Azhar Mahmood, the seasoned Pakistan all-rounder, lit up three IPL seasons between 2012 and 2015 for Kings XI Punjab and Kolkata Knight Riders, delivering exactly the kind of late-order fireworks and disciplined seam that wins tight matches. Batting at a strike-rate of 128, Mahmood hammered 388 runs off 303 balls, including 39 fours and 13 sixes. His two half-centuries peaked at an 80-run blitzkrieg that showcased his ability to clear the rope when it mattered most. Yet it is with the ball that Mahmood truly tilted games. Across 23 bowling innings he snapped 29 wickets at a brisk strike-rate of 18.52 balls per scalp and kept pressure on with an economy of 7.82. Four three-wicket bursts underline his knack for breaking partnerships, even if a five-for eluded him. In 537 deliveries he conceded only 700 runs, numbers that reflect both control and penetration on Indian pitches. From 2012 to 2015, whether in Punjab red or KKR purple, Azhar Mahmood offered captains the rare luxury of a proven finisher who could also close an innings with the ball—exactly the dual threat modern T20 franchises crave.

Ashish Nehra IPL career: 106 wickets in 88 innings, 14 three-wicket bursts, best 4 for 10, economy 7.85, strike-rate 18. Overs nine seasons from 2008 to 2017, the left-arm quick turned powerplay destroyer for Mumbai Indians, Delhi Capitals, Pune Warriors, Chennai Super Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad. In 2015-16 he spearheaded CSK and SRH attacks, returning 24 wickets in 17 games. His 1908 balls cost only 2495 runs, a testament to discipline on Indian decks. With the bat Nehra was never the headline, yet 41 runs at 66 strike-rate and three fours plus one towering six show he could swing if needed. Highest score 22 off 14, 17 innings, no fifty but plenty of sting in the tail.

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