The first week of the 16th edition of the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> kick-started with defending champions Gujarat Titans squaring off against Chennai Super Kings and ended with Kolkata Knight Riders taking the stage alongside Royal Challengers Bangalore. After a tussle of seven days, Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings are the only sides yet to be conquered.

Many top-drawer players featured in the first week of the marquee tournament. However, there were only a few players who brought their A-game into play and set the T20 extravaganza ablaze with their exploits on the cricket field. Let us form a playing XI consisting of cricketers who were at their best in the first week of IPL 2023.

Here is the Best XI of the first week of IPL 2023

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680422637959_Ruturaj-Gaikwad.jpeg" alt="Ruturaj Gaikwad" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/he-plays-beautiful-shots-and-is-adding-more-power-michael-hussey-on-ruturaj-gaikwads-batting-technicalities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ruturaj Gaikwad</a> has been a run-bank in the lucrative T20 tournament. He has featured in 39 IPL matches and amassed 1396 runs at a strike rate of 133.84. The 26-year-old was at his best in the 2021 season and notched 635 runs in 16 games at a strike rate of 136.26.&nbsp;

The Indian batter has been in a pristine touch in the ongoing edition of the marquee event. When Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings took center stage, Gaikwad hammered the Gujarat bowlers all across the park and plundered 92 runs off 50 balls, which includes four boundaries and nine sixes.

The opening batter again put up an exhibition of his glorious stroke play in the encounter against Lucknow Super Giants and played a marvellous knock of 57 runs off 31 deliveries. Given the kind of form Gaikwad is in, he could win the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-orange-cap/#:~:text=The%20other%20players%20who%20have,'%20(CSK)%20Ruturaj%20Gaikwad." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Orange Cap</a> of the season.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1672570630139_Shikhar-Dhawan.jpeg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/he-too-is-aggressive-at-times-but-he-restrains-himself-shikhar-dhawan-on-ms-dhonis-captaincy-approach/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shikhar Dhawan</a> has been a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League. The 37-year-old has been associated with the T20 extravaganza since its very inception and has accumulated a staggering tally of 6370 runs in 208 matches at a strike rate of 126.72.&nbsp;

The ace batter has displayed his class in the ongoing edition as well. Dhawan has held the innings together and allowed stroke makers to play with freedom. Also, the southpaw has swiftly switched gears when needed to put the opposition bowlers under the pump. Moreover, he has been astute with his tactics on the field and shepherded Punjab Kings superbly.

When Punjab clashed against Rajasthan Royals in the eighth match of IPL 2023, Dhawan was quite magnificent with the bat and smashed 86* runs off 56 deliveries. Courtesy of his superb knock, PBKS posted 197 runs on the board. The Indian batter has led from the front so far and would look to do the same going ahead.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680084298174_Virat-Kohli.jpeg" alt="Virat Kohli" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/ipl-2023-shahrukh-khan-teaches-signature-steps-of-jhoome-jo-pathaan-to-virat-kohli-post-kkr-vs-rcb-clash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli</a> is one of those players who have made heads turn every time he has stepped into the cricket field. The 34-year-old has obliterated bowling attacks with his marauding bat and piled on runs for fun. Be it in the international arena or Indian Premier League; he has established his supremacy on the cricket field.

Kohli has featured in 225 IPL games and racked up an insane tally of 6727 runs at a strike rate of 129.46. He was simply sensational in the first week of the 2023 season of the cash-rich league. The Indian batter made two appearances for Royal Challengers Bangalore and aggregated 103 runs at a stunning strike rate of 153.73.

When Bangalore faced Mumbai Indians in the 5th match of the T20 carnival, Kohli was in his element and played a majestic knock of 82* runs off 49 deliveries, which consisted of six fours and five maximums. The veteran batter is critical to RCB’s chances in the 16th IPL edition, and the team management would hope he plays in the same vein in the matches to come.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680714832511_Sanju-Samson.jpeg" alt="Sanju Samson" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Sanju Samson. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/calm-relaxed-and-strategically-sound-ab-de-villiers-heaps-praises-on-captain-sanju-samson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sanju Samson</a> is one of the top-drawer batters in the Indian cricketing circles. He has put up an exhibition of his swashbuckling strokeplay and stamped his authority on the cricket field. The 28-year-old has featured in 141 IPL games and notched up 3623 runs at a strike rate of 136.25.

Samson was brilliant with the bat in the first week of the 16th edition of the cash-rich league. When Sunrisers Hyderabad took the stage alongside Rajasthan Royals in the fourth match of the high-profile competition, the ace batter took the opposition’s bowlers to the cleaners and smashed 55 runs off 32 balls.

Samson again showed his batting might in the encounter against Punjab Kings at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium and played an incredible knock of 42 runs off 25 deliveries, which included five fours and a maximum. The flamboyant batter would look to carry on the excellent work for the Rajasthan franchise in the upcoming matches of IPL 2023.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680371538640_Kyle-Mayers.jpeg" alt="Kyle Mayers" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Kyle Mayers. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/always-wanted-to-get-a-good-start-to-show-my-ability-and-show-my-worth-kyle-mayers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kyle Mayers</a> has been a proven performer in the international arena. He has featured in 19 ODIs and scored 536 runs at a strike rate of 90.54. Talking about the shortest format, the 30-year-old has racked up 482 runs in 24 matches at a strike rate of 135.77. Besides his batting might, Kyle has been a wily customer with the ball and chipped in timely wickets.

Mayers took the first week of the cash-rich league by storm with his breathtaking performances. When Lucknow Super Giants faced Delhi Capitals, the Barbados-born inflicted carnage on the opposition and blasted 73 runs off 38 deliveries, which comprised two fours and seven sixes.

The West Indies all-rounder also put up a show with the bat in the encounter against Chennai Super Kings. He took the attack to the opposition right from the get-go and hammered 53 runs off 22 deliveries. Mayers has been a destroyer with the bat for LSG and would look to be at his best in the coming weeks of the T20 extravaganza.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680454831836_Tilak-Varma.jpeg" alt="Tilak Varma" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Tilak Varma. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-opinion/tilak-varmas-coming-of-age-steals-spotlight-on-starry-night/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tilak Varma</a> lit the 2022 season of the Indian Premier League with his spectacular batting performances. The 20-year-old represented Mumbai Indians on 14 occasions and amassed 397 runs at a strike rate of 131.02, which consisted of two half-centuries.

The youngster was impressive with his outings; therefore, the Mumbai management retained him for the 2023 season. In the first week of the 16th IPL edition, Tilak has again displayed what he is capable of and has left the cricket fraternity in awe of his batting exploits.

When Mumbai squared off against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 2, Tilak arrived at the crease with MI in a spot of bother at 20 for 3. However, the Hyderabad-born was not bogged down by the situation and played a brilliant counter-attacking knock of 84* runs off 46 deliveries to propel Mumbai to a competitive total of 171.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680803378089_Shardul-Thakur.jpeg" alt="Shardul Thakur" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Shardul Thakur. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/i-dont-even-know-where-it-came-from-shardul-thakur-after-his-blitzkrieg-innings-against-rcb-2212/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shardul Thakur</a> has been a bankable name in the Indian Premier League. He has featured in 77 matches in the T20 carnival and bagged 83 wickets at an economy of 9.07. Further, the 31-year-old has been a handy contributor with bat and has played crucial knocks slotting in lower down the order.

Though bowling has been Shardul’s stronger suit, and the wily pacer has bowled many match-winning spells in the IPL, his batting exploits have set the ongoing edition of the lucrative T20 tournament on fire.&nbsp;

When Kolkata Knight Riders locked horns against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Eden Gardens, the home team was in a precarious situation, having lost five wickets for 89 runs, and the RCB bowlers had their tails up. But Shardul arrived at the crease and decimated the opposition bowlers with his flamboyant stroke play.

The bowling all-rounder hammered 68 runs off 29 balls and helped KKR post a daunting total of 204 runs on the board. He also fared well with the ball and bagged the wicket of Micheal Bracewell.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1678637220076_Rashid-Khan.jpeg" alt="Rashid Khan" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Rashid Khan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-press-release/rashid-khan-takes-top-spot-in-latest-mens-t20i-player-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rashid Khan</a> has been a giant of a player in the T20 circuit. He bamboozled batters with his variations and wreaked havoc with the ball. The ace spinner has featured in 393 T20 matches and taken a staggering tally of 533 wickets at an economy of 6.38. Further, he is no muck with the bat and has played some match-winning knocks for his side.

Rashid has weaved his magic in the IPL arena and bagged 117 wickets at an economy of 6.39. On the batting front, he has scored 323 runs at a strike rate of 154.55. The flamboyant cricketer has been terrific with the ball in the ongoing season, too and picked up five wickets in two games at an economy of 7.12.

When Gujarat Titans crossed swords against Chennai Super Kings in the opening match of IPL 2023, Rashid dismissed Moenn Ali and Ben Stokes to dent the opposition’s progress. Also, he played a quick cameo of 10* runs off three balls to take his team across the line. The Nangarhar-born was adjudged the Player of the Match for his splendid performance.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680714798690_Nathan-Ellis.jpeg" alt="Nathan Ellis" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Nathan Ellis. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>

Nathan Ellis has been a consistent performer in the shortest format of the game. He has strangled with his variations and been a force to be reckoned with at the fag end of the innings. The 28-year-old has featured in 87 T20 matches and picked up 108 wickets at an economy of 7.97.

With <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/its-fresh-and-exciting-kagiso-rabada-reacts-to-south-africas-string-of-new-appointments/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kagiso Rabada</a> unavailable for the starting games of the Indian Premier League 2023, Punjab Kings slotted in Ellis in the playing XI. The Australian pacer grabbed the opportunity with both hands and put up an exhibition of some top-class bowling in the high-profile competition. He featured in two games in the first week of the season and bagged five wickets for his side.

When Rajasthan Royals battled it out against Punjab Kings in the eighth match of the ongoing marquee event, Ellis bagged an exceptional four-wicket haul, including the prized wickets of Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson. His exploits with the ball helped Punjab conquer Sanju Samson &amp; Co.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680371392895_Mark-Wood.jpeg" alt="Mark wood" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Mark wood. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/the-noise-when-ms-dhoni-came-out-to-bat-and-hit-those-two-balls-were-definitely-the-loudest-i-have-played-in-front-of-mark-wood/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mark Wood</a> is one of those rare breeds of fast bowlers who possess the ability to clock over 145 kmph on a consistent basis. He has tormented batters with his express pace and ripped through top-quality batting line-ups. The ace pacer has featured in 28 T20Is and bagged 45 wickets at an economy of 8.35

Wood missed the 15th edition of the cash-rich league due to an ankle injury. However, given an express pacer brings an extra dimension to the pace attack, Lucknow Super Giants retained him for IPL 2023. The move has reaped dividends as the speedster has breathed fire into the ongoing season of the T20 extravaganza.

Wood has featured in two matches and taken eight wickets at an economy of 7.88. He was at the top of his game in the clash against Delhi Capitals and ripped through DC’s batting line-up. He picked up an impeccable five-wicket haul and helped LSG register a comprehensive 50-run win against David Warner &amp; Co.

<img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/Varun-Chakravarthy-1.jpg" alt="Varun Chakravarthy" loading="lazy"><figcaption>Varun Chakravarthy. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/if-the-ball-is-turning-varun-chakravarthy-can-also-be-the-impact-player-for-kkr-aakash-chopra/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Varun Chakravarthy</a> is an up-and-coming talent from the Indian cricketing circles. He did a great job in the 2020 and 2021 seasons of the cash-rich league and picked up an aggregate tally of 35 wickets in 30 matches. However, he was quite dismal in the ball in the 15th IPL edition and only took six scalps in 11 games at an economy of 8.51.

Despite Varun’s poor season, Kolkata Knight Riders backed him to come good in the following installment of the T20 extravaganza. The mystery spinner has repaid the faith of the franchise and has bamboozled batters with his variations in the first week of the T20 carnival.

Varun has featured in two matches thus far and bagged five wickets at a fantastic economy of 5.35. In the clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore, the ace spinner spun the web around the opposition and registered stellar figures of 3.4-0-15-4. He is in a rich vein of form and could make IPL 2023 his own.

The first week of the 16th edition of the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> kick-started with defending champions Gujarat Titans squaring off against Chennai Super Kings and ended with Kolkata Knight Riders taking the stage alongside Royal Challengers Bangalore. After a tussle of seven days, Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings are the only sides yet to be conquered.
Many top-drawer players featured in the first week of the marquee tournament. However, there were only a few players who brought their A-game into play and set the T20 extravaganza ablaze with their exploits on the cricket field. Let us form a playing XI consisting of cricketers who were at their best in the first week of IPL 2023.
<h3>Here is the Best XI of the first week of IPL 2023</h3>
<h3>1. Ruturaj Gaikwad</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680422637959_Ruturaj-Gaikwad.jpeg" alt="Ruturaj Gaikwad" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/he-plays-beautiful-shots-and-is-adding-more-power-michael-hussey-on-ruturaj-gaikwads-batting-technicalities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ruturaj Gaikwad</a> has been a run-bank in the lucrative T20 tournament. He has featured in 39 IPL matches and amassed 1396 runs at a strike rate of 133.84. The 26-year-old was at his best in the 2021 season and notched 635 runs in 16 games at a strike rate of 136.26.&nbsp;
The Indian batter has been in a pristine touch in the ongoing edition of the marquee event. When Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings took center stage, Gaikwad hammered the Gujarat bowlers all across the park and plundered 92 runs off 50 balls, which includes four boundaries and nine sixes.
The opening batter again put up an exhibition of his glorious stroke play in the encounter against Lucknow Super Giants and played a marvellous knock of 57 runs off 31 deliveries. Given the kind of form Gaikwad is in, he could win the Orange Cap of the season.

<h3>2. Shikhar Dhawan&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1672570630139_Shikhar-Dhawan.jpeg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/he-too-is-aggressive-at-times-but-he-restrains-himself-shikhar-dhawan-on-ms-dhonis-captaincy-approach/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shikhar Dhawan</a> has been a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League. The 37-year-old has been associated with the T20 extravaganza since its very inception and has accumulated a staggering tally of 6370 runs in 208 matches at a strike rate of 126.72.&nbsp;
The ace batter has displayed his class in the ongoing edition as well. Dhawan has held the innings together and allowed stroke makers to play with freedom. Also, the southpaw has swiftly switched gears when needed to put the opposition bowlers under the pump. Moreover, he has been astute with his tactics on the field and shepherded Punjab Kings superbly.
When Punjab clashed against Rajasthan Royals in the eighth match of IPL 2023, Dhawan was quite magnificent with the bat and smashed 86* runs off 56 deliveries. Courtesy of his superb knock, PBKS posted 197 runs on the board. The Indian batter has led from the front so far and would look to do the same going ahead.

<h3>3. Virat Kohli</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680084298174_Virat-Kohli.jpeg" alt="Virat Kohli" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/ipl-2023-shahrukh-khan-teaches-signature-steps-of-jhoome-jo-pathaan-to-virat-kohli-post-kkr-vs-rcb-clash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli</a> is one of those players who have made heads turn every time he has stepped into the cricket field. The 34-year-old has obliterated bowling attacks with his marauding bat and piled on runs for fun. Be it in the international arena or Indian Premier League; he has established his supremacy on the cricket field.
Kohli has featured in 225 IPL games and racked up an insane tally of 6727 runs at a strike rate of 129.46. He was simply sensational in the first week of the 2023 season of the cash-rich league. The Indian batter made two appearances for Royal Challengers Bangalore and aggregated 103 runs at a stunning strike rate of 153.73.
When Bangalore faced Mumbai Indians in the 5th match of the T20 carnival, Kohli was in his element and played a majestic knock of 82* runs off 49 deliveries, which consisted of six fours and five maximums. The veteran batter is critical to RCB’s chances in the 16th IPL edition, and the team management would hope he plays in the same vein in the matches to come.

<h3>4. Sanju Samson (wk)</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680714832511_Sanju-Samson.jpeg" alt="Sanju Samson" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Sanju Samson. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/calm-relaxed-and-strategically-sound-ab-de-villiers-heaps-praises-on-captain-sanju-samson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sanju Samson</a> is one of the top-drawer batters in the Indian cricketing circles. He has put up an exhibition of his swashbuckling strokeplay and stamped his authority on the cricket field. The 28-year-old has featured in 141 IPL games and notched up 3623 runs at a strike rate of 136.25.
Samson was brilliant with the bat in the first week of the 16th edition of the cash-rich league. When Sunrisers Hyderabad took the stage alongside Rajasthan Royals in the fourth match of the high-profile competition, the ace batter took the opposition’s bowlers to the cleaners and smashed 55 runs off 32 balls.
Samson again showed his batting might in the encounter against Punjab Kings at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium and played an incredible knock of 42 runs off 25 deliveries, which included five fours and a maximum. The flamboyant batter would look to carry on the excellent work for the Rajasthan franchise in the upcoming matches of IPL 2023.

<h3>5. Kyle Mayers&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680371538640_Kyle-Mayers.jpeg" alt="Kyle Mayers" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Kyle Mayers. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/always-wanted-to-get-a-good-start-to-show-my-ability-and-show-my-worth-kyle-mayers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kyle Mayers</a> has been a proven performer in the international arena. He has featured in 19 ODIs and scored 536 runs at a strike rate of 90.54. Talking about the shortest format, the 30-year-old has racked up 482 runs in 24 matches at a strike rate of 135.77. Besides his batting might, Kyle has been a wily customer with the ball and chipped in timely wickets.
Mayers took the first week of the cash-rich league by storm with his breathtaking performances. When Lucknow Super Giants faced Delhi Capitals, the Barbados-born inflicted carnage on the opposition and blasted 73 runs off 38 deliveries, which comprised two fours and seven sixes.
The West Indies all-rounder also put up a show with the bat in the encounter against Chennai Super Kings. He took the attack to the opposition right from the get-go and hammered 53 runs off 22 deliveries. Mayers has been a destroyer with the bat for LSG and would look to be at his best in the coming weeks of the T20 extravaganza.

<h3>6. Tilak Varma</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680454831836_Tilak-Varma.jpeg" alt="Tilak Varma" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Tilak Varma. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-opinion/tilak-varmas-coming-of-age-steals-spotlight-on-starry-night/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tilak Varma</a> lit the 2022 season of the Indian Premier League with his spectacular batting performances. The 20-year-old represented Mumbai Indians on 14 occasions and amassed 397 runs at a strike rate of 131.02, which consisted of two half-centuries.
The youngster was impressive with his outings; therefore, the Mumbai management retained him for the 2023 season. In the first week of the 16th IPL edition, Tilak has again displayed what he is capable of and has left the cricket fraternity in awe of his batting exploits.
When Mumbai squared off against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 2, Tilak arrived at the crease with MI in a spot of bother at 20 for 3. However, the Hyderabad-born was not bogged down by the situation and played a brilliant counter-attacking knock of 84* runs off 46 deliveries to propel Mumbai to a competitive total of 171.

<h3>7. Shardul Thakur&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680803378089_Shardul-Thakur.jpeg" alt="Shardul Thakur" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Shardul Thakur. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/i-dont-even-know-where-it-came-from-shardul-thakur-after-his-blitzkrieg-innings-against-rcb-2212/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shardul Thakur</a> has been a bankable name in the Indian Premier League. He has featured in 77 matches in the T20 carnival and bagged 83 wickets at an economy of 9.07. Further, the 31-year-old has been a handy contributor with bat and has played crucial knocks slotting in lower down the order.
Though bowling has been Shardul’s stronger suit, and the wily pacer has bowled many match-winning spells in the IPL, his batting exploits have set the ongoing edition of the lucrative T20 tournament on fire.&nbsp;
When Kolkata Knight Riders locked horns against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Eden Gardens, the home team was in a precarious situation, having lost five wickets for 89 runs, and the RCB bowlers had their tails up. But Shardul arrived at the crease and decimated the opposition bowlers with his flamboyant stroke play.
The bowling all-rounder hammered 68 runs off 29 balls and helped KKR post a daunting total of 204 runs on the board. He also fared well with the ball and bagged the wicket of Micheal Bracewell.

<h3>8. Rashid Khan&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1678637220076_Rashid-Khan.jpeg" alt="Rashid Khan" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Rashid Khan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-press-release/rashid-khan-takes-top-spot-in-latest-mens-t20i-player-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rashid Khan</a> has been a giant of a player in the T20 circuit. He bamboozled batters with his variations and wreaked havoc with the ball. The ace spinner has featured in 393 T20 matches and taken a staggering tally of 533 wickets at an economy of 6.38. Further, he is no muck with the bat and has played some match-winning knocks for his side.
Rashid has weaved his magic in the IPL arena and bagged 117 wickets at an economy of 6.39. On the batting front, he has scored 323 runs at a strike rate of 154.55. The flamboyant cricketer has been terrific with the ball in the ongoing season, too and picked up five wickets in two games at an economy of 7.12.
When Gujarat Titans crossed swords against Chennai Super Kings in the opening match of IPL 2023, Rashid dismissed Moenn Ali and Ben Stokes to dent the opposition’s progress. Also, he played a quick cameo of 10* runs off three balls to take his team across the line. The Nangarhar-born was adjudged the Player of the Match for his splendid performance.

<h3>9. Nathan Ellis&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680714798690_Nathan-Ellis.jpeg" alt="Nathan Ellis" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Nathan Ellis. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>
</figure>
Nathan Ellis has been a consistent performer in the shortest format of the game. He has strangled with his variations and been a force to be reckoned with at the fag end of the innings. The 28-year-old has featured in 87 T20 matches and picked up 108 wickets at an economy of 7.97.
With <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/its-fresh-and-exciting-kagiso-rabada-reacts-to-south-africas-string-of-new-appointments/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kagiso Rabada</a> unavailable for the starting games of the Indian Premier League 2023, Punjab Kings slotted in Ellis in the playing XI. The Australian pacer grabbed the opportunity with both hands and put up an exhibition of some top-class bowling in the high-profile competition. He featured in two games in the first week of the season and bagged five wickets for his side.
When Rajasthan Royals battled it out against Punjab Kings in the eighth match of the ongoing marquee event, Ellis bagged an exceptional four-wicket haul, including the prized wickets of Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson. His exploits with the ball helped Punjab conquer Sanju Samson &amp; Co.

<h3>10. Mark Wood&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680371392895_Mark-Wood.jpeg" alt="Mark wood" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Mark wood. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/the-noise-when-ms-dhoni-came-out-to-bat-and-hit-those-two-balls-were-definitely-the-loudest-i-have-played-in-front-of-mark-wood/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mark Wood</a> is one of those rare breeds of fast bowlers who possess the ability to clock over 145 kmph on a consistent basis. He has tormented batters with his express pace and ripped through top-quality batting line-ups. The ace pacer has featured in 28 T20Is and bagged 45 wickets at an economy of 8.35
Wood missed the 15th edition of the cash-rich league due to an ankle injury. However, given an express pacer brings an extra dimension to the pace attack, Lucknow Super Giants retained him for IPL 2023. The move has reaped dividends as the speedster has breathed fire into the ongoing season of the T20 extravaganza.
Wood has featured in two matches and taken eight wickets at an economy of 7.88. He was at the top of his game in the clash against Delhi Capitals and ripped through DC’s batting line-up. He picked up an impeccable five-wicket haul and helped LSG register a comprehensive 50-run win against David Warner &amp; Co.

<h3>11. Varun Chakravarthy&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/Varun-Chakravarthy-1.jpg" alt="Varun Chakravarthy" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img>
<figcaption>Varun Chakravarthy. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/if-the-ball-is-turning-varun-chakravarthy-can-also-be-the-impact-player-for-kkr-aakash-chopra/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Varun Chakravarthy</a> is an up-and-coming talent from the Indian cricketing circles. He did a great job in the 2020 and 2021 seasons of the cash-rich league and picked up an aggregate tally of 35 wickets in 30 matches. However, he was quite dismal in the ball in the 15th IPL edition and only took six scalps in 11 games at an economy of 8.51.
Despite Varun’s poor season, Kolkata Knight Riders backed him to come good in the following installment of the T20 extravaganza. The mystery spinner has repaid the faith of the franchise and has bamboozled batters with his variations in the first week of the T20 carnival.
Varun has featured in two matches thus far and bagged five wickets at a fantastic economy of 5.35. In the clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore, the ace spinner spun the web around the opposition and registered stellar figures of 3.4-0-15-4. He is in a rich vein of form and could make IPL 2023 his own.

The first week of the 16th edition of the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Indian Premier League (IPL)</a> kick-started with defending champions Gujarat Titans squaring off against Chennai Super Kings and ended with Kolkata Knight Riders taking the stage alongside Royal Challengers Bangalore. After a tussle of seven days, Gujarat Titans and Punjab Kings are the only sides yet to be conquered.
Many top-drawer players featured in the first week of the marquee tournament. However, there were only a few players who brought their A-game into play and set the T20 extravaganza ablaze with their exploits on the cricket field. Let us form a playing XI consisting of cricketers who were at their best in the first week of IPL 2023.
<h3>Here is the Best XI of the first week of IPL 2023</h3>
<h3>1. Ruturaj Gaikwad</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680422637959_Ruturaj-Gaikwad.jpeg" alt="Ruturaj Gaikwad" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Ruturaj Gaikwad. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/he-plays-beautiful-shots-and-is-adding-more-power-michael-hussey-on-ruturaj-gaikwads-batting-technicalities/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ruturaj Gaikwad</a> has been a run-bank in the lucrative T20 tournament. He has featured in 39 IPL matches and amassed 1396 runs at a strike rate of 133.84. The 26-year-old was at his best in the 2021 season and notched 635 runs in 16 games at a strike rate of 136.26.&nbsp;
The Indian batter has been in a pristine touch in the ongoing edition of the marquee event. When Gujarat Titans and Chennai Super Kings took center stage, Gaikwad hammered the Gujarat bowlers all across the park and plundered 92 runs off 50 balls, which includes four boundaries and nine sixes.
The opening batter again put up an exhibition of his glorious stroke play in the encounter against Lucknow Super Giants and played a marvellous knock of 57 runs off 31 deliveries. Given the kind of form Gaikwad is in, he could win the <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-orange-cap/#:~:text=The%20other%20players%20who%20have,'%20(CSK)%20Ruturaj%20Gaikwad." target="_blank" rel="noopener">Orange Cap</a> of the season.

<h3>2. Shikhar Dhawan&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1672570630139_Shikhar-Dhawan.jpeg" alt="Shikhar Dhawan" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Shikhar Dhawan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/he-too-is-aggressive-at-times-but-he-restrains-himself-shikhar-dhawan-on-ms-dhonis-captaincy-approach/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shikhar Dhawan</a> has been a prominent figure in the Indian Premier League. The 37-year-old has been associated with the T20 extravaganza since its very inception and has accumulated a staggering tally of 6370 runs in 208 matches at a strike rate of 126.72.&nbsp;
The ace batter has displayed his class in the ongoing edition as well. Dhawan has held the innings together and allowed stroke makers to play with freedom. Also, the southpaw has swiftly switched gears when needed to put the opposition bowlers under the pump. Moreover, he has been astute with his tactics on the field and shepherded Punjab Kings superbly.
When Punjab clashed against Rajasthan Royals in the eighth match of IPL 2023, Dhawan was quite magnificent with the bat and smashed 86* runs off 56 deliveries. Courtesy of his superb knock, PBKS posted 197 runs on the board. The Indian batter has led from the front so far and would look to do the same going ahead.

<h3>3. Virat Kohli</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680084298174_Virat-Kohli.jpeg" alt="Virat Kohli" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/social-tracker-cricket/ipl-2023-shahrukh-khan-teaches-signature-steps-of-jhoome-jo-pathaan-to-virat-kohli-post-kkr-vs-rcb-clash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Virat Kohli</a> is one of those players who have made heads turn every time he has stepped into the cricket field. The 34-year-old has obliterated bowling attacks with his marauding bat and piled on runs for fun. Be it in the international arena or Indian Premier League; he has established his supremacy on the cricket field.
Kohli has featured in 225 IPL games and racked up an insane tally of 6727 runs at a strike rate of 129.46. He was simply sensational in the first week of the 2023 season of the cash-rich league. The Indian batter made two appearances for Royal Challengers Bangalore and aggregated 103 runs at a stunning strike rate of 153.73.
When Bangalore faced Mumbai Indians in the 5th match of the T20 carnival, Kohli was in his element and played a majestic knock of 82* runs off 49 deliveries, which consisted of six fours and five maximums. The veteran batter is critical to RCB’s chances in the 16th IPL edition, and the team management would hope he plays in the same vein in the matches to come.

<h3>4. Sanju Samson (wk)</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680714832511_Sanju-Samson.jpeg" alt="Sanju Samson" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Sanju Samson. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/calm-relaxed-and-strategically-sound-ab-de-villiers-heaps-praises-on-captain-sanju-samson/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Sanju Samson</a> is one of the top-drawer batters in the Indian cricketing circles. He has put up an exhibition of his swashbuckling strokeplay and stamped his authority on the cricket field. The 28-year-old has featured in 141 IPL games and notched up 3623 runs at a strike rate of 136.25.
Samson was brilliant with the bat in the first week of the 16th edition of the cash-rich league. When Sunrisers Hyderabad took the stage alongside Rajasthan Royals in the fourth match of the high-profile competition, the ace batter took the opposition’s bowlers to the cleaners and smashed 55 runs off 32 balls.
Samson again showed his batting might in the encounter against Punjab Kings at the Barsapara Cricket Stadium and played an incredible knock of 42 runs off 25 deliveries, which included five fours and a maximum. The flamboyant batter would look to carry on the excellent work for the Rajasthan franchise in the upcoming matches of IPL 2023.

<h3>5. Kyle Mayers&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680371538640_Kyle-Mayers.jpeg" alt="Kyle Mayers" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Kyle Mayers. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/always-wanted-to-get-a-good-start-to-show-my-ability-and-show-my-worth-kyle-mayers/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kyle Mayers</a> has been a proven performer in the international arena. He has featured in 19 ODIs and scored 536 runs at a strike rate of 90.54. Talking about the shortest format, the 30-year-old has racked up 482 runs in 24 matches at a strike rate of 135.77. Besides his batting might, Kyle has been a wily customer with the ball and chipped in timely wickets.
Mayers took the first week of the cash-rich league by storm with his breathtaking performances. When Lucknow Super Giants faced Delhi Capitals, the Barbados-born inflicted carnage on the opposition and blasted 73 runs off 38 deliveries, which comprised two fours and seven sixes.
The West Indies all-rounder also put up a show with the bat in the encounter against Chennai Super Kings. He took the attack to the opposition right from the get-go and hammered 53 runs off 22 deliveries. Mayers has been a destroyer with the bat for LSG and would look to be at his best in the coming weeks of the T20 extravaganza.

<h3>6. Tilak Varma</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680454831836_Tilak-Varma.jpeg" alt="Tilak Varma" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Tilak Varma. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-opinion/tilak-varmas-coming-of-age-steals-spotlight-on-starry-night/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tilak Varma</a> lit the 2022 season of the Indian Premier League with his spectacular batting performances. The 20-year-old represented Mumbai Indians on 14 occasions and amassed 397 runs at a strike rate of 131.02, which consisted of two half-centuries.
The youngster was impressive with his outings; therefore, the Mumbai management retained him for the 2023 season. In the first week of the 16th IPL edition, Tilak has again displayed what he is capable of and has left the cricket fraternity in awe of his batting exploits.
When Mumbai squared off against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the M Chinnaswamy Stadium on April 2, Tilak arrived at the crease with MI in a spot of bother at 20 for 3. However, the Hyderabad-born was not bogged down by the situation and played a brilliant counter-attacking knock of 84* runs off 46 deliveries to propel Mumbai to a competitive total of 171.

<h3>7. Shardul Thakur&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680803378089_Shardul-Thakur.jpeg" alt="Shardul Thakur" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Shardul Thakur. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/i-dont-even-know-where-it-came-from-shardul-thakur-after-his-blitzkrieg-innings-against-rcb-2212/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shardul Thakur</a> has been a bankable name in the Indian Premier League. He has featured in 77 matches in the T20 carnival and bagged 83 wickets at an economy of 9.07. Further, the 31-year-old has been a handy contributor with bat and has played crucial knocks slotting in lower down the order.
Though bowling has been Shardul’s stronger suit, and the wily pacer has bowled many match-winning spells in the IPL, his batting exploits have set the ongoing edition of the lucrative T20 tournament on fire.&nbsp;
When Kolkata Knight Riders locked horns against Royal Challengers Bangalore at the Eden Gardens, the home team was in a precarious situation, having lost five wickets for 89 runs, and the RCB bowlers had their tails up. But Shardul arrived at the crease and decimated the opposition bowlers with his flamboyant stroke play.
The bowling all-rounder hammered 68 runs off 29 balls and helped KKR post a daunting total of 204 runs on the board. He also fared well with the ball and bagged the wicket of Micheal Bracewell.

<h3>8. Rashid Khan&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1678637220076_Rashid-Khan.jpeg" alt="Rashid Khan" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Rashid Khan. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-press-release/rashid-khan-takes-top-spot-in-latest-mens-t20i-player-rankings/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Rashid Khan</a> has been a giant of a player in the T20 circuit. He bamboozled batters with his variations and wreaked havoc with the ball. The ace spinner has featured in 393 T20 matches and taken a staggering tally of 533 wickets at an economy of 6.38. Further, he is no muck with the bat and has played some match-winning knocks for his side.
Rashid has weaved his magic in the IPL arena and bagged 117 wickets at an economy of 6.39. On the batting front, he has scored 323 runs at a strike rate of 154.55. The flamboyant cricketer has been terrific with the ball in the ongoing season, too and picked up five wickets in two games at an economy of 7.12.
When Gujarat Titans crossed swords against Chennai Super Kings in the opening match of IPL 2023, Rashid dismissed Moenn Ali and Ben Stokes to dent the opposition’s progress. Also, he played a quick cameo of 10* runs off three balls to take his team across the line. The Nangarhar-born was adjudged the Player of the Match for his splendid performance.

<h3>9. Nathan Ellis&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680714798690_Nathan-Ellis.jpeg" alt="Nathan Ellis" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Nathan Ellis. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>
</figure>
Nathan Ellis has been a consistent performer in the shortest format of the game. He has strangled with his variations and been a force to be reckoned with at the fag end of the innings. The 28-year-old has featured in 87 T20 matches and picked up 108 wickets at an economy of 7.97.
With <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/its-fresh-and-exciting-kagiso-rabada-reacts-to-south-africas-string-of-new-appointments/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kagiso Rabada</a> unavailable for the starting games of the Indian Premier League 2023, Punjab Kings slotted in Ellis in the playing XI. The Australian pacer grabbed the opportunity with both hands and put up an exhibition of some top-class bowling in the high-profile competition. He featured in two games in the first week of the season and bagged five wickets for his side.
When Rajasthan Royals battled it out against Punjab Kings in the eighth match of the ongoing marquee event, Ellis bagged an exceptional four-wicket haul, including the prized wickets of Jos Buttler and Sanju Samson. His exploits with the ball helped Punjab conquer Sanju Samson &amp; Co.

<h3>10. Mark Wood&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/attachments/1680371392895_Mark-Wood.jpeg" alt="Mark wood" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Mark wood. (Photo Source: BCCI/IPL)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/the-noise-when-ms-dhoni-came-out-to-bat-and-hit-those-two-balls-were-definitely-the-loudest-i-have-played-in-front-of-mark-wood/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mark Wood</a> is one of those rare breeds of fast bowlers who possess the ability to clock over 145 kmph on a consistent basis. He has tormented batters with his express pace and ripped through top-quality batting line-ups. The ace pacer has featured in 28 T20Is and bagged 45 wickets at an economy of 8.35
Wood missed the 15th edition of the cash-rich league due to an ankle injury. However, given an express pacer brings an extra dimension to the pace attack, Lucknow Super Giants retained him for IPL 2023. The move has reaped dividends as the speedster has breathed fire into the ongoing season of the T20 extravaganza.
Wood has featured in two matches and taken eight wickets at an economy of 7.88. He was at the top of his game in the clash against Delhi Capitals and ripped through DC’s batting line-up. He picked up an impeccable five-wicket haul and helped LSG register a comprehensive 50-run win against David Warner &amp; Co.

<h3>11. Varun Chakravarthy&nbsp;</h3>
<figure class="image"><img src="https://media.crictracker.com/media/featureimage/Varun-Chakravarthy-1.jpg" alt="Varun Chakravarthy" loading="lazy">
<figcaption>Varun Chakravarthy. (Photo Source: IPL/BCCI)</figcaption>
</figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-news/if-the-ball-is-turning-varun-chakravarthy-can-also-be-the-impact-player-for-kkr-aakash-chopra/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Varun Chakravarthy</a> is an up-and-coming talent from the Indian cricketing circles. He did a great job in the 2020 and 2021 seasons of the cash-rich league and picked up an aggregate tally of 35 wickets in 30 matches. However, he was quite dismal in the ball in the 15th IPL edition and only took six scalps in 11 games at an economy of 8.51.
Despite Varun’s poor season, Kolkata Knight Riders backed him to come good in the following installment of the T20 extravaganza. The mystery spinner has repaid the faith of the franchise and has bamboozled batters with his variations in the first week of the T20 carnival.
Varun has featured in two matches thus far and bagged five wickets at a fantastic economy of 5.35. In the clash against Royal Challengers Bangalore, the ace spinner spun the web around the opposition and registered stellar figures of 3.4-0-15-4. He is in a rich vein of form and could make IPL 2023 his own.

The first week of the 16th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) kick-started with defending champions Gujarat Titans squaring off against Chennai Super Kings and ended with Kolkata Knight Riders

IPL 2023: Best XI from first week

Certain gun players brought their A-game into play in the first week of IPL 2023.

Here we look at the Best XI from the first week of IPL 2023.