Roelof van der Merwe IPL profile: South Africa’s spinning all-rounder who quietly became Delhi Capitals’ unsung hero between 2009 and 2013. Across five seasons and 21 bowling innings, the slow-left-armer claimed 21 wickets at a strike-rate of 21.10 balls per scalp and an economy of 6.74—numbers that placed him among the most frugal spinners of his era. His standout spell came in Delhi colours, returning 3 for 20, the only three-wicket haul of his IPL career. Whenever the middle overs squeezed, van der Merwe delivered: 443 balls yielded just 498 runs, a testament to his ability to choke batters on Indian tracks. With the bat he turned into a handy floater, striking at 112 while clearing the ropes eight times and finding the fence 11 times. His career-best 35 off 22 against Mumbai at the Kotla remains a reminder of his late-order hitting. In 15 innings he compiled 159 runs, often arriving in the death overs to tilt momentum Delhi’s way. From Royal Challengers Bengaluru in 2009-10 to Delhi Capitals from 2011-13, van der Merwe’s adaptability and control made him a low-profile asset in T20’s glitziest league.

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.