Lokesh Rahul: In this year’s IPL, Lokesh Rahul has got a head start with runs coming thick and fast off his bat. He has taken the bowlers to cleaners and seems to be a batsman in top form. So far, he has amassed 302 runs in the five matches that he has played. The consistency with a strike rate of 141 has been commendable.
Mayank Agarwal: With 272 runs from five matches at 160+ strike rate, Mayank Agarwal has really put up a show and earned his place in the team of the week. The best thing is that he has contributed in almost all the three games he has played. Mayank Agarwal has been on the scene for a while now and he certainly seems to be making a case to earn a place for himself in the national team.
Steven Smith: A masterclass in every format, Steven Smith has looked a million dollar in this edition of IPL. He has been arguably the most stylish batsman on display. Smith has put a full stop on all the criticism of him being unable to play the power-packed game.
Faf Du Plessis: Although Faf Du Plessis has played very well to make 282 runs with a strike rate of around 150, it is his fielding that has earned him huge praise from the commentary panel. He has been a delight to watch, showcasing great bit of commitment every time the ball has gone to him.
Sanju Samson: The best wicket keeper for this week’s team, Sanju Samson has been good with both his gloves and bat. He has hardly erred while making contact with ball. Sanju Samson has immense potential and so far he has lived up to the expectations.
Ambati Rayudu: Although he has only played three games, it didn’t make sense to leave out Ambati Rayudu from the top 11. The reason is simple, as he is the one who lead the recovery in the first game of CSK when they looked in trouble and grabbed the MOM award with his fantastic innings. Rayudu gave the much needed head start to CSK, as there was a lot of doubt about the team’s ability to show the power game after the loss of Suresh Raina.
Marcus Stoinis: Having contributed with both bat and ball, Marcus Stoinis has looked the best among all the all-rounders on display. He rightly won the MOM award in the first game and fielded brilliantly in both the games. He’s a live wire!
Sam Curran: The young gun has impressed with both bat and ball. Sam Curran has looked mature and competitive in all the time. The blue-eyed boy of Morgan seems to have earned the respect of MSD as he has shown a lot of belief in Sam Curran.
Yuzvendra Chahal: The only spinner who has looked dangerous in the first week of IPL 2020 is Yuzvendra Chahal. He has been performing consistently in IPL and there was hardly a doubt about his performance in this season and he has repaid the faith of his fans and team.
Kagiso Rabada: Having taken 12 wickets in five matches and earned the purple cap so early in the season, Rabada has left a fine impression on this year’s IPL so far. He has looked accurate and deadly at times, giving batsmen less space to breathe.
Mohammad Shami: The best bowler on display so far, Mohammad Shami has been a shining light for the Kings XI. He took the purple cap from Kagiso Rabada initially and if things go well for him, he could possibly end up with the cap on his head, given his wicket-taking capability.
Note: This line-up has been selected on the basis of performance of the teams in the first two weeks of IPL 2020 that ended on 4 Oct. Buckle up for the remaining part of the roller coaster, as the competition intensifies!
