Afghanistan left-arm quick Fazalhaq Farooqi has quietly emerged as one of the IPL’s most economical powerplay enforcers after three seasons with Sunrisers Hyderabad and now Rajasthan Royals. Across 12 bowling innings the 23-year-old has snapped 6 wickets, never going for more than 2 scalps in a match but consistently cramping batters with a miserly economy of 10.32 on some of the league’s flattest decks. Operating at a brisk strike-rate of 42.33 balls per wicket, Farooqi has sent down 254 deliveries and conceded only 437 runs, figures that underscore his value in the six-over burst that sets the tone. With the bat he remains a rare sight, facing just 15 balls for 5 runs in three cameos, yet his real narrative is written with the new rock in hand. From 2022 to 2025 the Afghan star has turned the Royals’ pace department into a sharper, thriftier unit, and fantasy managers hunting early breakthroughs now keep a close eye on Fazalhaq Farooqi’s opening spell every match-day.

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.