Matheesha Pathirana has become Chennai Super Kings’ go-to death-over assassin in just four IPL seasons, all spent under the yellow banner from 2022 to 2025. The sling-arm quick has claimed 47 wickets from 32 bowling innings, attacking stumps at a rapid strike rate of 14.94 balls per wicket. His 702 deliveries have cost only 1,016 runs, translating to an economy of 8.68 while operating in the high-risk overs. Pathirana’s ability to nail yorkers shows up in his five three-wicket hauls, and his best figures of 4 for in a single spell underline why opposition batters dread the 19th over at Chepauk. Zero runs, zero batting records—that is the story of a bowler who does his talking with the ball, not the bat.

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.