A Mhatre exploded onto the IPL stage in 2025 with Chennai Super Kings, announcing himself as one of the most fearless young batters in the league. Across seven innings the 24-year-old hammered 240 runs off 127 balls, striking at a blistering 188 – the kind of strike-rate that redefines death-overs batting. Forty-two of those runs came from 31 fours and 11 sixes, a ratio that showcases both precision and power. His standout knock arrived against Delhi when he fell six short of a maiden hundred, carving 94 off 43 balls to flip a chase on its head. Though centuries remain on the bucket list, Mhatre’s first campaign already features a half-century and a highest score that sits just under triple figures, proof that big hundreds are inevitable. With zero wickets and no bowling duties assigned, the message from CSK is clear: Mhatre is a specialist game-changer with the bat, and every ball he faces is an event worth tuning in for.

Faf du Plessis has become one of the most bankable IPL openers across 13 seasons and four franchises, culminating in his 2025 stint with Delhi Capitals. The South African has stacked up 4,773 runs at a strike rate of 135, carving 439 boundaries and clearing the rope 174 times—numbers that paint the picture of a batsman who keeps the scoreboard in perpetual motion. With 39 half-centuries from 147 innings, he has built consistency into aggression, while his unbeaten 96 remains the tantalising high-water mark just short of a maiden IPL ton. From Chennai Super Kings’ yellow to Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s red and now Delhi Capitals’ blue, du Plessis has turned every jersey into a run-making statement, proving that adaptability and class travel well in T20 cricket.

Note: This overview is partially generated using AI and is based on statistical data. Please verify with official sources for complete accuracy.