James Faulkner IPL Profile: 59 wickets, 5-wicket hauls and match-winning spells for Royals & Titans Australian all-rounder James Faulkner lit up the IPL between 2011 and 2017, emerging as one of the league’s most reliable death-over specialists. Across 60 bowling innings he claimed 59 wickets at a strike-rate of 20.8 balls per scalp and twice ripped through line-ups to claim five-fors, including four separate three-wicket bursts. Operating at an economy of 8.69 despite bowling predominantly at the death, Faulkner’s mix of cutters and yorkers made him the go-to finisher for Rajasthan Royals (2013-15) and later Gujarat Titans (2016-17). With the bat Faulkner was a genuine lower-order threat. In 45 innings he smashed 527 runs at a striking 135, clearing the ropes 23 times and finding 36 fours. His highest score of 46 came in a whirlwind knock that showcased his ability to turn games inside a handful of deliveries. From debuting with Pune Warriors in 2011 to his final stint with the Titans in 2017, Faulkner’s seven-season IPL journey was defined by clutch performances: two five-wicket hauls, four three-wicket bursts and countless tight overs when 12 runs an over looked inevitable.

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.