Rinku Singh IPL story: 1,099 runs in 51 innings, 87 fours and 56 sixes at a 145 strike-rate, four half-centuries, highest 67*, all for Kolkata Knight Riders since 2018. A pure power-hitter who has never bowled a single ball in the league, Rinku has become the Knight Riders’ designated finisher, sending 143 balls to or over the fence while facing 757 in total. After seven straight seasons in purple and gold, he steps into IPL 2025 with the reputation of turning every 20th delivery he faces into a boundary and every 13th into a maximum.

Hardik Pandya IPL career story: 11 seasons, 2749 runs at a 146 strike-rate, 148 sixes, 10 half-centuries Hardik Pandya has been one of the Indian Premier League’s most explosive batting all-rounders since his 2015 debut with Mumbai Indians. Across 140 innings he has unleashed 2,749 runs off just 1,871 balls, translating to a fearsome strike-rate of 146—the sort of number that turns middle-overs into match-winning passages. He has cleared the ropes 148 times and found the boundary another 207 times, underlining why captains post straight long-on and deep mid-wicket for him from ball one. His highest score of 91 and ten half-centuries show he can both finish innings and anchor them when required. While Pandya’s primary currency is runs, he has also delivered 78 wickets in 107 bowling innings, including one five-for and five three-wicket bursts. Operating at an economy of 9.18 and a strike-rate of 20.87, he often bowls the difficult overs at the death, trusting his cutters and the slower ball. Having represented Mumbai Indians for eight of his eleven campaigns and captained Gujarat Titans to the 2022 title, Pandya’s dual-skill value has made him a marquee name every mega auction.

Note: This overview is partially generated using AI and is based on statistical data. Please verify with official sources for complete accuracy.