IPL 2018: Best XI from the First Week of IPL 2018

Updated - 15 Apr 2018, 07:02 PM

Mayank Markande, Ab de Villiers and Shikhar Dhawan have made it to the best XI of first team's week of IPL 2018.

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One week of the much-awaited Indian Premier League (IPL) has passed by, and we have already seen some outstanding encounters and a few last-over finishes.

Although rain had affected some of the game time, the fans have surely witnessed some cracking matches with the opener between defending champions Mumbai Indians and Chennai Super Kings going into the last over.

We have seen some outstanding hitting from Andre Russell, some brilliant bowling display from the young sensation Mayank Markande.

The initial days of the league also saw two new Purple Cap and Orange Cap winner.

However, the league is still warming up, and we can hope for more enthralling experiences in the coming weeks.

Let us look at the IPL team of the first week:

Lokesh Rahul (wk):

The Karnataka batsman is paying back the trust laid upon him by the Kings XI team management. In the two matches so far, he had already notched up 98 runs with a staggering strike-rate of 213.04.

He also broke the record for fastest fifty in the IPL scoring it in 14 deliveries against the Delhi Daredevils. Moreover, he will also slot the wicket-keeper of the team, as he had done fairly well so far in the tournament.

Shikhar Dhawan:

Dhawan has carried his sublime form from the national team to the T20 tournament. Further, in the absence of David Warner, Dhawan has taken the responsibility on his shoulders to provide his team with an outstanding start.

Also, he is currently the Orange Cap winner with 130 runs from three innings. His form will be key to Hyderabad, who have got off to a flier in this tournament.

Surya Kumar Yadav:

The Mumbai batsman has changed gears after shifting his base from Kolkata. Surya Kumar Yadav has already set the tournament on fire with his outstanding hitting.

Batting at the top-order for Mumbai Indians, Yadav has already registered 124 runs from three matches including a half-century. However, he is yet to help his team taste victory in this tournament.

AB de Villiers (c):

The South African batsman has started the season with a bang. He has already scored 101 runs in two matches for the Virat Kohli brigade.

Moreover, his stint includes a match-winning knock of 57 runs against Kings XI Punjab. He is likely to be X-factor for the Bangalore side in the ongoing season.

Krunal Pandya:

The elder of the Pandya brother has been quite scintillating for the defending champions so far. Although his side has not been able to get off the mark in the points table, Krunal has looked very solid with the bat.

67 runs in three matches, with an unbeaten 41 in the first match, Krunal is already setting the bar high. He has also picked two wickets with the ball.

Andre Russell:

Russell was at his explosive best against the Chennai when he hammered 88 runs in 36 balls with 11 sixes. Although it went in a losing cause, he grabbed the eyeballs. So far in the three matches, he has scored 112 runs and has been electrifying on the field.

His form will be crucial to KKR going into the tournament.

Dwayne Bravo:

Over the years, Bravo has been a vital cog in Super Kings line up in all the departments.

He has strike the right early in the tournament, as he won a game for his franchise in the last over.

Meanwhile, so far he has scored 79 runs in two matches including a 69* against Mumbai. Although he hasn’t picked up any wicket yet, he has been economical for his side.

Rashid Khan:

The young leg-spinner from Afghanistan has made a name for himself all over the world.

Although he has picked only two wickets so far in this tournament, he has an outstanding economy rate of 5.58. Rashid is responsible for Hyderabad containing oppositions within small totals.

Siddarth Kaul:

The fast bowler from Punjab has quietly done his job for whichever team he had played for. Kaul has a quality slower delivery in his armoury which becomes crucial in the death overs.

Five wickets from three matches at an economy rate of 6.91 talks a lot about his ability. He adds more strength to the quality Hyderabad bowling unit.

Umesh Yadav:

The fast bowler from Vidarbha is leading the bowling unit of Royal Challengers Bangalore. Also, Virat Kohli has used him with a lot of intent.

Umesh is bowling quick and is given the task to hassle the batsmen with extra pace.

In a couple of matches played this week, he has picked up five wickets which also included three wickets in one over against the Kings XI Punjab.

Mayank Markande:

The young leg-spinner from Mumbai is currently the Purple Cap holder. He has picked seven wickets so far in the opening week of the tournament.

Although, it is too early in the tournament Markande has already left a lasting impression.

Moreover, he has all the variations and the required control to be the real deal. With the genuine leg break and a googly being his main weapons, this season could well define his career in all the formats.