Anrich Nortje has been a pace spearhead in the Indian Premier League ever since his 2020 debut with Delhi Capitals, and after six seasons he now brings his 150-plus-kph thunder to the Kolkata Knight Riders in the 2025 campaign. Across 48 bowling innings the South African speedster has rattled 61 batsmen from 1,096 balls, translating to a wicket every 17.97 deliveries—the kind of strike rate that makes finishers think twice about taking him on. While economy sits at 9.07 per over, it is the raw pace and four separate three-wicket bursts that have swung matches for his sides. Though primarily valued for his bowling, Nortje has contributed handy runs when the situation demands. In 13 brief innings he has scored 49 runs off exactly 49 balls, striking at 100 and peppering six boundaries along the way; his highest score of 23 came in a pressure-cooker chase where every run counted. No half-centuries or hundreds adorn the batting card, yet the lower-order cameos underline a fearless mindset. From the blue of Delhi Capitals between 2020 and 2024, to the purple of KKR in 2025, Nortje’s journey reflects a bowler trusted to deliver in every phase of the innings. With 61 wickets in the bank and the new season just begun, fantasy managers and fans alike keep one eye on his speed gun readings and the other on his ability to break partnerships at will.

Ajinkya Rahane IPL journey spans 17 seasons, 183 innings and a mountain of 5,032 runs that have come off 4,025 balls at a brisk strike-rate of 125. The Mumbai-born right-hander has punished bowlers for 514 fours and 123 sixes, crossing fifty 33 times and reaching three figures on two memorable occasions, the highest being an unbeaten 105. After stints with Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, he is back with Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2025. While Rahane has rolled his arm over only once in the league, picking up a solitary wicket in a six-ball cameo that cost five runs, he remains celebrated as one of the league’s most technically sound and consistent top-order batsmen.

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