Abhishek Nayar IPL story: 672 runs, 55 fours, 20 sixes – the all-rounder who kept scoreboards ticking for seven seasons. From Mumbai Indians’ 2008 title-run to Rajasthan Royals’ 2014 campaign, Nayar walked in at 50 different innings, faced 577 balls and still kept a brisk strike-rate of 116. While a half-century eluded him, the left-hander’s highest of 45 came packed with fearless boundaries; every 10.5 balls he cleared the ropes or found the fence, turning middle-overs into momentum shifters. With the ball he was the silent partner: 19 spells, 9 wickets, one three-for. Bowling 229 balls at an economy of 8.44, he broke partnerships when teams were pushing 200. From Wankhede to Sharjah, Nayar’s utility turned him into a trusted floater—capable of accelerating at 145-plus strike-rate on good days and chipping in with a tight 10-run over when needed. Seven franchises in seven seasons, but the numbers stay: 672 batting runs, 322 bowling runs, and the rare badge of being both the pinch-hitter and the surprise seamer.

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.