Dasun Shanaka lit up IPL 2023 with Gujarat Titans, translating his reputation as a power-hifting finisher into a match-winning cameo. In three innings he hammered 26 runs off just 26 balls at a scorching strike-rate of 100, signalling intent from ball one. The 29-year-old struck two boundaries and one towering six, peaking at a highest score of 17 that underlined his ability to clear the ropes. Although limited to only 2023’s single-season stint with GT, Shanaka’s brief but explosive stay delivered exactly what modern T20 franchises crave: instant impact off minimal deliveries. With no bowling duties asked of him, his story this season is purely about fearless batting flair – a snapshot of why he remains on every auction radar as a proven six-hitter.

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.