Lakshmipathy Balaji, the Tamil-Nadu tearaway who turned Chennai’s Chepauk roar into a stadium-wide chant, was one of the IPL’s original pace sensations. Across 73 bowling innings from 2008 to 2014, Balaji struck 76 times, translating to a wicket every 19.89 balls and keeping batters guessing at an economy of 8.05 runs per over. His highlight reel peaks with a five-for—the only one of his IPL career—coming alongside six separate three-wicket bursts that tilted matches for Chennai Super Kings, Kolkata Knight Riders and Punjab Kings. Balaji’s 1512 legal deliveries leaked 2028 runs yet never let the asking rate drift too far, a testament to clever change-ups and fearless yorkers. While his batting was mostly an afterthought—36 runs in 13 knocks with a best of 15—his true value lay in the speed and smarts that delivered 76 priceless breakthroughs. Seven seasons, three franchises and one unforgettable spellbook: that is the Balaji legacy in the IPL.

Sandeep Sharma IPL 2025: Swing master headlines Rajasthan Royals attack with 146 wickets across 13 seasons Since his debut in 2013, Sandeep Sharma has quietly built one of the most consistent new-ball résumés in IPL history. Operating for Rajasthan Royals since 2023 (after earlier stints with Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad), the right-arm seamer has sent down 3,041 deliveries and walked away with 146 wickets—an impressive strike rate of 20.83 balls per wicket. His economy sits at a tight 8.03 runs per over, rare restraint in the slam-bang format. Eleven three-wicket hauls and a solitary five-for underline his ability to break open an innings, while his best figures of 5/25 remain a testament to his knack for late-swing devastation. Sandeep’s longevity—13 campaigns and counting—makes him one of only a handful of bowlers to appear in every IPL season since 2013, and the only one to spend five-plus seasons each with both Punjab Kings and Sunrisers Hyderabad before anchoring the Royals attack.

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