Fast-bowling livewire D G Nalkande has quietly become one of Gujarat Titans’ most reliable impact options, piling up six wickets in only six bowling innings across three IPL seasons (2022-24). Operating at a sharp strike-rate of 14 balls per wicket, the Vidarbha seamer has shown he can break partnerships in the middle overs while conceding just 10.57 runs an over. His standout spell of 2 for 22 against Sunrisers Hyderabad in IPL 2024 underlined his knack for producing breakthroughs when the match hangs in the balance. Though primarily a bowler, Nalkande’s fearless lower-order cameo of 12* off 12 balls—featuring a towering six—proved he can swing the long handle if needed. With Gujarat Titans backing him for a third straight year, the 26-year-old is fast emerging as the silent finisher who can tilt games with ball and occasionally surprise with the bat.

Hardik Pandya IPL career story: 11 seasons, 2749 runs at a 146 strike-rate, 148 sixes, 10 half-centuries Hardik Pandya has been one of the Indian Premier League’s most explosive batting all-rounders since his 2015 debut with Mumbai Indians. Across 140 innings he has unleashed 2,749 runs off just 1,871 balls, translating to a fearsome strike-rate of 146—the sort of number that turns middle-overs into match-winning passages. He has cleared the ropes 148 times and found the boundary another 207 times, underlining why captains post straight long-on and deep mid-wicket for him from ball one. His highest score of 91 and ten half-centuries show he can both finish innings and anchor them when required. While Pandya’s primary currency is runs, he has also delivered 78 wickets in 107 bowling innings, including one five-for and five three-wicket bursts. Operating at an economy of 9.18 and a strike-rate of 20.87, he often bowls the difficult overs at the death, trusting his cutters and the slower ball. Having represented Mumbai Indians for eight of his eleven campaigns and captained Gujarat Titans to the 2022 title, Pandya’s dual-skill value has made him a marquee name every mega auction.

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