Morne Morkel is one of the most feared pace bowlers the IPL has ever seen, and every run he conceded came after a fierce contest. In 70 bowling innings across eight seasons the South African quick snared 77 wickets, which translates to a strike-rate of 21.16 balls per scalp. His most destructive spell came at the Eden Gardens in 2016 when he scythed through a top-order to finish with 4 for 23; that season alone he delivered six three-wicket hauls, underlining why Kolkata Knight Riders retained the lanky speedster for three consecutive years. Morkel’s economy of 7.69 runs per over was elite for the power-play era, and the 2089 runs he leaked off 1629 deliveries tell the story of a bowler who attacked the stumps every ball. Batters knew one loose drive could send them back; 77 of them eventually did. While his batting remained a cameo act—126 runs from 90 balls with 11 fours and 5 sixes—those late-order blows often pushed KKR past par. Yet the narrative of Morne Morkel in the IPL will always be written in wickets, yorkers and bouncers, a towering presence who made 22 yards feel like 18.

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.