Shane Watson IPL legacy: 3,874 runs at 137 strike-rate, 190 sixes, 4 centuries Across 12 electrifying IPL seasons from 2008 to 2020, Shane Watson built a batting résumé that still echoes through stadiums. Opening for Rajasthan Royals, Royal Challengers Bangalore and finally Chennai Super Kings, the Australian all-rounder smashed 3,874 runs off 2,809 balls, stamping his authority with a fearsome strike-rate of 137. He cleared the ropes 190 times and found the boundary another 376 times, converting starts into 21 half-centuries and four match-winning hundreds, the highest being an unbeaten 117. Watson’s all-round value added 92 wickets from 105 bowling innings, including eight three-wicket hauls, but it was his explosive starts with the bat that turned games. Whether powering CSK to the 2018 title or anchoring Rajasthan’s 2008 triumph, his ability to tee off from ball one made him a perennial MVP. Twelve seasons, three franchises, one unmistakable impact—Shane Watson remains the definitive IPL impact player.

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.