Irfan Pathan’s IPL story is told best through the rhythm of his left-arm swing. Across nine seasons from 2008 to 2017, the all-rounder turned 2043 deliveries into 80 wickets at a strike-rate of 25.54, keeping batters guessing with an economy of 7.78. Four times he tilted matches with three-wicket bursts, never more devastating than when the new ball nipped away under lights. Yet Pathan the bowler had a batting heartbeat. Promoted up the order, he smashed 1139 runs from 946 balls, striking at 120 and clearing the ropes 37 times while threading 87 fours. His lone fifty—an electric 60—came at 186.66 and remains a reminder that he could flip a chase in a flash. From Punjab Kings in the inaugural year to the debutant Gujarat Titans in 2017, Pathan wore six different jerseys, but the left-arm angle and fearless swing stayed constant. Eighty wickets, 1139 runs: the numbers frame a rare IPL double—strike bowler who could also open the batting and win you a game either side of the innings.

Ajinkya Rahane IPL journey spans 17 seasons, 183 innings and a mountain of 5,032 runs that have come off 4,025 balls at a brisk strike-rate of 125. The Mumbai-born right-hander has punished bowlers for 514 fours and 123 sixes, crossing fifty 33 times and reaching three figures on two memorable occasions, the highest being an unbeaten 105. After stints with Mumbai Indians, Rajasthan Royals, Rising Pune Supergiant, Delhi Capitals and Chennai Super Kings, he is back with Kolkata Knight Riders for IPL 2025. While Rahane has rolled his arm over only once in the league, picking up a solitary wicket in a six-ball cameo that cost five runs, he remains celebrated as one of the league’s most technically sound and consistent top-order batsmen.

Note: This overview is partially generated using AI and is based on statistical data. Please verify with official sources for complete accuracy.