IPL legend Matthew Hayden lit up the league from 2008 to 2010, all three seasons spent smashing attacks in Chennai Super Kings yellow. In just 32 innings the left-handed opener stacked up 1,107 runs off only 805 balls, translating to a blistering strike-rate of 137. His boundary count—121 fours and 44 sixes—tells the story of an intimidator who loved the arc between cover and long-on. Hayden crossed fifty eight times, peaking at 93, and even though he never reached three figures, the missing century only adds intrigue to his dominance. Zero wickets confirm he earned every rupee with the bat, not the ball.

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.