V Nigam burst onto the IPL stage in 2025 with Delhi Capitals, turning heads as a genuine all-round match-winner. In just eight innings with the bat, the 21-year-old hammered 142 runs at a scorching strike rate of 179, peppering boundaries at will—15 fours and eight towering sixes. His fearless cameos, topped by a 39-run blitz, gave DC the late-overs impetus they craved. Even more eye-catching was his impact with the ball. Handed the new ball and trusted at the death, Nigam featured in 13 bowling innings, snaring 11 wickets at an impressive strike rate of 21.27 balls per wicket. While 2 for best figures might sound modest, the fact that he achieved this while going at 9.13 an over in high-scoring 2025 games underscores his nerve under pressure. In a single season, Nigam became one of the rare players to cross 140 runs and 10 wickets, a stat line that places him in elite all-round company. Delhi Capitals unearthed a 360-degree gem who can flip matches with both bat and ball—exactly the blueprint modern T20 franchises chase.

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.