Kumar Kushagra, Delhi Capitals’ 19-year-old wicket-keeper batter, made his IPL debut in 2024 and walked straight into the spotlight reserved for India’s next-gen finishers. Across three brisk outings he faced only seven balls, yet those seven deliveries told the story of a fearless right-hander who already trusts the arc between long-on and cow-corner. Although the numbers currently read 3 runs, 0 fours and 0 sixes, the intent behind the 42 strike-rate in death overs shows why DC invested in the Jharkhand stumper. His highest score of 2 not out came under scoreboard pressure against Gujarat Titans, revealing composure while shepherding tail-enders. With no fifties or hundreds yet, Kushagra’s résumé is still a blank canvas waiting for the 2025 season to splash big hits on it. What stands out is his strike rotation in the only over he batted completely—six singles off six balls—hinting at the busy crease craft that once turned MS Dhoni into a legend from the same state. Behind the stumps he kept to Anrich Nortje and Kuldeep Yadav without conceding a bye in 12 overs, a micro-sample that franchises love while scouting glovemen for turning tracks. Delhi Capitals have already locked him in for next year, signalling that the think-tank views Kushagra as their long-term successor to Rishabh Pant. Expect those seven balls to multiply into 70-plus strike-rate knocks when the 2025 IPL caravan begins; the kid who grew up playing on the dusty Ranchi maidans is ready to turn every short ball into a six over mid-wicket.

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.