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5 Fastest Half-centuries by uncapped players in IPL history

IPL provides a stage for talented cricketers to perform at the grandest stage. Everyone, including both Indian and overseas youngsters, capped, uncapped, out of form, and inform players get equal opportunities to showcase their skills in this highly competitive tournament. Several uncapped players have made themselves known through this tournament. At times these uncapped players have matched the expertise of some international stars and even surpassed a few. This article brings forth such talented uncapped players who shined in IPL because of their quick half-centuries. So, here are the five fastest half-centuries by uncapped players in IPL history:

#5 Rahul Tripathi v KKR Kolkata 2017:

Rahul Tripathi completed his half-century from just 23 balls in his innings of 93 off 52 balls for Rising Pune Super Giants against Kolkata Knight Riders in the 41st match of IPL 2017. He smashed nine fours and seven sixes in his innings and won the man of the match award for his match-winning knock.

Apart from Rahul Tripathi, no other batsman from RPS even crossed the mark of 15. In this average scoring clash, KKR batted first and scored 155/8, which RPS chased comfortably with four balls remaining. 

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#4 Paul Valthaty (23 balls) v CSK – Chandigarh 2011:

Paul Valthaty won this match for Kings XI Punjab with his century and a little help from Sunny Singh and Dinesh Karthik‘s cameos. In the 9th match of IPL 2011 between Kings XI Punjab and Chennai Super Kings, CSK batted first and scored 4/188.

KXIP chased this total comfortably with five balls remaining, thanks to Valthaty’s unbeaten 120 off 63 balls. He hit 19 fours and two sixes in this phenomenal innings. Valthaty got to his half-century in just 23 balls in just 6.3 overs of the KXIP chase and then continued his slaughter to guide KXIP to a six-wicket win.

#3 Deepak Hooda (22 balls) v DD – Delhi 2015:

Deepak Hooda brought Rajasthan Royals back into the game from a difficult situation while chasing 185 in the sixth match of IPL 2015 against Delhi Daredevils. Hooda came to bat after RR lost their fourth wicket on 78, and they needed 107 more runs to win from 56 balls.

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Deepak Hooda brought them close to the target with his 22 ball half-century but got out on the first ball of the second last over, scoring 54 off 25 deliveries. He smashed four sixes and three fours in this innings. Fortunately, Chris Morris and Tim Southee finished the job, and RR won this contest by three wickets. Deepak Hooda was awarded the man of the match award for his match-winning innings.

#2 Deepak Hooda (20 balls) v RR – Mumbai 2021:

Everyone, including the commentators, was surprised when Deepak Hooda was sent ahead of Nicholas Pooran in the fourth match of IPL 2021. But the 25-year-old uncapped Indian surprised them even more by smashing a twenty-ball half-century.

Hooda scored a fast-paced 64 off just 28 deliveries. He hit six sixes and four fours and turned the momentum entirely in favour of the Punjab Kings. Through this fine innings, he added 105 runs with KL Rahul for the fourth wicket from just 46 balls which played a crucial role for PBKS to put a massive 221 on the board. PBKS won this match by just four runs in a last-ball nail-biter. Deepak Hooda is the only player to score two of the fastest half-centuries among uncapped players.

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#1 Ishan Kishan (17 balls) v KKR – Kolkata 2018:

Ishan Kishan has scored the fastest half-century among uncapped players in the history of IPL. In the 41st match of IPL 2018 between Kolkata Knight Riders and Mumbai Indians, Ishan Kishan scored a 17 ball half-century to claim this feat. After an average start, MI lost both of their openers and got to a score of 2/62 in nine overs.

They were going at a run rate of just 6.88 when Ishan Kishan entered. Ishan scored a quick 62 off 21 balls with the help of five fours and six sixes. He got to his half-century with three consecutive sixes. After he got out, Ben Cutting and Krunal Pandyas’ cameos got MI to 210. MI won this match one-sidedly by a margin of 102 runs.

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