AB de Villiers, the “Superman” of the Indian Premier League, packed 14 unforgettable seasons into one blue-and-gold legend. Between 2008 and 2021 the South African great amassed 5 162 runs off only 3 403 balls, turning every 2.4 deliveries into either a boundary or a six. His 413 fours and 251 sixes—both top-five numbers in IPL history—underline the fearless arc of his blade, culminating in a jaw-dropping strike rate of 151. From his Delhi Capitals debut in 2008 to his decade-long reign at Royal Challengers Bengaluru, he walked out 170 times, crossing fifty on 40 occasions and reaching three sensational hundreds, the highest a whirlwind 133*. De Villiers never bowled a single legal ball in the IPL, yet his bat alone won matches, hearts and highlight reels.

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.