The 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is progressing at a rapid pace. We are already halfway through the tournament and all the teams are competing hard to enter into the top-four. However, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) sit comfortably at the top of the points table and seem to have virtually qualified for the playoffs.

Also, this week has witnessed the <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rcb-royal-challengers-bangalore/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)</a> notch up their first win of the tournament. Like they usually are, there were some good performances from the players. While a few managed to pull off wins out of nowhere, a few others went in vain. Irrespective of the result, they were all fun to watch and some of these cricketers also find a spot on the Best XI for the third week.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-331473" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331473" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sunil-gavaskar-picks-kl-rahul-as-indias-no-4-for-the-upcoming-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KL Rahul</a> continued with his impressive form in the third week as well. Thus, he manages to hold onto his place in this best XI. Rahul started off the week with an unbeaten 71 off 53 balls against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Then, this was followed by a fabulous century &#8211; his first in the IPL. However, these efforts went in the losing cause. In the last game of the week against RCB, the right-hander failed to make it big and could only score 18 runs.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-326397" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle.jpg" alt="Chris Gayle" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-326397" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Chris Gayle didn&#8217;t have the best of the starts to the week as he fell prey to Rashid Khan in the game against SRH. However, he made it big in the next two matches but his team lost both. The Jamaican was on fire in the game against the <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/mi-mumbai-indians/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mumbai Indians</a> where he scored 63 off just 36 balls. He smashed 7 sixes in that innings. Then against RCB, he was slightly more cautious and missed out on his century by a whisker. He remained unbeaten on 99.

3. Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bangalore

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-332459" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-4.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332459" class="wp-caption-text">Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The Royal Challengers Bangalore had a good break before they played their only match this week. This spot was up for grabs between Virat Kohli and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2019-suresh-raina-praises-csk-fans-for-cleaning-stands-in-chepauk-after-kxip-clash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Suresh Raina</a>. But the right-hander created more impact in one game than what Raina did in three matches. Kohli&#8217;s 67 from 53 balls against KXIP helped RCB win their first game of the tournament.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-332668" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Suresh-Raina.jpg" alt="Suresh Raina" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332668" class="wp-caption-text">Suresh Raina. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

Even though he won&#8217;t be able to bat at the number three spot, Suresh Raina will take the next place. It was between him and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-am-really-speechless-says-shreyas-iyer-after-dcs-capitulation-against-kxip/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shreyas Iyer</a> to grab this spot in the Best XI. Iyer failed in the first game and did decently well in the second. But Raina, after failing in the first two matches, finally delivered and played a match-winning knock against KKR. Thus, he finds an edge over Iyer.

5. MS Dhoni (c)(wk) | Chennai Super Kings

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-331775" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/MS-Dhoni-5.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331775" class="wp-caption-text">MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

MS Dhoni had a decent week with the bat. He led the side well and was also involved in a controversy. He didn&#8217;t bat in the first game against KKR but was involved in two stumpings. Against RR, he was the &#8216;Man of the Match&#8217;. He nearly finished the game for his team with a 43-ball 58. In the second game against KKR in the week, Dhoni showed the intent to go big and smashed a big six early in his innings. But a back spasm troubled him and he couldn&#8217;t get going.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-331500" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kieron-Pollard-batting.jpg" alt="Kieron Pollard" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331500" class="wp-caption-text">Kieron Pollard. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kieron-pollard-says-he-was-once-blacklisted-by-windies-cricket-board/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kieron Pollard</a> was at his brutal best against the Kings XI Punjab. He was tasked to lead the side in that match and his captaincy tactics didn&#8217;t pay off that well. Moreover, his side was in deep trouble after losing the top order batsmen early. However, he kept his calm and played one of the best innings of his life. The Caribbean cricketer took just 31 balls to score 83 runs and won it single-handedly for his team. In the other match, he only managed to score 6 runs.

Average: 44.50, S/R: 207

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-329414" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hardik-Pandya.jpg" alt="Hardik Pandya" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-329414" class="wp-caption-text">Hardik Pandya. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

Even though he had a miserable time with the ball, Hardik Pandya was on the next level with the bat. Against KXIP, he conceded 57 runs in four overs and picked up two wickets. With the bat, he scored a 13-ball 17. He was brutal against RR as well where he took just 11 balls to score 28 runs. He will be the finisher of this Best XI and will have a bigger responsibility with the ball as well.

Average: 45, S/R: 187.50

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-330266" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravindra-Jadeja.jpg" alt="(Photo Source: Hotstar)" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-330266" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Hotstar)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ravindra-jadeja-s-father-anirudhsinh-joins-congress-ahead-of-loksabha-elections/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ravindra Jadeja</a> was another player who had two of his most memorable outings in the third week. In the first game against KKR, he didn&#8217;t get to bat but picked up 1 wicket in four overs. Against Rajasthan, he accounted for two scalps and hit a match-winning six off the first ball of the final over. He got better against KKR in the other game where he piled up 31 runs in 17 balls but wasn&#8217;t at his best with the ball.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-331198" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Deepak-Chahar-2.jpg" alt="Deepak Chahar" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331198" class="wp-caption-text">Deepak Chahar. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption>

The last few days have seen Deepak Chahar evolve as a cricketer and adapt to different roles. He was exceptional against KKR where he picked up three wickets right at the start and put the opposition under severe pressure. That was followed by a 2-wicket haul against RR. But he went wicketless in the second match against the Knights as the conditions seemed to be quite tough for the pacers.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-330534" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kagiso-Rabada-1.jpg" alt="Kagiso Rabada" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-330534" class="wp-caption-text">Kagiso Rabada. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption>

Kagiso Rabada seems to be unstoppable in the tournament at the moment. He is bowling his heart out and is consistently clocking 150 kmph. Moreover, he is electric on the field as well. The pacer started the week by picking up two wickets against KKR in the first game. Then he was on fire in the other game of the week against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Along with Chris Morris and Keemo Paul, he helped his team pull off a terrific win. He picked up four wickets in that match.

<img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-332674" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Imran-Tahir-2.jpg" alt="Imran Tahir" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332674" class="wp-caption-text">Imran Tahir. (Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption>

<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ms-dhoni-a-great-leader-and-human-being-says-csk-spinner-imran-tahir/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Imran Tahir</a> is another CSK player who had great outings in the last few days. In the two games against KKR, he picked up six wickets. In the second match, he was the &#8216;Man of Match&#8217; and picked up a four-wicket haul. He went wicketless against RR but bowled really well. Thus, he finds a spot in the Best XI.

Get the latest Cricket News and updates from the Indian Premier League (IPL), <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-match-predictions/">Match Predictions</a>, <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/fantasy-cricket-tips/">Fantasy Cricket Tips </a>and lots more on <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/">CricTracker.com</a>.

The 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is progressing at a rapid pace. We are already halfway through the tournament and all the teams are competing hard to enter into the top-four. However, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) sit comfortably at the top of the points table and seem to have virtually qualified for the playoffs.
Also, this week has witnessed the <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rcb-royal-challengers-bangalore/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)</a> notch up their first win of the tournament. Like they usually are, there were some good performances from the players. While a few managed to pull off wins out of nowhere, a few others went in vain. Irrespective of the result, they were all fun to watch and some of these cricketers also find a spot on the Best XI for the third week.
<h3>Here is the Best XI from the third week:</h3>
<h3>1. KL Rahul | Kings XI Punjab</h3>
<figure id="attachment_331473" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-331473" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-331473" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331473" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sunil-gavaskar-picks-kl-rahul-as-indias-no-4-for-the-upcoming-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KL Rahul</a> continued with his impressive form in the third week as well. Thus, he manages to hold onto his place in this best XI. Rahul started off the week with an unbeaten 71 off 53 balls against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Then, this was followed by a fabulous&nbsp;century – his first in the IPL. However, these efforts went in the losing cause. In the last game of the week against RCB, the right-hander failed to make it big and could only score 18 runs.
Matches:&nbsp;3
Runs:&nbsp;189
Average:&nbsp;189
HS:&nbsp;100*
<h3>2. Chris Gayle | Kings XI Punjab</h3>
<figure id="attachment_326397" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-326397" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-326397" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle.jpg" alt="Chris Gayle" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-326397" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Chris Gayle didn’t have the best of the starts to the week as he fell prey to Rashid Khan in the game against SRH. However, he made it big in the next two matches but his team lost both. The Jamaican was on fire in the game against the <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/mi-mumbai-indians/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mumbai Indians</a> where he scored 63 off just 36 balls. He smashed 7 sixes in that innings. Then against RCB, he was slightly more cautious and missed out on his century by a whisker. He remained unbeaten on 99.
Matches:&nbsp;3
Runs:&nbsp;178
Average:&nbsp;89
HS:&nbsp;99*
<h3>3. Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bangalore</h3>
<figure id="attachment_332459" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-332459" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-332459" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-4.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332459" class="wp-caption-text">Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The Royal Challengers Bangalore had a good break before they played their only match this week. This spot was up for grabs between Virat Kohli and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2019-suresh-raina-praises-csk-fans-for-cleaning-stands-in-chepauk-after-kxip-clash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Suresh Raina</a>. But the right-hander created more impact in one game than what Raina did in three matches. Kohli’s 67 from 53 balls against KXIP helped RCB win their first game of the tournament.
Matches:&nbsp;1
Runs:&nbsp;67
Average:&nbsp;67
HS:&nbsp;67
<h3>4. Suresh Raina | Chennai Super Kings</h3>
<figure id="attachment_332668" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-332668" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-332668" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Suresh-Raina.jpg" alt="Suresh Raina" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332668" class="wp-caption-text">Suresh Raina. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Even though he won’t be able to bat at the number three spot, Suresh Raina will take the next place. It was between him and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-am-really-speechless-says-shreyas-iyer-after-dcs-capitulation-against-kxip/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shreyas Iyer</a> to grab this spot in the Best XI. Iyer failed in the first game and did decently well in the second. But Raina, after failing in the first two matches, finally delivered and played a match-winning knock against KKR. Thus, he finds an edge over Iyer.
Matches:&nbsp;3
Runs:&nbsp;76
Average:&nbsp;38
HS:&nbsp;58*
<h3>5. MS Dhoni (c)(wk) | Chennai Super Kings</h3>
<figure id="attachment_331775" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-331775" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-331775" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/MS-Dhoni-5.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331775" class="wp-caption-text">MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
MS Dhoni had a decent week with the bat. He led the side well and was also involved in a controversy. He didn’t bat in the first game against KKR but was involved in two stumpings. Against RR, he was the ‘Man of the Match’. He nearly finished the game for his team with a 43-ball 58. In the second game against KKR in the week, Dhoni showed the intent to go big and smashed a big six early in his innings. But a back spasm troubled him and he couldn’t get going.
Matches:&nbsp;3
Runs:&nbsp;74
Average:&nbsp;37
HS:&nbsp;58
<h3>6. Kieron Pollard | Mumbai Indians</h3>
<figure id="attachment_331500" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-331500" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-331500" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kieron-Pollard-batting.jpg" alt="Kieron Pollard" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331500" class="wp-caption-text">Kieron Pollard. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kieron-pollard-says-he-was-once-blacklisted-by-windies-cricket-board/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kieron Pollard</a> was at his brutal best against the Kings XI Punjab. He was tasked to lead the side in that match and his captaincy tactics didn’t pay off that well. Moreover, his side was in deep trouble after losing the top order batsmen early. However, he kept his calm and played one of the best innings of his life. The Caribbean cricketer took just 31 balls to score 83 runs and won it single-handedly for his team. In the other match, he only managed to score 6 runs.
Matches:&nbsp;2
Runs:&nbsp;89
Average:&nbsp;44.50,&nbsp;S/R:&nbsp;207
HS:&nbsp;83
<h3>7. Hardik Pandya | Mumbai Indians</h3>
<figure id="attachment_329414" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-329414" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-329414" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hardik-Pandya.jpg" alt="Hardik Pandya" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-329414" class="wp-caption-text">Hardik Pandya. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Even though he had a miserable time with the ball, Hardik Pandya was on the next level with the bat. Against KXIP, he conceded 57 runs in four overs and picked up two wickets. With the bat, he scored a 13-ball 17. He was brutal against RR as well where he took just 11 balls to score 28 runs. He will be the finisher of this Best XI and will have a bigger responsibility with the ball as well.
Matches:&nbsp;2
Runs:&nbsp;45
Average:&nbsp;45,&nbsp;S/R:&nbsp;187.50
Wickets:&nbsp;2
<h3>8. Ravindra Jadeja | Chennai Super Kings</h3>
<figure id="attachment_330266" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-330266" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-330266" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravindra-Jadeja.jpg" alt="(Photo Source: Hotstar)" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-330266" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Hotstar)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ravindra-jadeja-s-father-anirudhsinh-joins-congress-ahead-of-loksabha-elections/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ravindra Jadeja</a> was another player who had two of his most memorable outings in the third week. In the first game against KKR, he didn’t get to bat but picked up 1 wicket in four overs. Against Rajasthan, he accounted for two scalps and hit a match-winning six off the first ball of the final over. He got better against KKR in the other game where he piled up 31 runs in 17 balls but wasn’t at his best with the ball.
Matches:&nbsp;3
Runs:&nbsp;40
Average:&nbsp;–
Wickets:&nbsp;3
Economy:&nbsp;7.16
<h3>9. Deepak Chahar | Chennai Super Kings</h3>
<figure id="attachment_331198" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-331198" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-331198" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Deepak-Chahar-2.jpg" alt="Deepak Chahar" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331198" class="wp-caption-text">Deepak Chahar. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The last few days have seen Deepak Chahar evolve as a cricketer and adapt to different roles. He was exceptional against KKR where he picked up three wickets right at the start and put the opposition under severe pressure. That was followed by a 2-wicket haul against RR. But he went wicketless in the second match against the Knights as the conditions seemed to be quite tough for the pacers.
Matches:&nbsp;3
Wickets:&nbsp;5
Economy:&nbsp;7.41
<h3>10. Kagiso Rabada | Delhi Capitals</h3>
<figure id="attachment_330534" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-330534" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-330534" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kagiso-Rabada-1.jpg" alt="Kagiso Rabada" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-330534" class="wp-caption-text">Kagiso Rabada. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Kagiso Rabada seems to be unstoppable in the tournament at the moment. He is bowling his heart out and is consistently clocking 150 kmph. Moreover, he is electric on the field as well. The pacer started the week by picking up two wickets against KKR in the first game. Then he was on fire in the other game of the week against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Along with Chris Morris and Keemo Paul, he helped his team pull off a terrific win. He picked up four wickets in that match.
Matches:&nbsp;2
Wickets:&nbsp;6
Economy:&nbsp;7.27
<h3>11. Imran Tahir | Chennai Super Kings</h3>
<figure id="attachment_332674" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-332674" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"><amp-img class="size-full wp-image-332674" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Imran-Tahir-2.jpg" alt="Imran Tahir" width="640" height="400" layout="responsive" style="max-width: 100%; margin: 0;"></amp-img><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332674" class="wp-caption-text">Imran Tahir. (Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ms-dhoni-a-great-leader-and-human-being-says-csk-spinner-imran-tahir/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Imran Tahir</a> is another CSK player who had great outings in the last few days. In the two games against KKR, he picked up six wickets. In the second match, he was the ‘Man of Match’ and picked up a four-wicket haul. He went wicketless against RR but bowled really well. Thus, he finds a spot in the Best XI.
Matches:&nbsp;3
Wickets:&nbsp;6
Economy:&nbsp;6.33
Get the latest&nbsp;Cricket News&nbsp;and updates from the&nbsp;Indian Premier League (IPL),&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/cricket-match-predictions/">Match Predictions</a>,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/fantasy-cricket-tips/">Fantasy Cricket Tips&nbsp;</a>and lots more on&nbsp;<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/">CricTracker.com</a>.

The 12th edition of the Indian Premier League (IPL) is progressing at a rapid pace. We are already halfway through the tournament and all the teams are competing hard to enter into the top-four. However, the Chennai Super Kings (CSK) sit comfortably at the top of the points table and seem to have virtually qualified for the playoffs.
Also, this week has witnessed the <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/rcb-royal-challengers-bangalore/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB)</a> notch up their first win of the tournament. Like they usually are, there were some good performances from the players. While a few managed to pull off wins out of nowhere, a few others went in vain. Irrespective of the result, they were all fun to watch and some of these cricketers also find a spot on the Best XI for the third week.
<h3>Here is the Best XI from the third week:</h3>
<h3>1. KL Rahul | Kings XI Punjab</h3>
<figure id="attachment_331473" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-331473" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-331473" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/KL-Rahul.jpg" alt="KL Rahul" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331473" class="wp-caption-text">KL Rahul. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/sunil-gavaskar-picks-kl-rahul-as-indias-no-4-for-the-upcoming-world-cup/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">KL Rahul</a> continued with his impressive form in the third week as well. Thus, he manages to hold onto his place in this best XI. Rahul started off the week with an unbeaten 71 off 53 balls against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Then, this was followed by a fabulous century &#8211; his first in the IPL. However, these efforts went in the losing cause. In the last game of the week against RCB, the right-hander failed to make it big and could only score 18 runs.
Matches: 3
Runs: 189
Average: 189
HS: 100*
<h3>2. Chris Gayle | Kings XI Punjab</h3>
<figure id="attachment_326397" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-326397" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-326397" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Chris-Gayle.jpg" alt="Chris Gayle" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-326397" class="wp-caption-text">Chris Gayle. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Chris Gayle didn&#8217;t have the best of the starts to the week as he fell prey to Rashid Khan in the game against SRH. However, he made it big in the next two matches but his team lost both. The Jamaican was on fire in the game against the <a href="http://www.crictracker.com/t20/ipl-indian-premier-league/mi-mumbai-indians/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mumbai Indians</a> where he scored 63 off just 36 balls. He smashed 7 sixes in that innings. Then against RCB, he was slightly more cautious and missed out on his century by a whisker. He remained unbeaten on 99.
Matches: 3
Runs: 178
Average: 89
HS: 99*
<h3>3. Virat Kohli | Royal Challengers Bangalore</h3>
<figure id="attachment_332459" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-332459" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-332459" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Virat-Kohli-4.jpg" alt="Virat Kohli" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332459" class="wp-caption-text">Virat Kohli. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The Royal Challengers Bangalore had a good break before they played their only match this week. This spot was up for grabs between Virat Kohli and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ipl-2019-suresh-raina-praises-csk-fans-for-cleaning-stands-in-chepauk-after-kxip-clash/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Suresh Raina</a>. But the right-hander created more impact in one game than what Raina did in three matches. Kohli&#8217;s 67 from 53 balls against KXIP helped RCB win their first game of the tournament.
Matches: 1
Runs: 67
Average: 67
HS: 67
<h3>4. Suresh Raina | Chennai Super Kings</h3>
<figure id="attachment_332668" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-332668" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-332668" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Suresh-Raina.jpg" alt="Suresh Raina" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332668" class="wp-caption-text">Suresh Raina. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
Even though he won&#8217;t be able to bat at the number three spot, Suresh Raina will take the next place. It was between him and <a href="https://www.crictracker.com/i-am-really-speechless-says-shreyas-iyer-after-dcs-capitulation-against-kxip/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Shreyas Iyer</a> to grab this spot in the Best XI. Iyer failed in the first game and did decently well in the second. But Raina, after failing in the first two matches, finally delivered and played a match-winning knock against KKR. Thus, he finds an edge over Iyer.
Matches: 3
Runs: 76
Average: 38
HS: 58*
<h3>5. MS Dhoni (c)(wk) | Chennai Super Kings</h3>
<figure id="attachment_331775" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-331775" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-331775" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/MS-Dhoni-5.jpg" alt="MS Dhoni" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331775" class="wp-caption-text">MS Dhoni. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
MS Dhoni had a decent week with the bat. He led the side well and was also involved in a controversy. He didn&#8217;t bat in the first game against KKR but was involved in two stumpings. Against RR, he was the &#8216;Man of the Match&#8217;. He nearly finished the game for his team with a 43-ball 58. In the second game against KKR in the week, Dhoni showed the intent to go big and smashed a big six early in his innings. But a back spasm troubled him and he couldn&#8217;t get going.
Matches: 3
Runs: 74
Average: 37
HS: 58
<h3>6. Kieron Pollard | Mumbai Indians</h3>
<figure id="attachment_331500" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-331500" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-331500" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kieron-Pollard-batting.jpg" alt="Kieron Pollard" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331500" class="wp-caption-text">Kieron Pollard. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/kieron-pollard-says-he-was-once-blacklisted-by-windies-cricket-board/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Kieron Pollard</a> was at his brutal best against the Kings XI Punjab. He was tasked to lead the side in that match and his captaincy tactics didn&#8217;t pay off that well. Moreover, his side was in deep trouble after losing the top order batsmen early. However, he kept his calm and played one of the best innings of his life. The Caribbean cricketer took just 31 balls to score 83 runs and won it single-handedly for his team. In the other match, he only managed to score 6 runs.
Matches: 2
Runs: 89
Average: 44.50, S/R: 207
HS: 83
<h3>7. Hardik Pandya | Mumbai Indians</h3>
<figure id="attachment_329414" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-329414" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-329414" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Hardik-Pandya.jpg" alt="Hardik Pandya" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-329414" class="wp-caption-text">Hardik Pandya. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Even though he had a miserable time with the ball, Hardik Pandya was on the next level with the bat. Against KXIP, he conceded 57 runs in four overs and picked up two wickets. With the bat, he scored a 13-ball 17. He was brutal against RR as well where he took just 11 balls to score 28 runs. He will be the finisher of this Best XI and will have a bigger responsibility with the ball as well.
Matches: 2
Runs: 45
Average: 45, S/R: 187.50
Wickets: 2
<h3>8. Ravindra Jadeja | Chennai Super Kings</h3>
<figure id="attachment_330266" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-330266" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-330266" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Ravindra-Jadeja.jpg" alt="(Photo Source: Hotstar)" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-330266" class="wp-caption-text">(Photo Source: Hotstar)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ravindra-jadeja-s-father-anirudhsinh-joins-congress-ahead-of-loksabha-elections/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ravindra Jadeja</a> was another player who had two of his most memorable outings in the third week. In the first game against KKR, he didn&#8217;t get to bat but picked up 1 wicket in four overs. Against Rajasthan, he accounted for two scalps and hit a match-winning six off the first ball of the final over. He got better against KKR in the other game where he piled up 31 runs in 17 balls but wasn&#8217;t at his best with the ball.
Matches: 3
Runs: 40
Average: &#8211;
Wickets: 3
Economy: 7.16
<h3>9. Deepak Chahar | Chennai Super Kings</h3>
<figure id="attachment_331198" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-331198" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-331198" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Deepak-Chahar-2.jpg" alt="Deepak Chahar" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-331198" class="wp-caption-text">Deepak Chahar. (Photo Source: Twitter)</figcaption></figure>
The last few days have seen Deepak Chahar evolve as a cricketer and adapt to different roles. He was exceptional against KKR where he picked up three wickets right at the start and put the opposition under severe pressure. That was followed by a 2-wicket haul against RR. But he went wicketless in the second match against the Knights as the conditions seemed to be quite tough for the pacers.
Matches: 3
Wickets: 5
Economy: 7.41
<h3>10. Kagiso Rabada | Delhi Capitals</h3>
<figure id="attachment_330534" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-330534" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-330534" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Kagiso-Rabada-1.jpg" alt="Kagiso Rabada" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-330534" class="wp-caption-text">Kagiso Rabada. (Photo: IANS)</figcaption></figure>
Kagiso Rabada seems to be unstoppable in the tournament at the moment. He is bowling his heart out and is consistently clocking 150 kmph. Moreover, he is electric on the field as well. The pacer started the week by picking up two wickets against KKR in the first game. Then he was on fire in the other game of the week against the Sunrisers Hyderabad. Along with Chris Morris and Keemo Paul, he helped his team pull off a terrific win. He picked up four wickets in that match.
Matches: 2
Wickets: 6
Economy: 7.27
<h3>11. Imran Tahir | Chennai Super Kings</h3>
<figure id="attachment_332674" aria-describedby="caption-attachment-332674" style="width: 640px" class="wp-caption aligncenter"><img loading="lazy" class="size-full wp-image-332674" src="https://crictracker-admin-panel-08032022.s3.ap-south-1.amazonaws.com/media/attachments/Imran-Tahir-2.jpg" alt="Imran Tahir" width="640" height="400" sizes="(max-width: 640px) 100vw, 640px"><figcaption id="caption-attachment-332674" class="wp-caption-text">Imran Tahir. (Photo: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS)</figcaption></figure>
<a href="https://www.crictracker.com/ms-dhoni-a-great-leader-and-human-being-says-csk-spinner-imran-tahir/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Imran Tahir</a> is another CSK player who had great outings in the last few days. In the two games against KKR, he picked up six wickets. In the second match, he was the &#8216;Man of Match&#8217; and picked up a four-wicket haul. He went wicketless against RR but bowled really well. Thus, he finds a spot in the Best XI.
Matches: 3
Wickets: 6
Economy: 6.33
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Since CSK has been the most dominative side this week, a lot of their players find a spot in this eleven.

IPL 2019: Best XI of the third week (Match 22 – Match 30)

Here is the Best XI from the third week of the Indian Premier League (IPL) 2019.