Graeme Smith IPL career from 2008 to 2011 was defined by fearless left-handed batting that produced 739 runs in 29 innings, striking at 110 runs per 100 balls. Opening the innings for Rajasthan Royals in 2008, 2009 and 2010 before finishing with Pune Warriors in 2011, the South African captain turned every 7.3 deliveries into either a boundary or a maximum, carving 94 fours and 9 sixes in total. Four half-centuries, topped by an unbeaten 91, showcased the same aggressive mindset that had already made him a global leader. With no bowling overs recorded, Smith’s sole focus was anchoring or exploding at the top, and his 739-run tally tells the story of a batsman who combined power with placement, guiding teams through the power-play and beyond.

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.