IPL 2018: Matthew Hayden picks the batsman and the captain of the tournament so far

Almost all the teams have played 7 matches in the ongoing Indian Premier League (IPL) season and they must have found a perfect combination by now. There is more clarity on what is needed to be done to qualify for the playoffs as the second leg of the tournament is expected to be more exciting. While the first three weeks of IPL are done and dusted as the former Australian cricketer Matthew Hayden has picked the batsmen who have impressed him the most so far.

It is no surprise that the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) are at the top of the points table and have set the stage on fire ever since the start of the season. Sunrisers Hyderabad (SRH) follow them whose bowlers have been excellent defending a couple of low totals while Kings XI Punjab (KXIP) are the third with 5 wins after seven matches. These 3 teams are almost certain to qualify for the playoffs as the race for the final place will quicken up now with the tournament nearing its best end.

Hayden impressed with the form of Rayudu

Matthew Hayden, in a video released by the official website of the IPL, has admitted that Ambati Rayudu has been the most impressive batsman of the season so far. “The guy that stands out who was not supposed to open initially is Ambati Rayudu. I just think he’s been the Iceman of this IPL. He has batted with power but then where a lot of players have gone wrong is with constructing their innings through the middle stages of the game. Now combined with MS Dhoni, Rayudu has been magical,” he said.

He also had some special words for the likes of Shane Watson, Chris Gayle and Kane Williamson who have won games for their sides with class and experience. But Suresh Raina continued to be his favourite for the number 3 position though he hasn’t done much so far this year.

MSD as a captain and the finisher

Well, Hayden was in awe of MS Dhoni as the captain and the finisher. He was all praise of the veteran and said, “The finisher, there is only and one and that’s MS Dhoni. He has been a bloke that has come in and crushed oppositions but as always he has timed his performances like you could never imagine. This guy just seems to get better and better as the IPL goes on,” he added. Dhoni was also picked as the captain of the tournament so far by the legendary former Australian cricketer.

“I am sorry captains but MS Dhoni is again my captain. He is cool. He is calm. He is collective and he wins games of cricket. He wins it not just through his captaincy but also through his leadership with the bat as well. So expect more to come from the champion MS Dhoni,” Hayden concluded.

[interaction id=”5ae311fea65d2c5583f97185″]

Here’s our video of the day:

Keep following CricTracker for more news and updates.