Gayathri Kallukaran is a Junior Journalist with Eastern Eye. She has a Master’s degree in Journalism and Mass Communication from St. Paul’s College, Bengaluru, and brings over five years of experience in content creation, including two years in digital journalism. She covers stories across culture, lifestyle, travel, health, and technology, with a creative yet fact-driven approach to reporting. Known for her sensitivity towards human interest narratives, Gayathri’s storytelling often aims to inform, inspire, and empower. Her journey began as a layout designer and reporter for her college’s daily newsletter, where she also contributed short films and editorial features. Since then, she has worked with platforms like FWD Media, Pepper Content, and Petrons.com, where several of her interviews and features have gained spotlight recognition. Fluent in English, Malayalam, Tamil, and Hindi, she writes in English and Malayalam, continuing to explore inclusive, people-focused storytelling in the digital space.
The 2025 edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is in full swing, and fans have been treated to some breathtaking batting displays. While centuries often steal the headlines, it's the consistent flow of half-centuries that truly keeps a side’s momentum alive. This season, a handful of batters have been remarkably consistent, hammering opposition attacks and entertaining crowds across the country.
Let’s take a look at the top five players with the most fifties so far – the true run-machines of IPL 2025!
Mitchell Marsh has been nothing short of a revelation for the Lucknow Super Giants this season. Opening the innings, Marsh has unleashed an aggressive yet calculated approach, smashing four fifties in just five outings. With a thunderous strike rate of 180.27, the Australian all-rounder has been the backbone of Lucknow’s top order, taking bowlers apart with ease. His powerful stroke play and ability to dominate the powerplay have made him one of the tournament’s standout performers so far.
Teaming up with Marsh in Lucknow's batting powerhouse is Nicholas Pooran, the flamboyant West Indian wicketkeeper-batsman. Pooran has been in sensational form, striking the ball at a mind-boggling 225.00 strike rate. With three half-centuries to his name, Pooran has been the ultimate finisher, often turning matches on their head within a few overs. His fearless approach and ability to clear the ropes at will have made him a nightmare for bowlers at the death.
The young Sai Sudharsan has once again showcased why he is rated so highly in Indian cricket circles. Anchoring the innings for the Gujarat Titans, Sudharsan has been the epitome of composure and class. His three fifties this season have come at crucial junctures, allowing Gujarat to post and chase challenging totals. With a steady average of 54.60 and an impressive strike rate of 151.66, he has proved he can blend caution with aggression beautifully.
Punjab Kings may have had an up-and-down season so far, but one shining light has been Shreyas Iyer. In just four innings, Iyer has crafted two superb fifties, including a match-winning 97 not out. With an incredible average of 84.00 and a strike rate touching 200, Iyer has played the anchor and the aggressor role to perfection. His ability to accelerate at the right time and find boundaries consistently makes him a real asset for Punjab.
When it comes to consistency, very few can match Virat Kohli’s record, and he is proving it once again in IPL 2025. With two fifties in four matches, Kohli has been at the heart of Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s batting line-up. His elegant drives, sharp singles, and smart strike rotation have been a treat to watch. Averaging 54.66 and striking at 143.86, Kohli continues to show that class is permanent.
More to come
With so many dynamic batters setting the stage alight, the race for the Orange Cap is heating up fast. Whether it’s Marsh’s power-hitting, Pooran’s flair, or Kohli’s timeless elegance, the IPL 2025 has already given fans much to cheer about – and the best is surely yet to come!
Rohit and Kohli, with a combined total of 567 ODIs, have both been included in the three-match series against Australia, though their future beyond the tour remains uncertain. (Photo: Getty Images)
INDIA head coach Gautam Gambhir declined to discuss the 2027 World Cup prospects of senior players Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma, saying it was too early to look that far ahead despite acknowledging their quality.
Both players now feature internationally only in the 50-over format, but India appear to be managing a gradual transition rather than making sudden changes.
Rohit, who led India to the Champions Trophy title earlier this year, has been replaced by Shubman Gill as captain of the one-day side for the upcoming Australia tour.
Rohit and Kohli, with a combined total of 567 ODIs, have both been included in the three-match series against Australia, though their future beyond the tour remains uncertain.
"Look, the 50-over World Cup is still two-and-a-half years away, and I think it is very important to stay in the present," Gambhir told reporters after India completed a Test series sweep against West Indies on Tuesday.
"Obviously, they are quality players, they are coming back, their experience is going to be a handful in Australia as well.
"Hopefully, those two guys will have a successful tour, and more importantly, as a team, we will have a successful series."
Rohit, who captained India to the final of the 2023 ODI World Cup, will turn 40 by the time the next edition takes place, which will be co-hosted by South Africa, Zimbabwe and Namibia. Kohli, a member of India’s 2011 World Cup-winning squad, is a year younger.
All-rounder Ravindra Jadeja’s future in the format is also uncertain. The 37-year-old, part of the recent Champions Trophy-winning team, has been left out of the ODI squad for Australia.
Jadeja said the selectors had explained the reasons behind his omission and that he would stay prepared for future opportunities.
"It is a good thing that they communicated the reason behind my omission," Jadeja said during the second Test against West Indies.
"But whenever I get a chance next, I will try and do what I have done all these years.
"Winning a World Cup is everyone's dream. We had narrowly missed out the last time, the next time we will try and make up for it."
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