoff picture.

After signing off with a consolation 83-run win over Gujarat Titans, Dhoni said he was in "no hurry" to decide on whether he would retire after a glittering career.

Virat Kohli can fulfil his dream of finally winning the Indian Premier League when the playoffs begin this week, desperate to banish the "heartbreak" of losing the final as captain nine years ago.

Kohli's Royal Challengers Bengaluru face table-toppers Punjab Kings on Thursday in Mullanpur after securing second place by chasing 228 to beat Lucknow Super Giants on Tuesday.

The winners go straight into the final in Ahmedabad on 3 June.

But even if Bengaluru lose that encounter, they will have another chance to reach the final against the winners of Friday's "eliminator" between Gujarat Titans and Mumbai Indians.

The 36-year-old Kohli recently retired from tests having already walked away from T20 internationals after India's World Cup triumph last year.

But the hunger to lift the IPL trophy still burns bright for the two-time World Cup winner, who played a leading part in India's 50-over Champions Trophy victory earlier this year.

"I had two heartbreaks in my life in 2016," Kohli told Indian broadcaster JioStar.

"First was the World T20 and then the IPL final."

Affectionately known as "King Kohli", he has scored more runs than anyone in IPL history and is the only player to have spent all 18 seasons of the league with one team since its inception in 2008.

He has been on the losing side in the final three times, in 2009, 2011 and 2016, but fans believe that it is an omen that Kohli wears number 18 on his shirt – and that it will be 18th time lucky this year.

He has been in vintage form as he pursues his goal: his 54 on Tuesday that set up victory against Lucknow was his eighth half-century of a season in which he has made 602 runs at an average of 60.20.

HAZLEWOOD RETURN

A delay to the season caused by the conflict with Pakistan means some overseas players will be missing from the playoffs including Gujarat's Jos Buttler, who has international commitments with England.

But Australia pace bowler Josh Hazlewood returned to the Bengaluru squad on Sunday and is expected to play on Thursday, having left when the IPL was suspended on May 9.

There had been doubts over his return because of a shoulder niggle and the playoffs clashing with preparations for Australia's World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's on 11 June.

Punjab will be without left-arm quick bowler Marco Jansen, who has left to join South Africa's training camp ahead of the test showpiece.

"Every team's missing players," Punjab head coach Ricky Ponting said.

"We'd like to think we've got good depth, and be able to cover for Marco, despite it being a big miss."

Five-time champions Mumbai, led by Hardik Pandya, seem to have been the worst hit by the extended schedule overlapping with the international calendar.

They have lost England's Will Jacks and the South African duo of Ryan Rickelton and Corbin Bosch for their eliminator against Gujarat.

The Titans, IPL champions on their debut in 2022, have a formidable batting line-up even without Buttler.

Skipper Shubman Gill, who has taken over from the retired Rohit Sharma as test captain, and fellow opener Sai Sudharsan are the top two on this season's batting charts, with 679 and 649 runs respectively.

Gill will take charge of India for the first time when they embark on a five-test tour of England, starting at Headingley, Leeds, on 20 June.