Johan Botha: the IPL’s quiet all-rounder who spun webs and still cleared ropes. Across five seasons from 2009 to 2015, the South African turned out for Rajasthan Royals, Delhi Capitals and finally Kolkata Knight Riders, leaving a ledger that reads 409 runs off 359 balls at a brisk 113 strike-rate, peppered with 39 fours and 5 sixes. His lone half-century, a 67 at the death, showed he could muscle spin as well as he bowled it. Yet it is with the ball that Botha truly earned his keep. Operating in 34 bowling innings, he sent down 694 balls, conceded exactly 800 runs and snapped up 25 wickets—three of them in a single spell that remains his IPL best. An economy of 6.92 and a strike-rate of 27.76 testify to a tweaker who never let batsmen breathe, even on India’s flattest decks. Whether captaining mid-innings or finishing with the bat, Johan Botha gave every IPL side he played for a rare two-in-one package: a frugal off-spinner who could still launch sixes when the asking rate soared.

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.