The five-Test series between India and England, starting on June 20, is being seen as the beginning of a new era. With legends like Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma retiring from Test cricket, the Indian team will now take the field under young leadership. Shubman Gill has been made the captain, and Rishabh Pant will be the vice-captain.

Recently, during the Indian Premier League 2025, Indian Test team captain Rohit Sharma announced his retirement from red-ball cricket. Now, Australia’s legendary wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist has spoken openly about Rohit Sharma. He also praised Rohit a lot. The video of his statement is now going viral on social media.

Australia’s legendary wicketkeeper Adam Gilchrist recently gave an exclusive interview where he praised Rohit Sharma a lot. He also shared how he and Rohit had a special connection from many years ago.

Adam Gilchrist said about Rohit Sharma, “I have known Rohit since he was very young. He was my vice-captain in Deccan Chargers in 2008 and 2009. At that time, he was a white-ball (ODI-T20) star, but he also loved playing Test (red-ball) cricket.”

Also Read - Mohammed Siraj opens new restaurant in Hyderabad ahead of ENG vs IND 2025 Test series

Rohit Sharma made his IPL debut in 2008. He played for Deccan Chargers in the first three seasons. From IPL 2008 to 2010, Adam Gilchrist was the captain of the Deccan Chargers and Rohit Sharma was the vice-captain. Rohit played 48 matches for the team and scored 1170 runs at an average of 30.79. He also took 14 wickets during this time.

Rohit Sharma has announced his retirement from both T20 and Test cricket. In his Test career, he scored 4301 runs in 67 matches at an average of 40.57. This includes 12 centuries and 18 half-centuries. In T20 internationals, he scored 4231 runs in 159 matches at an average of 32.05, with 5 centuries and 32 half-centuries. Apart from this, he has scored 11168 runs in 273 ODI matches at an average of 48.76, which includes 32 centuries and 58 half-centuries.

Faf du Plessis entered into the record book of the Indian Premier League as soon as he entered into the Wankhede Stadium against Mumbai Indians on May 21 as the captain of Delhi Capitals. The former South Africa international, at the age of 40 years and 312 days, did his captain's job for the IPL team and became one of the oldest players to lead a team in an Indian Premier League match. Through this article we'll explore the five oldest captains to ever step into the field in the history of the cash-rich league so far. 

List of oldest captains in the history of IPL:

• MS Dhoni 

Ruturaj Gaikwad's season-ending injury caused MS Dhoni to make a comeback as captain of Chennai Super Kings at the age of 43 years and 278 days; thus, he became the oldest cricketer to lead a team in the tournament. In 2022, Dhoni stepped down from his CSK captaincy role and offered Ravindra Jadeja the position. Later, after a spell of poor performance, Dhoni again put on the captain's armband. In 2023, he guided the Super Kings to their 5th IPL title. 

• Shane Warne

Before MS Dhoni, it was legendary Shane Warne who held the record as the most senior player to lead a team. Warne was the skipper of Rajasthan Royals until the age of 41 years and 249 days. Under his guidance, Royals won the inaugural edition of the IPL, and till today, that's remained their major success of the tournament. With a bunch of underrated and young players, Warne guided the team to glory. He was also the only full-time non-Indian captain in the IPL that season.

Read More: GT vs LSG IPL Match Live streaming: Where & How to watch on TV

• Adam Gilchrist

Another Australian legend is on the list, this time Adam Gilchrist. At 41 years and 185 days of age, the wicketkeeper-batter registered his name. The history notes with Kings XI Punjab (now known as Punjab Kings). Over the years, Punjab Kings had multiple captains, but Gilchrist was one of the most popular among them till today, though he didn't guide the team to glory. He led the team in 34 games, winning 17 and losing 17.

• Faf du Plessis 

Now, here comes Faf du Plessis. Axar Patel, the regular skipper of Delhi Capitals, was 'really sick' and did not participate in the match against Mumbai Indians. The South African, normally assigned as the vice captain of the team, got the opportunity to lead the team from the front at the age of 40 years and 312 days. He also became the first player to captain the Delhi-based franchise after turning 40. 

• Rahul Dravid 

Many wouldn't have expected Rahul Dravid to appear in the list. Dravid and the Rajasthan Royals have had a long relationship since 2011. 'The Wall' was an integral part for the team from the 2011 to the 2013 season. In IPL 2013, Rajasthan was up against Mumbai in Qualifier 2, and Dravid was then the captain of the Royals at the age of 40 years and 133 days. That night Mumbai won the match, and for Dravid, it was his last IPL appearance as a player; now he is the head coach of Rajasthan Royals after a successful stint as the head coach of team India. 

The Indian Premier League (IPL) has seen some of the most astounding batting in the history of cricket, however it is safe to say that some of the brightest performances have come in the form of the fastest centuries ever performed in the league. To score a hundred runs in such rapid time not only displays a batter's raw and powerful abilities, but also shifts the momentum of a match 180 degrees. Over the years, players like Chris Gayle, Yusuf Pathan, and now the newer-generation stars have cemented their legacies in the IPL record books with scintillating innings. These rapid centuries will always be a reminder of the power, creativity, and fearlessness that T20 cricket demands. Whether it be sheer physicality or precise stroke making, the race for the fastest century is still one of the most admired achievements in the IPL's storied and ever-evolving history. Now let us look at the exclusive list;

1. Chris Gayle – 30 Balls (RCB vs PWI, 2013)

Chris Gayle's 175* against Pune Warriors India is probably the most devastating innings ever played in T20 cricket. At the M. Chinnaswamy Stadium, Gayle raced past his hundred in just 30 balls, making the bowlers look silly. During his innings, he hit 13 fours and a whopping 17 sixes as Royal Challengers Bengaluru posted a record total. Gayle's innings is also the fastest century in IPL history and the landmark is yet to be beaten.

2. Vaibhav Suryavanshi – 35 Balls (RR vs GT, 2025)

In IPL 2025, 14-year-old Vaibhav Suryavanshi stunned everyone in the cricketing world by hitting a 35-ball century against Gujarat Titans (GT). Chasing a daunting target 210 runs, Vaibhav’s fearless and aggressive batting led Rajasthan Royals to a historic win. This win was much needed for keeping RR in hunt of IPL Playoffs. His innings, laced with 7 fours and 11 sixes, made him the youngest player to score an IPL and T20 century, and the second-fastest century scorer in IPL history — a truly sensational feat.

3. Yusuf Pathan – 37 Balls (RR vs MI, 2010)

Yusuf Pathan announced himself as one of the most fearsome hitters of his time when he hammered a 37-ball century for Rajasthan Royals against Mumbai Indians. Chasing a huge total, Pathan turned the game on its head with his brutal hitting, although the Royals narrowly lost. His innings, featuring clean six-hitting and power strokes, remained the fastest century for years before Gayle’s blitzkrieg.

4. Heinrich Klaasen - 37 Balls (SRH vs KKR, 2025)

In the 68th match between Sunrisers Hyderabad and Kolkata Knight Riders in IPL 2025, Heinrich Klaasen produced a breathtaking innings. Coming in at number three, Klaasen smashed an unbeaten 105 off just 39 balls, reaching his century in a mere 37 deliveries. His knock was packed with explosive strokes, including 7 fours and 9 towering sixes, as he tore into the KKR bowling attack. With a strike rate of 269.23, Klaasen played a pivotal role in propelling SRH to a commanding total, displaying exceptional power-hitting and timing to register one of the fastest centuries of the season. This also helped SRH to put up a huge total of 278 runs, which is also the third-highest team total in the history of IPL.

4. David Miller – 38 Balls (KXIP vs RCB, 2013)

David Miller who is known as "Killer Miller" for his 38-ball century while playing for Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) against Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB). Under pressure, the South African left hand batter exploded into a T20 assault, hitting boundaries at will and finishing with a score of 101 runs. With some measured aggression and precision hitting, Miller led KXIP to the memorable chase, and lived upto his reputation as a game-changer in the world of T20 cricket.

5. Priyansh Arya – 39 Balls (PBKS vs CSK, 2025)

Punjab Kings (PBKS) secured 24-year-old Delhi opener Arya for INR 3.8 crore after a heated bidding war at the auction, and he's quickly proving his worth. After a strong debut performance with a 23-ball 47, Arya showcased his potential again against CSK. He launched the innings with a first-ball six and maintained his aggressive approach despite wickets falling at the other end. Arya then hammered Matheesha Pathirana for three consecutive sixes and a four, reaching a remarkable maiden IPL century in just the 13th over.

6. Travis Head  – 39 Balls (SRH vs RCB, 2024)

Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) and Head had already made their mark earlier in the season with a 277-run explosion. In Bengaluru, they surpassed that feat. Head led the charge with a blistering powerplay performance, helping SRH reach 76 for no loss while bringing up his fifty. By the time he was dismissed in the 13th over after a rapid 41-ball 102, SRH had soared to 165. They ultimately finished with a record-breaking 287, the highest total in IPL history.

In February 2025, Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey achieved a remarkable milestone in the history of Australian cricket. During the second Test of Australia’s tour of Sri Lanka at the Galle International Stadium, Carey set a new record for the highest individual score by an Australian wicketkeeper-batter in Sri Lanka. Australian wicketkeeper-batters with the highest individual scores in Test matches in Sri Lanka:

• Alex Carey
• Ian Healy
• Adam Gilchrist

Alex Carey etches his name in history👏

A batting masterclass as he notches the highest individual score by an Australian wicketkeeper-batter in Sri Lanka.#SLvsAUS #AlexCarey pic.twitter.com/PqpoGWuCeg

— CricTracker (@Cricketracker) February 8, 2025

Australia's Growth in Subcontinent Conditions 

ALSO SEE : MS Dhoni’s Luxurious Ranchi Farmhouse Gets a Stunning Makeover with Iconic No.7

Australia has had difficult times playing in the subcontinent, generally not being able to come to terms with the spin-friendly wickets of the subcontinent, at least, the slow turning wickets there. However, players like Alex Carey would do their good part in rewriting that script for Australia. Such innings by Carey from Sri Lanka are evidence of how this team is learning to cope with the subcontinent conditions. These performances against tough bowling speaks volumes of the strength gaining in Australia's batting lineup to put a composed performance in the matters involving spin.
The record-breaking knock of Carey is another important moment in Australian cricket. While big names like Steve Smith and David Warner often hog the limelight, contributions by players like Carey are becoming increasingly important for Australian cricket. He would go down in history not just for his crucial moment for the team but for generations of cricketers as an inspiration who will face challenges and adjust to the most trying conditions. It was a lesson in resilience and adaptability in order to achieve success at international levels.

The Indian skipper Rohit Sharma has come under immense scrutiny following his flop show in the Border Gavaskar Trophy down under, both as a batsman and as a captain. Across five innings, the Indian maestro accumulated only 31 runs at a shocking average of 6.8. Even the likes of Bumrah (42), Cummins (159), and Starc (97) managed to accumulate more runs than him in the entirety of the series despite batting not being their primary responsibility. 

Following a string of low scores, Rohit was forced to drop himself for the fifth and final Test in Sydney which India lost by six wickets. Subsequently, India went on to lose the five-match series by 1-3 and lost its hold on the prestigious Border-Gavaskar Trophy in over a decade.

See also: Watch: Mohammed Siraj completes 100 Test wickets

The clock seems to be ticking for Rohit Sharma as per Gilchrist

India's next red-ball assignment will commence against England this year in June. Former Australian wicketkeeper turned commentator Adam Gilchrist believes that he has seen the last of Rohit Sharma in red-ball cricket. The 53-year-old opines that the swashbuckling opener may not press forward to create a strong case for himself. After becoming a father to a baby boy in December last year, Gilchrist does not see him touring England as he feels that Rohit may have additional responsibilities on his shoulders. 

"I don't see Rohit going to England. I just felt that he says he will assess it when he gets home. I mean, the first thing he will be met with when he gets home is a two-month-old baby that he has to change the nappies on. Now that might incentivise him to go to England. But I don't see him pressing on."

Gilly optimistic about Rohit's white-ball future

Despite Rohit's ongoing struggles in the longest format, Gilchrist remains hopeful to see the best out of him in the ODI format. He reckons that the ace batter could play a key role in the upcoming Champions Trophy whilst also adding that it could be his last appearance in the white-ball arena. 

"I think he'll probably have a crack at the Champions Trophy and that might be...that might see him out."

Although Rohit's record in Test cricket may appear unremarkable, he has been performing exceptionally well in One Day Internationals (ODIs). Since the beginning of 2023, the right-handed batsman has accumulated 1,412 runs over 29 innings, achieving an outstanding average of 52.29 and a commendable strike rate of 119.35. His prospects in the ODI format may largely hinge on his performance in the upcoming Champions Trophy.

Tournaments like the Indian Premier League (IPL) are meant to break records, and that’s why some batters can completely change the game in very little time, leaving no chance for the opposition to recover from the assault. When any batter hits a century in a T20 inning, it significantly enhances the chances of their team winning. Particularly if this century is scored at a blazing pace, the probability of victory increases even more due to a considerable shift in momentum. In this blog, we will cover top 5 fastest centuries of IPL history.

See Also: Big players miss out as Australia announce men’s new contracts

Chris Gayle’s 30 ball century

Chris Gayle, known for his explosive batting prowess, holds the record for smashing the fastest century in the IPL. In IPL 2013 against the Pune Warriors, Gayle played a blistering knock of 175 runs off just 66 balls. This memorable inning included 13 fours and a staggering 17 huge sixes. Gayle reached the three-figure mark in a mere 30 balls, propelling Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) to a colossal total of 263/5 in 20 overs. Pune Warriors could only manage a paltry 133/9 in response, losing the match by a whopping 130 runs.

Vaibhav Suryavanshi 35 ball century

Vaibhav Suryavanshi created history by becoming the youngest player to score a century in T20 cricket. He smashed a brilliant 101 runs off just 38 balls, hitting 7 fours and 11 towering sixes. With a staggering strike rate of 265.79, Vaibhav’s explosive innings showcased his incredible talent and marked a memorable milestone in his budding career.

Yusuf Pathan’s 37 ball century

Yusuf Pathan stands at the top spot among Indian players for the fastest century in IPL history. He smashed a century in only 37 balls against the Mumbai Indians in 2010, setting a record at that time. Chasing a daunting target of 213 runs, the Rajasthan Royals were well in the game until Yusuf got a run-out on the first ball of the 18th over. Despite his heroic effort, Rajasthan fell short by just 4 runs, scoring 208/7 in their 20 overs.

David Miller’s 38 ball century

David Miller showcased his batting prowess with a century in just 38 balls during his memorable 101-run knock against RCB in the IPL 2013. RCB had set a target of 191 runs, seemingly putting Punjab in a winning position, as they managed only 64/4 in 9.5 overs. However, Miller’s blitzkrieg turned the tables as Punjab chased down the challenging total in just 18 overs with six wickets to spare.

Adam Gilchrist’s 42 ball century

Adam Gilchrist’s 42-ball century in the inaugural season of the IPL remains etched in memory. Playing for the Deccan Chargers, Gilchrist chased down 155 runs in just 12 overs against the Mumbai Indians, leading his team to a comfortable 10-wicket victory.

AB de Villiers and David Warner’s 43 ball century

AB de Villiers and David Warner share the joint-fifth spot for their centuries in only 43 balls. De Villiers smashed 129 runs off 52 balls against the Gujarat Lions in IPL 2016, while Warner’s 126 runs off 59 balls against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) in 2017.

A Twitter handle with the handle “The World Index” made the shocking claim that Australia legend Adam Gilchrist is currently the richest cricketer in the world. In the rundown of 10 Richest cricketers posted on the record, Gilchrist enjoyed a significant upper hand over the course of the second positioned Sachin Tendulkar and the handle guaranteed that the ex-Australia star has a total assets of around $380 million.

Although Ricky Ponting and Virat Kohli finished third and fourth, the inclusion of Gilchrist astonished many fans

While there were a ton of conversations on the web, Gilchrist himself chose to end the disarray as he answered the tweet by The World Index. The cricketer explained that because the handle mentioned Adam Gilchrist’s net worth, it was a case of mistaken identity.

The businessman, who owns the F45 fitness center chain, recently made headlines for making more than $500 million in 2022. His net worth skyrocketed as a result of the company’s listing on the New York Stock Exchange last year.

“A case of mistaken identity here folks. Unless of course my namesake who founded F45 played cricket, in which case it’s completely accurate #doyourresearch #fakenews #yasafesachin”.

As Tendulkar maintains his position as the world’s richest cricketer, Gilchrist’s tweet included the snarky hashtag “#yasafesachin.” Fans on a variety of social media platforms praised Gilchrist for his prompt clarification as the post quickly went viral.