IPL 2026: 5 players who could score fastest fifty

The Indian Premier League (IPL) 2026 is set to begin on March 28 with a blockbuster clash between Royal Challengers Bengaluru and Sunrisers Hyderabad. The IPL is often a batter-friendly tournament, where scoring quickly is key to success. Batters not only aim to accelerate the run rate but also look to reach milestones in the fewest deliveries possible.

Here are the five players who could score the fastest fifty:

Vaibhav Suryavanshi (Rajasthan Royals)

Vaibhav Suryavanshi is a strong contender to register one of the fastest half-centuries. The young opener made headlines by becoming the youngest centurion in men’s T20 cricket, smashing 101 off just 38 balls for Rajasthan Royals against Gujarat Titans in IPL 2025. His century came off just 35 balls, making it the second-fastest in IPL history. On debut, he announced himself in style by hitting his first ball, bowled by Shardul Thakur, for a six, eventually scoring 34 off 20 balls. He registered a 17-ball fifty against Gujarat, showcasing his explosive potential.

Phil Salt (Royal Challengers Bengaluru)

Phil Salt is known for his aggressive batting at the top of the order. After impressing with Kolkata Knight Riders in 2024, he continued his fine form with RCB in 2025. Salt scored over 400 runs at a strike rate close to 176, forming a dynamic opening partnership with Virat Kohli. His fearless approach during the powerplay makes him a prime candidate to notch up a rapid fifty. He has not been up to his best in the T20 World Cup, but the right-handed batter will look to dominate in the cash-rich league.

Abhishek Sharma (Sunrisers Hyderabad)

Abhishek Sharma remains one of the most destructive T20 openers despite a relatively quiet international phase. The IPL provides him with the perfect platform to regain rhythm. In IPL 2025, he scored 439 runs at an astonishing strike rate of 193.39, including a breathtaking 141 off 55 balls against Punjab Kings. He also registered a 16-ball fifty against Mumbai Indians, underlining his ability to score at lightning speed. Recently, he was appointed as the vice-captain for SRH and with added responsibility, he will aim to outclass the bowlers in the 19th edition of the tournament.

Urvil Patel (Chennai Super Kings)

Urvil Patel is an exciting wicketkeeper-batter who could surprise many if given enough opportunities with Chennai Super Kings. Despite limited chances in IPL 2025, he impressed with a remarkable strike rate of 212.50. Urvil also holds the record for the fastest T20 hundred by an Indian, scoring a 28-ball century in the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy against Tripura. He will look to showcase his best performances for the five-time champions.

Priyansh Arya (Punjab Kings)

Priyansh Arya emerged as a key player for Punjab Kings after being trusted at the top of the order in IPL 2025. He repaid that faith with 475 runs at a blistering strike rate of 179.24. Arya also smashed a 39-ball century against Chennai Super Kings, the third-fastest by an Indian in IPL history. His aggressive stroke play makes him a strong candidate to score a rapid fifty this season.