The first week of the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Premier League</strong></a> (IPL) has definitely lived up to the hype. There have been scintillating batting displays that have stolen the show, and there have also been spectacular batting collapses already, thanks to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) who bungled up a straight forward run chase against the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) outfit that wilted under the pressure exerted by the RCB bowlers. And, we have already seen two five-wicket hauls in the first week, courtesy of Harshal Patel and Andre Russell.

While Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) occupy the top position in the points table after winning both their matches in the first week, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are languishing at the last place. On that note, let us take a look at the Best XI from the first week of IPL 2021. (We considered M1 to M7)

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-505283" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/nitish-rana-2.jpg" alt="Nitish Rana" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505283" class="wp-caption-text">Nitish Rana. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

This man was in scintillating form in both the matches that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) played in the 14th edition of the IPL. In Kolkata’s first match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad side, Rana blasted a 56-ball 80 to help his side post a 10-run victory against the ‘Orange Army’.

And, in the second match against the Mumbai Indians (MI), Rana once again scored a sedate 57. The left-hander is currently the holder of the Orange Cap after having amassed 137 runs from 2 innings at an average of 68.50.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-335311" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Delhi-Capitals-4.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-335311" class="wp-caption-text">Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

In <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/dc-delhi-capitals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Delhi Capitals’</strong> </a>(DC) first match of IPL 2021, Shikhar Dhawan blasted a 54-ball 85 to allow the Rishabh Pant led outfit to post a comfortable 7 wicket victory against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). What has struck the eye is the approach that Dhawan has resorted to, at the top of the order.

The left-hander has been positive right from the outset, has scored 94 runs in the two matches that he has played, and has scored his runs at a fantastic strike rate of 144.62. Dhawan will look to continue his good run of form into the second week of the IPL as well.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-504864" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sanju-Samson-1.jpg" alt="Sanju Samson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-504864" class="wp-caption-text">Sanju Samson. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Sanju Samson’s captivating 119 in Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) first match of the 14th edition of the IPL will easily qualify as the greatest innings played in the 2021 IPL season thus far. Samson was at his fluent best in Rajasthan’s opening match and pulverized the Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) bowling attack with his dexterity.

Samson has so far amassed 123 runs in the tournament and has scored his runs at an average of 61.50 and at an unprecedented strike rate of 186.36.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-503653" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg" alt="Glenn Maxwell" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-503653" class="wp-caption-text">Glenn Maxwell. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

One of the main reasons why the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rcb-royal-challengers-bangalore/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Royal Challengers Bangalore</strong></a> (RCB) side is on top of the table is due to the exploits of Australian batsman Glenn Maxwell with the willow. In both the matches that the Virat Kohli-led side has won, Maxwell has played a key role.

In Bangalore’s first match of IPL 2021, Maxwell scored a 28-ball 39 to help his side beat the Mumbai Indians (MI) with 2 wickets to spare. And, in RCB’s second match of the tournament against the Sunrisers Hyderabad outfit, Maxwell scored a vital 59 off 41 deliveries as the ‘Men in Red’ managed to beat the David Warner led side by 6 runs.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-505218" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Suryakumar-Yadav.jpg" alt="Suryakumar Yadav" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505218" class="wp-caption-text">Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Another batsman who has been highly impressive in the opening week of IPL 2021 is Suryakumar Yadav. The right-hander has managed to contribute to his side with the willow in both the matches that the Rohit Sharma led side has played in the 14th IPL edition.

While Yadav scored 31 in Mumbai’s first match of the tournament against the Bangalore outfit, the right-hander also smashed a blistering 36-ball 56 in Mumbai’s second match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-506118" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/David-Miller.jpg" alt="David Miller" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506118" class="wp-caption-text">David Miller. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

David Miller’s fighting 62 off 43 deliveries allowed the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rr-rajasthan-royals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rajasthan Royals</strong></a> to post their first win of the tournament. The Rajasthan side was chasing a target of 148 for victory against the Delhi Capitals (DC) side. And, the ‘Men in Pink’ were reeling at 17/3 when Miller walked in.

But then, the left-hander took the fight to the opposition and forged a match-winning partnership of 48 runs with Rahul Tewatia. Miller also plundered 7 fours and 2 sixes in his blistering innings against the Rishabh Pant led side.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-506108" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Woakes-1.jpg" alt="Chris Woakes" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506108" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Woakes. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Chris Woakes has proven to be a handy asset for the Delhi Capitals (DC) side with the ball in hand. In the two matches that the England pacer has played in the tournament thus far, he has scalped 4 wickets.

In fact, Woakes was the standout performer with the ball in hand in the encounter between the Delhi Capitals and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In a high-scoring encounter that saw a whopping 378 runs scored in just 38.4 overs, Woakes gave away just 18 runs in his 3 overs and also scalped the wickets of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sam Curran.

In Delhi’s second match too, Woakes picked up 2 wickets and gave away just 22 runs in his 4 overs.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-505083" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Harshal-Patel.jpg" alt="Harshal Patel" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505083" class="wp-caption-text">Harshal Patel. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

This man is currently the holder of the Purple Cap, and rightfully so. Harshal Patel has emerged as the standout performer with the ball in the first week of IPL 2021. In fact, the Bangalore side owes its victory in the first match of IPL 2021 against the Mumbai Indians (MI) completely to Patel’s heroics with the ball.

The right-arm pacer scalped a scintillating 5 wicket haul in RCB’s inaugural match of the 2021 edition of the IPL and won the Player of the Match award as well. Even in Bangalore’s second match against the Sunrises Hyderabad side, Patel picked up 2 wickets and gave away just 25 runs.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-459857" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rashid-Khan-4.jpg" alt="Rashid Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-459857" class="wp-caption-text">Rashid Khan. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

It has almost become a norm for <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-rashid-khan-david-warner-and-bhuvneshwar-kumar-shake-a-leg-to-the-song-vaathi-coming-from-the-film-master/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rashid Khan</strong></a> to set the IPL alight with his exploits with the ball in hand. And, in the 14th edition of the IPL too, the SRH spinner has performed brilliantly.

In the 2 matches that the leg spinner has played in the 2021 IPL edition, he has scalped 4 wickets. But what has been impressive is the fact that he has given away runs at a miserly economy rate of just 5.25 runs per over.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-505303" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rahul-Chahar.jpg" alt="Rahul Chahar" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505303" class="wp-caption-text">Rahul Chahar. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

Rahul Chahar’s spell of 4/27 against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) side allowed the Rohit Sharma led <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/mi-mumbai-indians/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mumbai Indians</strong></a> (MI) to post their first win of the 2021 edition of the IPL. The leg spinner cleaned up the entire KKR top order with his guile and deception with the ball.

In the 2 matches that Chahar has played thus far in the tournament, the leg spinner averages an excellent 17.50 with the ball in hand.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-504017" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Avesh-Khan.jpg" alt="Avesh Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-504017" class="wp-caption-text">Avesh Khan. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

This man has been outstanding with the ball in both the matches that he has played for the Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) side. In the 2 matches that Khan has played in the 14th IPL edition, he has scalped 5 wickets. In Delhi Capitals’ first match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Khan picked up 2 wickets in his quota of 4 overs and gave away 23 runs.

And, in the encounter between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Delhi Capitals (DC), Khan scalped 3 wickets in the 4 overs that he bowled. Easily, he has been the most impressive bowler from the Delhi Capitals side thus far.

Shikhar Dhawan, Sanju Samson, Rashid Khan and Glenn Maxwell

<p>The first week of the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Premier League</strong></a> (IPL) has definitely lived up to the hype. There have been scintillating batting displays that have stolen the show, and there have also been spectacular batting collapses already, thanks to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) who bungled up a straight forward run chase against the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) outfit that wilted under the pressure exerted by the RCB bowlers. And, we have already seen two five-wicket hauls in the first week, courtesy of Harshal Patel and Andre Russell.</p>
<p>While Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) occupy the top position in the points table after winning both their matches in the first week, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are languishing at the last place. On that note, let us take a look at the Best XI from the first week of IPL 2021. (We considered M1 to M7)</p>
<h3>1. Nitish Rana</h3>
<figure id="attachment_505283" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-505283" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-505283" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/nitish-rana-2.jpg" alt="Nitish Rana" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505283" class="wp-caption-text">Nitish Rana. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>This man was in scintillating form in both the matches that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) played in the 14th edition of the IPL. In Kolkata’s first match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad side, Rana blasted a 56-ball 80 to help his side post a 10-run victory against the ‘Orange Army’.</p>
<p>And, in the second match against the Mumbai Indians (MI), Rana once again scored a sedate 57. The left-hander is currently the holder of the Orange Cap after having amassed 137 runs from 2 innings at an average of 68.50.</p>
<h3>2. Shikhar Dhawan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_335311" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-335311" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-335311" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Delhi-Capitals-4.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-335311" class="wp-caption-text">Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>In <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/dc-delhi-capitals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Delhi Capitals’</strong> </a>(DC) first match of IPL 2021, Shikhar Dhawan blasted a 54-ball 85 to allow the Rishabh Pant led outfit to post a comfortable 7 wicket victory against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). What has struck the eye is the approach that Dhawan has resorted to, at the top of the order.</p>
<p>The left-hander has been positive right from the outset, has scored 94 runs in the two matches that he has played, and has scored his runs at a fantastic strike rate of 144.62. Dhawan will look to continue his good run of form into the second week of the IPL as well.</p>
<h3>3. Sanju Samson (C &amp; WK)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_504864" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-504864" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-504864" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sanju-Samson-1.jpg" alt="Sanju Samson" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-504864" class="wp-caption-text">Sanju Samson. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Sanju Samson’s captivating 119 in Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) first match of the 14th edition of the IPL will easily qualify as the greatest innings played in the 2021 IPL season thus far. Samson was at his fluent best in Rajasthan’s opening match and pulverized the Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) bowling attack with his dexterity.</p>
<p>Samson has so far amassed 123 runs in the tournament and has scored his runs at an average of 61.50 and at an unprecedented strike rate of 186.36.</p>
<h3>4. Glenn Maxwell</h3>
<figure id="attachment_503653" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-503653" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-503653" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg" alt="Glenn Maxwell" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-503653" class="wp-caption-text">Glenn Maxwell. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>One of the main reasons why the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rcb-royal-challengers-bangalore/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Royal Challengers Bangalore</strong></a> (RCB) side is on top of the table is due to the exploits of Australian batsman Glenn Maxwell with the willow. In both the matches that the Virat Kohli-led side has won, Maxwell has played a key role.</p>
<p>In Bangalore’s first match of IPL 2021, Maxwell scored a 28-ball 39 to help his side beat the Mumbai Indians (MI) with 2 wickets to spare. And, in RCB’s second match of the tournament against the Sunrisers Hyderabad outfit, Maxwell scored a vital 59 off 41 deliveries as the ‘Men in Red’ managed to beat the David Warner led side by 6 runs.</p>
<h3>5. Suryakumar Yadav</h3>
<figure id="attachment_505218" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-505218" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-505218" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Suryakumar-Yadav.jpg" alt="Suryakumar Yadav" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505218" class="wp-caption-text">Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Another batsman who has been highly impressive in the opening week of IPL 2021 is Suryakumar Yadav. The right-hander has managed to contribute to his side with the willow in both the matches that the Rohit Sharma led side has played in the 14th IPL edition.</p>
<p>While Yadav scored 31 in Mumbai’s first match of the tournament against the Bangalore outfit, the right-hander also smashed a blistering 36-ball 56 in Mumbai’s second match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).</p>
<h3>6. David Miller</h3>
<figure id="attachment_506118" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-506118" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-506118" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/David-Miller.jpg" alt="David Miller" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506118" class="wp-caption-text">David Miller. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>David Miller’s fighting 62 off 43 deliveries allowed the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rr-rajasthan-royals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rajasthan Royals</strong></a> to post their first win of the tournament. The Rajasthan side was chasing a target of 148 for victory against the Delhi Capitals (DC) side. And, the ‘Men in Pink’ were reeling at 17/3 when Miller walked in.</p>
<p>But then, the left-hander took the fight to the opposition and forged a match-winning partnership of 48 runs with Rahul Tewatia. Miller also plundered 7 fours and 2 sixes in his blistering innings against the Rishabh Pant led side.</p>
<h3>7. Chris Woakes</h3>
<figure id="attachment_506108" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-506108" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-506108" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Woakes-1.jpg" alt="Chris Woakes" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506108" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Woakes. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Chris Woakes has proven to be a handy asset for the Delhi Capitals (DC) side with the ball in hand. In the two matches that the England pacer has played in the tournament thus far, he has scalped 4 wickets.</p>
<p>In fact, Woakes was the standout performer with the ball in hand in the encounter between the Delhi Capitals and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In a high-scoring encounter that saw a whopping 378 runs scored in just 38.4 overs, Woakes gave away just 18 runs in his 3 overs and also scalped the wickets of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sam Curran.</p>
<p>In Delhi’s second match too, Woakes picked up 2 wickets and gave away just 22 runs in his 4 overs.</p>
<h3>8. Harshal Patel</h3>
<figure id="attachment_505083" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-505083" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-505083" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Harshal-Patel.jpg" alt="Harshal Patel" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505083" class="wp-caption-text">Harshal Patel. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>This man is currently the holder of the Purple Cap, and rightfully so. Harshal Patel has emerged as the standout performer with the ball in the first week of IPL 2021. In fact, the Bangalore side owes its victory in the first match of IPL 2021 against the Mumbai Indians (MI) completely to Patel’s heroics with the ball.</p>
<p>The right-arm pacer scalped a scintillating 5 wicket haul in RCB’s inaugural match of the 2021 edition of the IPL and won the Player of the Match award as well. Even in Bangalore’s second match against the Sunrises Hyderabad side, Patel picked up 2 wickets and gave away just 25 runs.</p>
<h3>9. Rashid Khan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_459857" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-459857" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-459857" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rashid-Khan-4.jpg" alt="Rashid Khan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-459857" class="wp-caption-text">Rashid Khan. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>It has almost become a norm for <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-rashid-khan-david-warner-and-bhuvneshwar-kumar-shake-a-leg-to-the-song-vaathi-coming-from-the-film-master/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rashid Khan</strong></a> to set the IPL alight with his exploits with the ball in hand. And, in the 14th edition of the IPL too, the SRH spinner has performed brilliantly.</p>
<p>In the 2 matches that the leg spinner has played in the 2021 IPL edition, he has scalped 4 wickets. But what has been impressive is the fact that he has given away runs at a miserly economy rate of just 5.25 runs per over.</p>
<h3>10. Rahul Chahar</h3>
<figure id="attachment_505303" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-505303" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-505303" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rahul-Chahar.jpg" alt="Rahul Chahar" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505303" class="wp-caption-text">Rahul Chahar. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Rahul Chahar’s spell of 4/27 against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) side allowed the Rohit Sharma led <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/mi-mumbai-indians/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mumbai Indians</strong></a> (MI) to post their first win of the 2021 edition of the IPL. The leg spinner cleaned up the entire KKR top order with his guile and deception with the ball.</p>
<p>In the 2 matches that Chahar has played thus far in the tournament, the leg spinner averages an excellent 17.50 with the ball in hand.</p>
<h3>11. Avesh Khan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_504017" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-504017" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-504017" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Avesh-Khan.jpg" alt="Avesh Khan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-504017" class="wp-caption-text">Avesh Khan. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>This man has been outstanding with the ball in both the matches that he has played for the Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) side. In the 2 matches that Khan has played in the 14th IPL edition, he has scalped 5 wickets. In Delhi Capitals’ first match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Khan picked up 2 wickets in his quota of 4 overs and gave away 23 runs.</p>
<p>And, in the encounter between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Delhi Capitals (DC), Khan scalped 3 wickets in the 4 overs that he bowled. Easily, he has been the most impressive bowler from the Delhi Capitals side thus far.</p>

<p>The first week of the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Indian Premier League</strong></a> (IPL) has definitely lived up to the hype. There have been scintillating batting displays that have stolen the show, and there have also been spectacular batting collapses already, thanks to the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) who bungled up a straight forward run chase against the Mumbai Indians (MI) and the Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) outfit that wilted under the pressure exerted by the RCB bowlers. And, we have already seen two five-wicket hauls in the first week, courtesy of Harshal Patel and Andre Russell.</p>
<p>While Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) occupy the top position in the points table after winning both their matches in the first week, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are languishing at the last place. On that note, let us take a look at the Best XI from the first week of IPL 2021. (We considered M1 to M7)</p>
<h3>1. Nitish Rana</h3>
<figure id="attachment_505283" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-505283" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-505283" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/nitish-rana-2.jpg" alt="Nitish Rana" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505283" class="wp-caption-text">Nitish Rana. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>This man was in scintillating form in both the matches that the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) played in the 14th edition of the IPL. In Kolkata’s first match against the Sunrisers Hyderabad side, Rana blasted a 56-ball 80 to help his side post a 10-run victory against the ‘Orange Army’.</p>
<p>And, in the second match against the Mumbai Indians (MI), Rana once again scored a sedate 57. The left-hander is currently the holder of the Orange Cap after having amassed 137 runs from 2 innings at an average of 68.50.</p>
<h3>2. Shikhar Dhawan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_335311" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-335311" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-335311" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Delhi-Capitals-4.jpg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-335311" class="wp-caption-text">Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<p>In <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/dc-delhi-capitals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Delhi Capitals’</strong> </a>(DC) first match of IPL 2021, Shikhar Dhawan blasted a 54-ball 85 to allow the Rishabh Pant led outfit to post a comfortable 7 wicket victory against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). What has struck the eye is the approach that Dhawan has resorted to, at the top of the order.</p>
<p>The left-hander has been positive right from the outset, has scored 94 runs in the two matches that he has played, and has scored his runs at a fantastic strike rate of 144.62. Dhawan will look to continue his good run of form into the second week of the IPL as well.</p>
<h3>3. Sanju Samson (C &amp; WK)</h3>
<figure id="attachment_504864" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-504864" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-504864" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Sanju-Samson-1.jpg" alt="Sanju Samson" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-504864" class="wp-caption-text">Sanju Samson. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Sanju Samson’s captivating 119 in Rajasthan Royals’ (RR) first match of the 14th edition of the IPL will easily qualify as the greatest innings played in the 2021 IPL season thus far. Samson was at his fluent best in Rajasthan’s opening match and pulverized the Punjab Kings’ (PBKS) bowling attack with his dexterity.</p>
<p>Samson has so far amassed 123 runs in the tournament and has scored his runs at an average of 61.50 and at an unprecedented strike rate of 186.36.</p>
<h3>4. Glenn Maxwell</h3>
<figure id="attachment_503653" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-503653" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-503653" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Glenn-Maxwell.jpg" alt="Glenn Maxwell" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-503653" class="wp-caption-text">Glenn Maxwell. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>One of the main reasons why the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rcb-royal-challengers-bangalore/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Royal Challengers Bangalore</strong></a> (RCB) side is on top of the table is due to the exploits of Australian batsman Glenn Maxwell with the willow. In both the matches that the Virat Kohli-led side has won, Maxwell has played a key role.</p>
<p>In Bangalore’s first match of IPL 2021, Maxwell scored a 28-ball 39 to help his side beat the Mumbai Indians (MI) with 2 wickets to spare. And, in RCB’s second match of the tournament against the Sunrisers Hyderabad outfit, Maxwell scored a vital 59 off 41 deliveries as the ‘Men in Red’ managed to beat the David Warner led side by 6 runs.</p>
<h3>5. Suryakumar Yadav</h3>
<figure id="attachment_505218" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-505218" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-505218" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Suryakumar-Yadav.jpg" alt="Suryakumar Yadav" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505218" class="wp-caption-text">Suryakumar Yadav. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Another batsman who has been highly impressive in the opening week of IPL 2021 is Suryakumar Yadav. The right-hander has managed to contribute to his side with the willow in both the matches that the Rohit Sharma led side has played in the 14th IPL edition.</p>
<p>While Yadav scored 31 in Mumbai’s first match of the tournament against the Bangalore outfit, the right-hander also smashed a blistering 36-ball 56 in Mumbai’s second match against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR).</p>
<h3>6. David Miller</h3>
<figure id="attachment_506118" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-506118" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-506118" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/David-Miller.jpg" alt="David Miller" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506118" class="wp-caption-text">David Miller. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>David Miller’s fighting 62 off 43 deliveries allowed the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rr-rajasthan-royals/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rajasthan Royals</strong></a> to post their first win of the tournament. The Rajasthan side was chasing a target of 148 for victory against the Delhi Capitals (DC) side. And, the ‘Men in Pink’ were reeling at 17/3 when Miller walked in.</p>
<p>But then, the left-hander took the fight to the opposition and forged a match-winning partnership of 48 runs with Rahul Tewatia. Miller also plundered 7 fours and 2 sixes in his blistering innings against the Rishabh Pant led side.</p>
<h3>7. Chris Woakes</h3>
<figure id="attachment_506108" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-506108" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-506108" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Woakes-1.jpg" alt="Chris Woakes" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-506108" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Woakes. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Chris Woakes has proven to be a handy asset for the Delhi Capitals (DC) side with the ball in hand. In the two matches that the England pacer has played in the tournament thus far, he has scalped 4 wickets.</p>
<p>In fact, Woakes was the standout performer with the ball in hand in the encounter between the Delhi Capitals and the Chennai Super Kings (CSK). In a high-scoring encounter that saw a whopping 378 runs scored in just 38.4 overs, Woakes gave away just 18 runs in his 3 overs and also scalped the wickets of Ruturaj Gaikwad and Sam Curran.</p>
<p>In Delhi’s second match too, Woakes picked up 2 wickets and gave away just 22 runs in his 4 overs.</p>
<h3>8. Harshal Patel</h3>
<figure id="attachment_505083" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-505083" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-505083" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Harshal-Patel.jpg" alt="Harshal Patel" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505083" class="wp-caption-text">Harshal Patel. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>This man is currently the holder of the Purple Cap, and rightfully so. Harshal Patel has emerged as the standout performer with the ball in the first week of IPL 2021. In fact, the Bangalore side owes its victory in the first match of IPL 2021 against the Mumbai Indians (MI) completely to Patel’s heroics with the ball.</p>
<p>The right-arm pacer scalped a scintillating 5 wicket haul in RCB’s inaugural match of the 2021 edition of the IPL and won the Player of the Match award as well. Even in Bangalore’s second match against the Sunrises Hyderabad side, Patel picked up 2 wickets and gave away just 25 runs.</p>
<h3>9. Rashid Khan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_459857" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-459857" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-459857" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rashid-Khan-4.jpg" alt="Rashid Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-459857" class="wp-caption-text">Rashid Khan. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>It has almost become a norm for <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2021-rashid-khan-david-warner-and-bhuvneshwar-kumar-shake-a-leg-to-the-song-vaathi-coming-from-the-film-master/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Rashid Khan</strong></a> to set the IPL alight with his exploits with the ball in hand. And, in the 14th edition of the IPL too, the SRH spinner has performed brilliantly.</p>
<p>In the 2 matches that the leg spinner has played in the 2021 IPL edition, he has scalped 4 wickets. But what has been impressive is the fact that he has given away runs at a miserly economy rate of just 5.25 runs per over.</p>
<h3>10. Rahul Chahar</h3>
<figure id="attachment_505303" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-505303" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-505303" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Rahul-Chahar.jpg" alt="Rahul Chahar" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-505303" class="wp-caption-text">Rahul Chahar. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>Rahul Chahar’s spell of 4/27 against the Kolkata Knight Riders (KKR) side allowed the Rohit Sharma led <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/mi-mumbai-indians/" target="_blank" rel="noopener"><strong>Mumbai Indians</strong></a> (MI) to post their first win of the 2021 edition of the IPL. The leg spinner cleaned up the entire KKR top order with his guile and deception with the ball.</p>
<p>In the 2 matches that Chahar has played thus far in the tournament, the leg spinner averages an excellent 17.50 with the ball in hand.</p>
<h3>11. Avesh Khan</h3>
<figure id="attachment_504017" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-504017" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-504017" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Avesh-Khan.jpg" alt="Avesh Khan" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-504017" class="wp-caption-text">Avesh Khan. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption></figure>
<p>This man has been outstanding with the ball in both the matches that he has played for the Rishabh Pant-led Delhi Capitals (DC) side. In the 2 matches that Khan has played in the 14th IPL edition, he has scalped 5 wickets. In Delhi Capitals’ first match against the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), Khan picked up 2 wickets in his quota of 4 overs and gave away 23 runs.</p>
<p>And, in the encounter between the Rajasthan Royals (RR) and the Delhi Capitals (DC), Khan scalped 3 wickets in the 4 overs that he bowled. Easily, he has been the most impressive bowler from the Delhi Capitals side thus far.</p>

The first week of the 14th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) has definitely lived up to the hype.

Best XI from the first week of IPL 2021

We have already seen two five-wicket hauls in the first week of the IPL 2021, courtesy of Harshal Patel and Andre Russell.