By Robert 
Monday, April 28, proved to be a significant day in the world of cricket, with several major developments taking place. From Rajasthan Royals’ emphatic win to Ravichandran Ashwin’s prestigious honour, here’s a look at the top five cricketing headlines:
Rajasthan Royals Outclass Gujarat Titans
Ending a five-match losing streak, Rajasthan Royals produced a stunning chase to defeat Gujarat Titans in match 47 of the IPL 2025 season. Titans had earlier posted a formidable 209-4, thanks to commanding half-centuries by captain Shubman Gill and number three Jos Buttler. However, Royals’ batting unit made short work of the massive target.
Teenage prodigy Vaibhav Suryavanshi smashed a breathtaking 101 off just 38 balls, peppered with seven fours and 11 towering sixes. Yashasvi Jaiswal remained unbeaten with a fluent 70* off 40 deliveries, while skipper Riyan Parag contributed a quickfire 32* off 15 balls. Royals raced to victory in just 15.5 overs.
Vaibhav Suryavanshi Smashes IPL Records
At just 14 years and 32 days old, Rajasthan Royals’ opener Vaibhav Suryavanshi etched his name into IPL history books by becoming the youngest player ever to score both a half-century and a century. His blistering hundred came off just 35 balls, marking the second-fastest century in IPL history. Suryavanshi’s fearless 38-ball 101 was instrumental in propelling the Royals to a memorable win over Gujarat Titans.
Sai Sudharsan Reclaims Orange Cap
Despite Gujarat Titans’ defeat, Sai Sudharsan had a reason to celebrate. The young opener reclaimed the coveted Orange Cap from RCB legend Virat Kohli. Sudharsan scored a steady 39 off 30 balls, building a crucial 93-run stand with Shubman Gill at the top. With 456 runs in nine innings at an impressive average of 50.67, including five fifties, the 23-year-old continues to shine brightly in the IPL 2025 season.
Zimbabwe Fight Back on Opening Day Against Bangladesh
In Chattogram, Zimbabwe showed grit by batting through the entire opening day of the series-deciding second Test against Bangladesh. After a strong start led by Nick Welch and Sean Williams’ half-centuries, Zimbabwe stumbled but managed to reach 227-9 at stumps. Bangladesh’s spin spearhead Taijul Islam delivered a masterclass, claiming 5-60, while Nayeem Hasan (2-42) and Tanzim Hasan Sakib (1-49) provided valuable support.
Ravichandran Ashwin Receives Padma Shri
Indian cricketing legend Ravichandran Ashwin was honoured with the Padma Shri, the country’s fourth-highest civilian award. President Droupadi Murmu presented the award at a ceremony held at the Rashtrapati Bhavan. Ashwin, who retired from international cricket last year during India’s tour of Australia, boasts a glittering career record of 765 wickets and over 4,000 runs across formats. He continues to play in the IPL for the Chennai Super Kings in the 2025 season.