Herschelle Gibbs IPL career in four seasons from 2008 to 2012 was a crash-course in fearless top-order batting. The South African dasher amassed 886 runs off just 807 deliveries, translating to an eye-catching strike rate of 109. His 36 innings were laced with 83 fours and 31 sixes—power zones that made Gibbs a nightmare for bowlers across three franchises. Gibbs’ highest IPL score of 69 tells only half the story; six half-centuries underline his knack for converting starts into match-shaping contributions. Operating mainly for Sunrisers Hyderabad between 2008 and 2010 before a final cameo with Mumbai Indians in 2012, he brought a blend of classic timing and T20 aggression. With zero wickets across zero bowling innings, Gibbs’ value lay purely in his bat—and the numbers testify to that singular focus.

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.