Rahul Ajinkya Tripathi, better known as R A Tripathi, has emerged as one of IPL’s most explosive Indian batsmen, lighting up nine seasons with 2,291 runs off just 1,662 balls at a strike rate of 137. The right-hander has carved 229 boundaries and 85 sixes in 98 innings, showing a boundary every 5.5 balls. While he is still chasing that elusive maiden century, Tripathi has thrilled fans with 12 half-centuries and a blistering 93 as his highest score. Since his eye-catching debut for Rising Pune Supergiant in 2017, Tripathi has hopped across five franchises—Rajasthan Royals, Kolkata Knight Riders, Sunrisers Hyderabad and now Chennai Super Kings—adapting seamlessly to every middle-order role. His most productive phase came in the orange of Sunrisers between 2022-24, where his fearless hitting at the death became a hallmark of their campaign. In 2025, CSK secured his services to add firepower at numbers three and four, banking on his proven ability to clear the ropes late in the innings. Though he bowls the occasional off-break, his 1-0-12-0 numbers in a solitary over highlight that his true value lies in dismantling bowling attacks, not containing them. With nearly 2,300 runs of evidence, Tripathi’s bat remains the headline act in the IPL’s high-octane theatre.

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.