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.

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.