Shardul Thakur IPL 2025: 107 wickets in 102 innings, economy 9.4, best 4-29; handy 325 runs at 139 strike-rate, 68* top score. After ten seasons, five franchises, and 2070 balls of high-pressure death bowling, the Lucknow Super Giants recruit has grown into the league’s quintessential “three-phase” asset. With 107 wickets—eight three-fers, no five-fers—he attacks in bursts, striking every 19.35 balls while conceding less than ten an over. Batting lower down, Thakur has muscled 30 fours and 13 sixes, including a 68* that sealed a famous chase. From 2015 Punjab Kings debutant to 2025 LSG finisher, Shardul’s numbers tell a story of clutch performances across Chennai, Delhi, Kolkata and now Lucknow—an all-round match-winner built for the IPL’s biggest stages.

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.