Dinesh Karthik has turned IPL longevity into an art, spanning 17 seasons and eight different franchises before settling in as the finisher for Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2024. With 4,842 runs off just 3,577 balls, the veteran wicket-keeper-batsman has built his reputation on fearless hitting: 466 fours and 161 sixes fly off his blade at a strike rate of 135. Though a highest score of 97 has kept him tantalisingly short of a century, 22 half-centuries underline a career of consistent cameos and clutch chases. From his 2008 debut with Delhi Capitals to title runs with Mumbai Indians and Kolkata Knight Riders, Karthik has been the silent points-multiplier every squad craves. In 233 innings he has repeatedly walked in during high-pressure overs and flipped games in a blink—turning dot balls into boundary fests and scoreboard pressure into victory chants. Now donning the RCB red for his fourth straight season, the 39-year-old remains one of the league’s premier finishers, proving that experience, smart strike rotation and raw power can still outshine younger legs.

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.