Cricket News
IPL 2023: Best Combined Playing XI of Week 1
The first week of the Indian Premier League is concluded and teams have had contrasting fortunes.
The first week of the ongoing Indian Premier League 2023 has seen nine games played among the 10 teams. Eight out of 10 teams have played two games each so far. The rest such as Mumbai Indians and Sunrisers Hyderabad have played one game each and lost. On the other hand, teams such as defending champions Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings have played two each and won as many.
Five teams such as KKR, RR, LSG, CSK, and RCB have played two, won one, and lost as many. Only Delhi Capitals is the one that has played two games but won none of them. Meanwhile, during the first week of the ongoing 16th season, there are many players who have put in great performances. Combining them, they can form an ideal playing XI for the first week of the tournament.
Best playing XI for the first week of the Indian Premier League
Shikhar Dhawan (Source: Twitter)
1. Top-order
In the top-three slots, Punjab Kings skipper Shikhar Dhawan slots right in. The left-hander has scored a 40-odd and an 80-odd in the first two games so far. Even though his strike rate for a period is questionable, he has ensured that the attacking batter at the other end keeps doing his job.
Alongside him is Prabhsimran Singh, who is also opening the batting for the Kings. In the first two games, the right-hander has provided explosive starts to the 2014 finalists. At number three, Rajasthan Royals skipper Sanju Samson can slot right in, who has scored a fifty and a 40-odd without taking much time at the crease.
Shardul Thakur, Dhruv Jurel (Image Credit: IPL)
2. Middle-Order and all-rounders
In these slots, players such as Shimron Hetmyer, Dhruv Jurel, David Miller, and Shardul Thakur have done well. Talking about Hetmyer, he has proven to be an important tool as far as finishing is concerned. Given his current form, David Miller, who is playing at number five-six in the Titans, can slot in for the number four position.
On the other hand, players such as Hetmyer, Jurel, and Thakur can slot in for the numbers five, six, and seven respectively. Not to forget, what Jurel and Thakur did for their respective sides recently with the bat.
Yuzvendra Chahal (Image Credit : BCCI/IPL)
3. Bowlers
In the tournament, last year’s Purple Cap winner, Yuzvendra Chahal started the tournament with a four-wicket haul against SRH. Even though he got butchered by the PBKS, he cannot be discounted for his wicket-taking abilities. Apart from him, pacers such as Trent Boult and Mark Wood can come in for their ability to pick wickets at a rapid pace.
Mohammed Shami will complete the playing XI of this team who has once again shown why he is one of the best with the new ball.
