Devdutt Padikkal has carved a six-season IPL story of fearless left-handed batting, returning in 2025 to Royal Challengers Bengaluru where his journey began in 2020. Across 74 innings he has stacked 1,806 runs at a strike rate of 126, translating intent into 190 fours and 56 sixes—evidence of both placement and power. His standout knock is the 101* that delivered his only century so far, while eleven half-centuries underline the consistency that made him one of the league’s brightest young openers. After breakout seasons with RCB in 2020 and 2021, Padikkal switched to Rajasthan Royals, spending 2022-2023 at the top of their order before a 2024 stint with Lucknow Super Giants. Now back in Bengaluru, the 24-year-old brings a proven record—nearly 25 runs per outing—of giving his side flying starts and an ever-growing six-hitting range that has already cleared the ropes 56 times. With 1,430 balls of experience and an appetite for big scores, Padikkal remains a marquee IPL batsman to watch every time RCB takes the field.

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.