IPL power-hitter Prerak Mankad has quietly built a reputation as a late-order finisher, and the numbers from his first two seasons tell the story. Across 73 balls faced for Lucknow Super Giants in IPL 2023 and Punjab Kings the year before, the 29-year-old has stacked up 97 runs at an eye-catching strike-rate of 132. His standout knock came at the Ekana Stadium when he exploded for a 40-ball 64 — a fearless innings that contained 13 fours and 2 sixes — to register his maiden IPL half-century and announce himself on the big stage. With five innings under his belt and a highest score of 64*, Mankad is quickly emerging as a reliable lower-middle order option who can turn a game in the death overs.

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.